Major James Capers Jr., a Medal of Honor designee and pioneer of Marine Force Recon, visited the Library of Congress in March 2026 to induct his oral history into the Veterans History Project (VHP). The induction follows the signing of H.R. 3377 into law on March 26, 2026, which authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Capers for his valor during the Vietnam War. This makes him the first African American Marine officer in U.S. history to receive the nation's highest military honor.
During his visit, Capers provided a firsthand account of his 64 long-range reconnaissance patrols in Vietnam and his role as the face of the Marine Corps' first fully integrated national recruitment campaign in 1967. His oral history will be permanently archived at the Library of Congress, ensuring future generations can access his experiences. High-resolution images of the induction are available at www.majorcapers.com.
Born to sharecroppers in the Jim Crow South, Capers broke racial barriers by becoming the first African American Marine promoted from enlisted to officer via a battlefield commission. A member of the inaugural class of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Commando Hall of Honor, his tactics remain foundational to special operations forces today. His personal decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, among others.
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans. Capers' induction adds his legendary career to this vital archive. The event was attended by family members, Library staff, and VHP leadership, highlighting the significance of preserving the stories of America's heroes.
Capers lives in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he actively mentors within the Special Operations community. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of service members.
