Shawn Ryan Show
#180 Major James Capers Jr. - Vietnam Marine Commando Silver Star Recipient
Fri, 07 Mar 2025
Major James Capers Jr. is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to U.S. military special operations. As one of the first African American members of the elite Marine Force Reconnaissance unit, he led numerous covert missions during the Vietnam War. His valor and leadership earned him multiple commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Stars with "V" devices, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal. Beyond his military service, Capers chronicled his experiences in the book Faith Through the Storm: Memoirs of Major James Capers, Jr., offering a firsthand account of his combat missions, personal sacrifices, and the challenges he overcame. His pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on military tactics and continue to inspire future generations of service members. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://patreon.com/vigilanceelite https://shawnryanshow.com/newsletter Major James Capers Jr. Links: Documentary - https://www.capersthedoc.com Book - https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Through-Storm-Memoirs-Capers/dp/1642986399 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chapter 1: Who is Major James Capers Jr. and what are his achievements?
Major James Capers, welcome to the show.
Good afternoon. It's good to be here.
Thank you.
So you popped up on our radar, I think about a couple of weeks ago. And man, I just want to say, I think, I mean, it is a real honor to have you here. You're the first Vietnam veteran to be on the show. And that's something that I've been really looking forward to getting somebody on the show that's served in that war here. And to have you here is just, I'm over the moon about it.
It's such an honor to have you here. We haven't documented this war at all yet. And so this is something that I've been real excited about. And so thank you for making the trip.
It's good to be here.
So I want to get right into it. So I want to do a life story on you. And from what I understand, there's a really good possibility that your silver star might be getting upgraded to Medal of Honor. And I hope this gets to the right people to make that happen. I just want to put that out.
Right up front, so everybody listening understands how important this interview is, and we want to be a part of making that happen and documenting your life story. So everybody starts off with an introduction. So here we go. Major James Capers, you are a retired United States Marine Corps officer and true American hero.
You're a pioneer in reconnaissance training tactics and recognized for your legendary career that overcame obstacles and broke barriers on and off the battlefield. You are one of the first African-American Marines to serve in the elite force reconnaissance companies and the first to receive a battlefield commission.
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Chapter 2: What was Major Capers' early life like in South Carolina and Baltimore?
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I needed to carry as many men as I could, and I didn't want to have him come back. So I swam with him. That's documented. But that was Jim Capers. I'm in command. I was platoon sergeant. That's a hell of a leader. Well, did that most of my career. Got shot to hell some of the times. Did you ever get wounded? No. Wonderful. That's great. That is really great.
After all the hell you've been through, you know, I'm glad you came home safe and you got a family and you got a great program. They tell me that you have one of the most, I've heard your program.
Have you heard some of the other Marines? Have you heard some of the other Marines we've had on here from force reconnaissance and Marksock?
I don't know that time as much. When did you come on anyway? What year?
The show?
Yeah.
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