TRUMP AWARDS MEDAL OF HONOR TO MARINE HERO MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR. — “THE NATION KEPT YOU WAITING FAR TOO LONG”President Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Retired Marine Major James Capers Jr. at the White House, nearly 60 years after the veteran’s heroic actions in Vietnam.Trump told the story of the 1967 ambush near Phu Loc where Capers led his reconnaissance team. Severely wounded — shot twice and hit with 17 shrapnel wounds — Capers refused to be evacuated. He kept fighting and leading his Marines under intense enemy fire until every man was safe. He even tried to jump from the evacuation helicopter to lighten the load for takeoff and had to be pulled back inside by his team.“Only after every member of his team had been evacuated did he allow himself to be removed from the battlefield,” Trump said.Capers broke barriers as the first African American to lead a Marine reconnaissance company and earn a battlefield commission. He earned the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and many other decorations over 23 years of service.Trump then spoke directly to the 88-year-old hero: “Jim, the nation kept you waiting far too long, so I say to you, congratulations. You made it.”The audience rose in a standing ovation as the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military award — was finally bestowed. Bipartisan legislation signed by President Trump earlier this year cleared the way for the long-delayed recognition.
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