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Two Marine Corps Legends Awarded Medal of Honor, To Be Inducted into Hall of Heroes
marines.mil ^ | 18 Jun 2026 | marines.mil

Posted on 06/18/2026 4:29:32 PM PDT by grunt03

WASHINGTON, D.C. --

On June 18, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), and posthumously to Col. John W. Ripley, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), during a White House ceremony. On June 19, both Marines will be inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, in recognition of their extraordinary heroism and distinguished service during the Vietnam War.

"Maj. James Capers Jr. and Col. John Ripley are Marine Corps legends whose heroic actions in Vietnam represent the very best of our Corps," said Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "Their valor, unwavering resolve, and fighting spirit continue to inspire Marines today, and Marines will carry their legacy forward for generations to come."

(Excerpt) Read more at marines.mil ...


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: capers; medalofhonor; moh; ripley

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Thank you very much and God bless you.

Long overdue recognition of 2 legendary Vietnam Era Marines. Both should have been awarded the MOH 50+ years ago, but better late than never. Major Capers is still alive (88yrs), while Col. Ripley passed away in 2008.

Semper Fi!

1 posted on 06/18/2026 4:29:32 PM PDT by grunt03
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To: grunt03

I watched this. It was very moving.


2 posted on 06/18/2026 4:34:49 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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To: grunt03

It’s not that it’s long overdue. It’s smart-understand? Look. This is something a Clinton and Obama would milk for political gain. Make it look like an injustice long overdue for recognition. So Trump does the right thing but doesn’t go looking for the me-too crap.


3 posted on 06/18/2026 4:38:39 PM PDT by DIRTYSECRET
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To: grunt03

My pastor served with Maj Capers in 3rd Recon.


4 posted on 06/18/2026 4:38:59 PM PDT by Salvavida
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To: grunt03

I remember Colonel Ripley from Vietnam. I still have my Ripley’s Raiders hat.


5 posted on 06/18/2026 4:41:22 PM PDT by ComputerGuy
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To: grunt03

From private to General in the Marine Corp back then was no eas task. I had the great honor of becoming good friends with General H.G. Glasgow. He was from Alabama and when the shooting started he enlisted as a private! An amazing man!


6 posted on 06/18/2026 4:42:13 PM PDT by Cen-Tejas
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To: grunt03

John Ripley’s heroism is legendary within the Marine Corps and the only reason he didn’t receive it back then was creepy jealousy and internal politics of the leadership.


7 posted on 06/18/2026 5:14:18 PM PDT by Chainmail (You can vote your way into Socialism - but you will have to shoot your way out.)
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To: Jamestown1630

I didn’t see it, but I wish I had. Thank goodness Trump got it to the 88 year old before he died!


8 posted on 06/18/2026 5:20:55 PM PDT by doc maverick
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To: doc maverick

As the President said, the award was way overdue.


9 posted on 06/18/2026 5:47:11 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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