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Posted on 07/30/2004 11:14:57 PM PDT by snippy_about_it
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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
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 The Grunt Padre Vincent Capodanno was born on February 13th, 1929, in Staten Island, New York. After attending a year at Fordham University, young Vincent Capodanno entered the Maryknoll Missionary seminary in upstate New York in 1949. The Maryknolls were well known for sending American missionaries overseas--especially to China and Korea.  As the communists overran China, many Maryknoll priests and bishops were imprisoned and tortured. When Capodanno finished the seminary, he was ordained a priest and received his bachelor's degree in religious instruction.  Father Capodanno's first assignment was with aboriginal Taiwanese in the mountains of Taiwan where he served in a parish and later in a school. After seven years, Father Capodanno returned to the United States for leave and then was assigned to a Maryknoll school in Hong Kong.  Looking for a different challenge, Father Capodanno requested a new assignment--as a United States Navy Chaplain serving with the U.S. Marines. After finishing officer candidate's school, Father Capodanno reported to the 7th Marines, in Vietnam, in 1966. When his tour was complete, he requested an extension, served in the naval hospital and then reported to the 5th Marines. He gained a reputation for always being there--for always taking care of his Marines.  At 4:30 am, September 4th, 1967 , in the Thang Binh District of the Que-Son Valley, elements of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines found the large North Vietnamese Unit, approx. 2500 men, near the village of Dong Son. Operation Swift was underway. The out-numbered and disorganized Company D was in need of reinforcements. By 9:14 am, twenty-six Marines were confirmed dead. The situation was in doubt and another Company of Marines was committed to the battle. At 9:25 am, the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Commander requested assistance of two company's of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, "M"and "K" Company.  During those early hours, Chaplain Capodanno received word of the battle taking place. He sat in on the morning briefing at the 3rd Battalion's Combat Operations Center. He took notes and listened to the radio reports coming in. As the elements of Company "M" and "K" prepared to load the helicopters. "Fr.Vince" requested to go with them. His Marines needed him. "It's not going to be easy" he stated. As Company "M" approached the small village of Chau Lam, the North Vietnamese opened up on the 2nd Platoon, which was caught on a small knoll, out in the open. The fighting was fierce, hand to hand at times, and the platoon was in danger of being overrun. Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his Marines. Wounded once in the face and suffering another wound that almost severed his hand, Father Capodanno moved to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun. Father Capodanno died taking care of one of his men. Father Capodanno's inspiration and dedication to "his" Marines goes much further. His story continues to touch many lives even today.  In 1971, Father Capodanno received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his selfless sacrifice. Several chapels and a United States Navy fast frigate were named in his honor.       |
Howdy sw!!!! How's duckie??
free dixie, bf
Hi PE, cute Flag-o-gram today. Thanks.
Wonderful thread.
In January 1969, Lieutenant Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, became the second chaplain in United States history to receive our nation's highest military honor. "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty ...", he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Each year the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) honors the outstanding chaplain of the year. The award honors the chaplain who has made the greatest contribution to the welfare, morale and effectiveness of the military services. This is the first year that ROA presented the annual award in honor of Chaplain (LT) Vincent R. Capodanno, MM.
The 2002 recipient is Chaplain Bob Anders, USAFR, Chaplain for the 908th Airlift Wing, Maxwell. The award was presented in the International Ballroom of the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 23 during the ROA’s 2002 Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. The guest speaker at the event was Fr. Daniel L. Mode, author of the book The Grunt Padre, a biography on Fr. Capodanno.
For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Chaplain, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, United States Marine Forces in the Republic of Vietnam from May to December 1966. Lieutenant Capodanno participated in Operations MOBILE, FRANKLIN, FRESNO, GOLDEN FLEECE 7-1, and RIO BLANCO. He repeatedly and purposely accompanied those forces most likely to experience the greatest enemy contact. Frequently, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he moved across open areas to assist Marines who needed his help and prayer. On more than one occasion, Lieutenant Capodanno administered first aid while under fire and moved wounded Marines to secure areas to comfort them until medical assistance could be obtained. During Operation RIO BLANCO, with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Capodanno, repeatedly exposed himself while he moved throughout the positions, encouraging and inspiring the men during intense enemy fire. He inspired confidence in the Marines and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of the unit's mission. In addition to his performance on the battlefield, Lieutenant Capodanno served as an example and loyal friend to the officers and men of the battalion. He worked long into the night to counsel and serve the men, write to their parents, and assist them with their problems. His fair, but firm, approach to the problems common to a combat area won the deep respect of the battalion personnel. Lieutenant Capodanno's courageous actions, initiative, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
For the President,
C. C. Krulak
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Thank you Matt for your very sweet heartfelt words. You understand us very well.
Thank you tomball. Just getting the word out as usual.
;-)
You're welcome.
too much "fun" for one week.
freedixie,sw
too much "fun" for one week.
free dixie,sw
we went from SA,TX to Pine Bluff,AR, got him, came back here & placed him in "an assisted living facility" all in about 48 hours.
it's been a REALLY wierd month.
free dixie,duckie/sw
Oh my sw, you have been busy. Sure hope duckie can get some much needed rest-you, too.
!!!!!!!!!!!
we/i hope this coming month is NOT as "interesting"!
we've had about as much of this fun as we can stand.
free dixie,duckie/sw
LOL. My thoughts exactly!
Take it easy on the "unscheduled" trips. ;-)
Yep. Had a nice drive there and back(Except for the last 10 miles) and accomplished our mission in Washington.
That's a mindset I can't understand. I have a lot of issues with the government and what it does but I love this country. I'll never understand those who live here and reap the benefits and at the same time condemn everything it stands for.
I sure hope Poland is finally able to build it's future as a free and independant county. It's long overdue.
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