|
Vincent R. Capodanno
FULL
MEDAL OF HONOR
CITATION
|
|
Place: Quang Tin province,
Republic of Vietnam
Date: September 4, 1967
Rank and organization:
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy,
Chaplain Corps, 3rd Battalion,
5th Marines.
1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
Entered service at:
Staten Island, NY
Birth: Feb. 13, 1929
Staten Island, NY
|
The
President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March
3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
SECOND LIEUTENANT
Vincent R. Capodanno
UNITED STATES NAVY
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps, 3d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Tin
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967. Entered service at: Staten
Island, N.Y. Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with
operations against enemy forces. In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M
Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt.
Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through
an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon. Disregarding
the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about
the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to
the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to
his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly
refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded
comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he
provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant marines. Upon
encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine
gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed a daring
attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only
inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machinegun fire. By his
heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno
upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life in the cause of freedom.
|
