U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on Mar. 30 that President Trump has signed into law a bill allowing Major James Capers, Jr., a Vietnam War veteran from South Carolina, to become eligible for the Medal of Honor. Graham introduced the Senate version of the legislation in February and worked to advance it through Congress.
The new law waives the usual five-year time limit required for awarding the nation’s highest military honor, enabling recognition of Capers’ service decades after his actions in Vietnam. The Medal of Honor is reserved for acts of heroism in combat.
“I am grateful to President Trump for signing this legislation into law, which paves the way for Major James Capers, Jr. to receive the Medal of Honor. We have a solemn duty to honor our veterans. Now that this legislation has become law, we are one step closer to honoring this South Carolina hero with the recognition he has earned,” said Senator Graham.
Graham also said: “As someone who courageously answered the call to serve his country and broke barriers along the way, Major Capers, Jr. is someone all Americans can admire.”
James Capers, Jr., born in South Carolina in 1937, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age eighteen and led missions during the Vietnam War including a prisoner rescue ordered by President Johnson and attacks against enemy forces. He was recognized as both a trailblazer—the first African American to lead a Marine Reconnaissance company—and as a recipient of several honors including a battlefield commission and later being awarded the Silver Star in 2010.
Senator Graham served as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 33 years according to his official website. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and represents South Carolina in Congress according to his official website. Graham grew up in Central, South Carolina within a blue-collar family that operated a local restaurant and pool hall according to his official website. He obtained undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina according to his official website.
Graham serves on several Senate committees including Appropriations; Judiciary; Environment and Public Works; and is chairman of Budget Committee while running on platforms emphasizing fiscal responsibility and national security according to his official website.
