The U.S. Senate has passed a House bill (H.R. 3377) that authorizes President Donald J. Trump to present the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, Jr., a veteran from South Carolina recognized for his actions during the Vietnam War. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), who introduced the Senate version of the legislation last month, played a key role in moving the bill forward.
The Medal of Honor is awarded for heroism in combat and typically must be presented within five years of the recipient’s qualifying action. The new legislation waives this time requirement for Major Capers, Jr.
“Major James Capers, Jr. has served his nation with great distinction and is an inspiration to all Marines,” said Senator Graham. “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. I am pleased that the Senate has approved this legislation that provides President Trump the authority to bestow this South Carolina hero with the recognition he has earned.”
James Capers, Jr., born in South Carolina in 1937, joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age eighteen. During his service in Vietnam, he led a prisoner of war rescue mission ordered by President Johnson and commanded operations against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. He was also notable as the first African American to lead a Marine Reconnaissance company and receive a battlefield commission. In 2010, he received the Silver Star for valor.
Senator Graham represents South Carolina in the U.S. Senate and was first elected in 2002 according to his official website. He serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and focuses on national defense and fiscal responsibility (source). In June 2025, he released updated legislative text related to border-security funding (source).
