CAPODANNO, VINCENT R. *
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, New York
Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, New York
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 in 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 machine gun 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.
I received the following message from Mc2316774@aol.com on 13 November 1999:
I was with Father Capodanno when he was killed and witnessed for his Medal.
I have always wondered if he had, or has any family or friends that are looking for anyone who was with this Hero when he died.
Along with him was Sgt. Lawrence Peters, who was also killed on Sept. 4, 1967, on Operation Swift, he was my squad leader.
Are there any web sites that have families looking for any one like me.
Thanks so much for any information you can give me.
Cpl.Harton, USMC
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: CAPODANNO
First name: VINCENT ROBERT
Home of Record (official): Staten Island
State (official): New York
Date of Birth: Wednesday, February 13, 1929
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Navy
Rank: LT
Serial Number: 656197
Component: Reserve
Pay grade: O3
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 4105
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported
Date of Casualty: Monday, September 4, 1967
Age at time of loss: 38
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Tin
The Wall: Panel 25E - Row 095
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