THE WALL OF FACES

Father Capodanno was a special chaplain. He truly cared for his Marines, and was killed comforting the dying Marines of Mike Company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Rocky’s fellow Roman Catholics and Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War, Servant of God, Chaplain (LT) Vincent Robert Capodanno, Maryknoll Order (M.M.), USNR, on what would’ve been his 93d birthday - 13 February 2022.

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

God Bless, Lt. Capodanno

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF (Attached)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant (Chaplain) Vincent Robert Capodanno, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Forces, in connection with operations against enemy forces in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 September 1967. In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lieutenant 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, Lieutenant 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 machinegun fire. By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lieutenant Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3070