THE WALL OF FACES

Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Claud W. Capraro (MCSN: 2373669), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 3 December 1968, Corporal Capraro was a member of a combat patrol which discovered seven enemy soldiers hiding in a small, camouflaged hut south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. Accompanied by two comrades, Corporal Capraro fearlessly approached the position and called for the enemy to surrender. In a vain attempt to escape, several of the hostile soldiers ran out of the hut firing their weapons and throwing hand grenades. In the initial burst of enemy fire, a Marine was wounded and fell dangerously exposed to a grenade thrown from the hut. Completely disregarding his own safety, Corporal Capraro unhesitatingly threw himself on top of the wounded Marine and shielded him from the exploding grenade at the cost of his own life. His heroic and timely actions earned the respect and admiration of all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Capraro upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 3-Dec-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company K

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

*CAPRARO, CLAUD W. (KIA)

Synopsis:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Claud W. Capraro (2373669), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on December 3, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Capraro upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Home Town: Penrose, Colorado

 

Claude,
I too would like to thank you for your gift of freedom that sometimes we take lightly. After reading about some of the battles and firefights you were in. You are more then a Hero to have endured what you did.There is no one in Fremont County that can hold a candle to you friend.You are one of Florence High Schools finest as far as I'am concerned.Your family should be proud to have had you the time they did.

Thank you Claud for your gift of freedom to us.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Claud William Capraro, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Corporal C.W. Capraro, for a job exceptionally well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND