Vincent R. Capodanno
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vincent Robert Capodanno | |
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| 13 February 1929 - 4 September 1967 | |
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| Nickname | "The Grunt Padre" |
| Place of birth | Staten Island, New York |
| Place of death | KIA at Quang Tin Province, Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States Navy Reserve |
| Years of service | 1965 - 1967 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Vincent Robert Capodanno (13 February 1929 - 4 September 1967) was a United States Navy chaplain and a recipient of America's highest military decoration - the Medal of Honor - for actions during the Vietnam War.
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[edit] Biography
Vincent Capodanno was born in Staten Island, New York, on 13 February 1929. He was educated at Fordham University for a year before entering the Maryknoll Missionary seminary in New York. Ordained a Catholic priest in June 1957, he served as a missionary in Taiwan and Hong Kong from 1958 to 1965. In December 1965, Father Capodanno received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy Chaplain Corps. He was assigned to the First Marine Division in Vietnam in April 1966. While serving as Chaplain with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, during combat with enemy forces in Quang Tin Province on 4 September 1967, he lost his life as he provided assistance and comfort to Marine casualties. For his actions on that occasion, Lieutenant Vincent R. Capodanno was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His body was recovered and interred in his family's plot in Saint Peters Cemetery, West New Brighton, Staten Island, New York.
USS Capodanno (FF-1093) was named in honor of Lieutenant Capodanno.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Father Capodanno's official Medal of Honor citation is as follows:
"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 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."
[edit] References
- Naval Historical Center (2000-02-20). US People - Capodanno, Vincent R.. Online Library. Retrieved on 2006-08-07.
- Find a Grave (2002-12-17). Vincent Capodanno (1929 - 1967). Retrieved on 2006-08-07.
