Among the 58,000 names on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
is the name of a Maryknoll Missionary Priest, Fr. Vincent Capodanno,
one of seven chaplains killed in the Vietnam War.
They called him " The Grunt Padre "
because he so completely associated himself
with the struggles, fears, doubts and hopes of the mostly young Marines,
"The Grunts", he served.

"No greater love has a man than to lie down his life for his friends."

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to

*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, N.Y. Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y.

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 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, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

Read the book: "The Grunt Padre" by Fr. Daniel Mode.
This is the story of Fr. Vincent Capodanno and how he won his martyrdom on the battlefield in Vietnam in 1967, taking 27 bullets as he used his body to shield a group of "grunt" Marines.  Miracles and marvelous happenings began immediately following his death.  He received the Congressional Medal of Honor and had a battleship named for him.  It was his great love of the sacraments that  inspired him to risk his life to bring them to young men dying on the battlefield. His love for every man in the many battalions he served is attested to by the many who received the benefit of his priesthood, both Catholic and non-Catholic, all of  whom  recognized him as a living saint.  This story will give courage and inspiration to everyone - especially those with military friends and family fighting current battles, because Fr. Capodanno's missionary activity is still going on! 196 pp. PB.      ITEM #11276 $15.95
http://www.catholictreasures.com

Visit his foundation by clicking below:

Fr. Vincent's Medals and Ribbons

	Medal of Honor The highest award for Valor in action against an enemy, which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress. Jim Capodanno received the Medal of Honor (awarded posthumously) for his brother Vincent on January 7, 1969
	Bronze Star Instituted in 1944 for all branches of service. The criteria for this Medal: exceptional heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight. Father Vincent Capodanno was recommended for this medal on May 22, 1967 for his actions with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines from May to December 1966. Jim Capodanno received the Bronze Star for his brother (awarded posthumously) on October 19, 1998.
	Purple Heart George Washington established this medal in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Order of the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. Father Vincent Capodanno earned the Purple Heart when he died, September 4th 1967.
	National Defense Service Medal Issued to members of the Naval service for honorable active service between 1961-1974. Established by President Eisenhower in 1953. Designed by Mr. T. H. Jones, the eagle, our National emblem, together with the shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States, is used to symbolize the defense of the United States. The combination of the oak and palm leaves signify strength and preparedness. Father Vincent Capodanno received authorization for this medal on May 11, 1967.
	Viet Nam Service Medal Established by President Johnson in 1965 for all members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or in that area, such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or directly connected with the war from other bases such as Okinawa, Japan, etc. between 1965-1973. Designed by sculptor Thomas H. Jones, the suspension ribbon reflects that of the flag of the former South Vietnam - yellow with three red stripes. The green trim at the edges is suggestive of the jungle nature of the conflict. Father Vincent Capodanno received authorization for this medal on May 11, 1967.
	Vietnamese Gallantry Cross With Device Issued by the South Vietnamese Government for gallantry under fire. This is one of the highest awards by that government. Father Vincent Capodanno's Citation: "Lieutenant Capodanno is an excellent Chaplain. During the operation FRESNO, he disregarded all difficulties to go to the front line in order to console, excite the spirit and increase the combat morale of all operational units. He shared a remarkable merit in the triumph". Awarded: Oct. 17, 1966
	Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal Issued to Members of the Armed Forces who participated in combat operations in the Republic of South Vietnam
	Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation (ribbon only) Issued by the President to Units of the Armed Forces for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The Unit must display such gallantry and determination in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from, and above, other units participating in the same campaign. Each branch of service has its own award. President Franklin D. Roosevelt originally established it in 1942 as the "Distinguished Unit Citation" and it was officially changed to "Presidential Unit Citation" in 1966. Father Capodanno was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for his participation with the 5th Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division.

May he rest in peace.