Subdeacon Joe Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 “Stay calm Marine, there will be someone to help us soon...God is with us all today.” Catholic Priest, Father Vincent Capodanno, the Grunt Padre, killed in action, saving lives, 4 September 1967, Vietnam. As a Navy Lieutenant, Father Capodanno requested to serve with the Marines. His courage under fire and his constant presence with the Marines at the front earned him the nickname “the Grunt Padre”. In his last battle, helping the wounded and giving the Last Rites under heavy fire, he was repeatedly wounded, refusing care, until finally killed by machine gun fire. His Medal of Honor 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 multiple painful 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 I never knew this. Thank you, Subdeacon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share Posted November 1, 2020 49 minutes ago, Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 said: I never knew this. Thank you, Subdeacon. I just found it today, thought it might be of interest here. Some of the stories Fr. Michael (Margitich) told of his tours in Vietnam as an Air Force chaplain both tug at the heart and churn the stomach at the same time. How these men did the jobs they did and maintained their faith. I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 Bravo Zulu and OohRah! Fr. C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tex Wilson Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 There's a place in heaven for Father Capodanno, a true American hero....RIP Sky Pilot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 Semper Fi and Bravo Zulu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 Semper fi, Padre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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