Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one copy of Faith Through the Storm by Major James Capers, Jr.

Biographical / Historical

Major James Capers, Jr. was born in 1937 to sharecroppers in rural South Carolina. His family later moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he joined the Marines after graduating from high school in 1958. His enlistment led to a stellar 20 year career posting him around the world. Major Capers was a member of the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, then served with 3rd Force Recon in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, leading 64 missions into NVA enemy territory while posted at Phu Bai, Khe Sanh, and Phu Loc. Severely wounded by a claymore mine on his last mission just weeks before the end of his tour, Major Capers was sent home for a lengthy recovery at Bethesda Hospital. After returning to duty, he served a stint with the NSA and at the end of his career was the Commander of the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company.

After retirement from the Marines in 1978, he went to work for the Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company as Vice-President and was later promoted to President of the company's subsidiary Echo Broadcasting. In 2008, Major Capers was recommended for the Medal of Honor for action during his last mission in the mountains outside Phu Loc, Vietnam. On October 27, 2010, Major Capers was awarded the Silver Star Medal and inducted into the Commando Hall of Honor for his service and contributions to the Special Forces.