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, New York

Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, New York

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 in 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: CAPODANNO

First name: VINCENT ROBERT

Home of Record (official): HONOLULU

State (official): HI

Date of Birth: Wednesday, February 13, 1929

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Navy

Rank: LT

Serial Number: 656197

Component: Reserve

Pay grade: O3

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 4105

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported

Date of Casualty: Monday, September 4, 1967

Age at time of loss: 38

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Quang Tin

The Wall: Panel 25E - Row 095

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