01/30/2026
https://www.steel-hearts.org/store/p/lt-vincent-robert-capodanno
Today we are honoring Medal of Honor recipient, LT Vincent Capodanno, who was KIA on September 4, 1967 while in Vietnam. May he forever rest in peace.
$10 from each bracelet sold will be donated to Father Vincent Capodanno Guild
To purchase a memorial bracelet, read more of LT Capodanno's story, or simply leave a message for the family, please use the link above.
________________________
While in Vietnam Fr. Capodanno saw many battles, being the first Navy chaplain to join Marines on patrols and on the battlefield. Even under heavy fire, he remained calm and unwavering, risking his life to attend to the wounded. Through his calm and steadfast demeanor and his willingness to suffer alongside them, he encouraged their faith. Most importantly, he prepared them for death by administering the Last Rites to Catholics, even when it posed great risk to his own life. When asked why he did this, in an interview with a reporter, Fr. Capodanno said, “I want to be available in the event anything serious occurs; to learn firsthand the problems of the men, and to give them moral support, to comfort them with my presence” (Armed with Faith, p114, Stephen M. DiGiovanni, 2018). To descend to the level of the very men he was serving, Fr. Capodanno embodied the teachings of Christ – His love, His mercy, His selflessness.
It was in one of the battles that Fr. Capodanno was present that he followed Christ and mounted the cross in complete self-denial. On September 4, 1967, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines were under heavy fire from a North Vietnamese ambush. Despite risk, Fr. Capodanno continued to minister medically and spiritually to wounded and fallen Marines. During the course of this ambush, Fr. Capodanno ran into the open in order to assist a wounded corpsman. The enemy opened fire upon Fr. Capodanno and he died faithfully performing his final act as a good and faithful servant of God.
