logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
3h 6m

#180 Major James Capers Jr. - Vietnam Ma...

Shawn Ryan
About this episode

Major James Capers Jr. is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to U.S. military special operations. As one of the first African American members of the elite Marine Force Reconnaissance unit, he led numerous covert missions during the Vietnam War. His valor and leadership earned him multiple commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Stars with "V" devices, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal.


Beyond his military service, Capers chronicled his experiences in the book Faith Through the Storm: Memoirs of Major James Capers, Jr., offering a firsthand account of his combat missions, personal sacrifices, and the challenges he overcame. His pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on military tactics and continue to inspire future generations of service members.


Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:

https://patreon.com/vigilanceelite

https://shawnryanshow.com/newsletter


Major James Capers Jr. Links:

Documentary - https://www.capersthedoc.com

Book - https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Through-Storm-Memoirs-Capers/dp/1642986399

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Jul 7
#215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Project That Became Siri
Charles Hoskinson is the CEO and Founder of Input Output Global (IOHK), the company behind the Cardano blockchain, a proof-of-stake platform hosting the ADA cryptocurrency. A mathematician by training, Hoskinson co-founded Ethereum in 2013. He launched IOHK with Jeremy Wood in 20 ... Show More
5h 5m
Jul 3
#214 Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with Murder
Jay Cal is a former British special forces operator who served in the elite 22 Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment following a distinguished career as a Royal Marine Commando. After passing the grueling SAS selection process—known for its 90% dropout rate—Jay went on to serve in h ... Show More
6h 28m
Jun 30
#213 Braxton McCoy - Why is the US Government Selling Millions of Acres of Public Land?
Make your voice heard by calling your Senator’s office directly to let them know that your public lands are not for sale. Find your Senator's contact information here - https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Braxton McCoy—veteran, rancher, and public lands advocate— ... Show More
1h 50m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
413: Clinton Romesha—It Doesn’t Get Better
In 2009, Clint was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Kamdesh during the Afghan War, which he recalls in his book, Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor, a New York Times bestseller. For Veterans Day, Clint shares his insights into why his outpo ... Show More
1h 27m
Jul 2024
The Unbreakable Chain of Douglas Munro
The story of Douglas A. Munro’s heroism is told to every man and woman who joins the United States Coast Guard. In 1942, he led a dangerous rescue that saved an estimated 500 Marines from death on the island of Guadalcanal. He is the only member of the Coast Guard to have receive ... Show More
30m 20s
Mar 2024
Beyond Torture: Andy McNab's Mental Fortitude in Bravo Two Zero
Andy McNab is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. During his time in the military, Andy conducted counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in Central America, South America and throughout the Middle East. He also worked undercover ... Show More
15m 51s
Jun 2024
Introducing Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage
Launching on June 26, Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage is a new podcast telling the extraordinary tales of some of the United States’s military heroes. Every week, we'll dive into a different Medal of Honor recipient's life story.  The Medal of Honor is awarded for bravery in c ... Show More
2m 31s
Aug 2024
Jay Vargas Pulls the Trigger
During the worst days of the Vietnam war, Marine captain Jay Vargas led a group of young fighters called the Magnificent Bastards into the Battle of Dai Do. His actions during that three-day period are some of the most heroic – and horrific – we’ll hear about this season. What Ja ... Show More
36m 45s
Jul 2024
Alwyn Cashe: Into the Fire
Every Medal of Honor action is, by definition, heroic. But the story of Alwyn Cashe is about a very specific element of heroism: Sacrifice. In 2005, Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe was stationed in Iraq with his platoon. He was known for how deeply he cared about his soldiers’ l ... Show More
30m 51s
Aug 2024
Tibor Rubin’s Medicine (Part 2)
Tibor Rubin’s story continues. As a young man, Tibor joined the U.S. Army, and he was sent to fight during the Korean War, where he was captured and taken to a brutal prisoner of war camp. On multiple occasions, he saved many lives and acted with bravery to protect U.S. troops. H ... Show More
26m 4s
Oct 2024
No More Excuses - Jocko Willink
John Gretton "Jocko" Willink is a retired United States Navy officer who served in the Navy SEALs and is a former member of SEAL Team 3. Jocko was honored with the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal for his service. He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. Jocko also co-autho ... Show More
10m 48s
Dec 2024
You Are More Powerful Than Your Excuses - Jocko Willink
John Gretton "Jocko" Willink is a retired United States Navy officer who served in the Navy SEALs and is a former member of SEAL Team 3. Jocko was honored with the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal for his service. He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. Jocko also co-autho ... Show More
16m 48s
Dec 2024
The Shadow of War
The Jack Carr Book Club December Book of the Month is THE SHADOW OF WAR, a book that explores a pivotal moment in history through the masterful storytelling of Jeff Shaara. In The Shadow of War, Shaara brings to life the intense and complex lead-up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Fr ... Show More
1h 28m