Trump presents Medal of Honor to three veterans for heroism in Vietnam and Afghanistan
Tyunews.com – On Thursday, President Donald Trump honored three veterans with the Medal of Honor, recognizing their acts of bravery that saved lives and turned the tide against enemy forces during conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan. The ceremony in Washington highlighted the courage of Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr., Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery, and the late Marine Corps Col. John W. Ripley.
James Capers Jr.’s Heroic Actions in Vietnam
Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr., 88, was recognized for his fearless response during an ambush in Vietnam in 1967. The mission, originally intended to locate a suspected North Vietnamese base camp, devolved into a grueling battle deep in the jungle. After sustaining severe injuries, including a broken leg and abdominal wounds, Capers remained steadfast, taking command of the firefight despite his condition.
“After receiving a dose of morphine, Capers took charge of the firefight with remarkable composure,” Trump stated, emphasizing the veteran’s resilience.
He coordinated air strikes to repel the attackers and, in a critical moment, prioritized rescuing injured comrades. Capers’ actions culminated in a tense rescue operation, where he loaded the wounded into a helicopter before securing his own safety.
John W. Ripley’s Sacrifice in Vietnam
Marine Corps Col. John W. Ripley, who passed away in 2008, was posthumously honored for his decisive act during a North Vietnamese advance in 1972. Facing a massive assault on the village of Dong Ha, Ripley single-handedly detonated explosives on a vital bridge, halting the enemy’s momentum.
“Ripley made not one, but five trips across the bridge under fire,” Trump noted, underscoring his strength and determination.
The operation required Ripley to traverse the structure multiple times, exposing himself to enemy artillery, before triggering the explosion. His sacrifice effectively paused the enemy’s progress and protected the village.
Nicholas Dockery’s Valor in Afghanistan
Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery’s heroism occurred in 2012 during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan’s Kapisa Province. His platoon was defending a compound when enemy forces launched a surprise attack. Dockery swiftly regrouped his team and braved the chaos to rescue wounded soldiers.
“You were the last man to depart the battlefield that day,” Trump remarked, praising Dockery’s unwavering commitment.
During the intense urban combat, Dockery eliminated two enemy fighters threatening another wounded comrade and administered life-saving CPR. He later called for mortar support and shielded the injured from blasts, ensuring their safety until the mission’s completion.
