The Grunt Padre

[SSGMike.Ivy]

As Jr. Vice President of Father Vincent Capodanno Chapter 1101 Military Order of the Purple Heart I post this.

Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a Roman Catholic Priest know throughout the Marine Corps a Navy Chaplain and served with the 7th and 5th Marines in Vietnam. In the midst of a battle in 1967, Father Capodanno was wounded several times and was killed while trying to save the life of a fellow servicemen. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1971, Father Capodanno received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his selfless sacrifice. Several chapels and a United States Navy fast frigate were named in his honor. At this time our chapter is hard at work to bring the Capodanno home where he belongs.
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DE-1093 USS CAPODANNO

CLASS - KNOX As Built
Displacement, 3011 Tons Standard, 3877 Tons Full Load,
Dimensions, 439' 6" x 46' 9" x 15'; 24' 9" (sonar)
Armament, 1 - 5"/54 (single) Mk 42 Mod 9, 1 Honeywell ASROC Mk 16 octuple launcher
4-324mm US Mk 32 (2 twin) tubes for Mk 46 torpedoes
Machinery, 2 Combustion Engineering boilers; 1 Westinghouse geared turbine; 35,000shp; 1 shaft
Speed, 27 Knots, Range 4500 Nm@20 knts, Crew, 288 (17 officers)

Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Avondale Marine, Avondale LA. on February 25 1972.
Launched October 21 1972.
Commissioned November 17 1973.
Reclassified Frigate (FF-1093) on June 30 1975.
Decommissioned July 30 1993.
Fate To Turkey July 30 1993.
Renamed Mauvenet.
Still in service.
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Looking for a different challenge, Father Capodanno requested a new assignment--as a United States Navy Chaplain serving with the U.S. Marines. After finishing officer candidate's school, Father Capodanno reported to the 7th Marines, in Vietnam, in 1966. When his tour was complete, he requested an extension, served in the naval hospital and then reported to the 5th Marines.

He gained a reputation for always being there--for always taking care of his Marines

At 4:30 am, September 4th, 1967 , in the Thang Binh District of the Que-Son Valley, elements of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines found the large North Vietnamese Unit, approx. 2500 men, near the village of Dong Son. Operation Swift was underway. The out-numbered and disorganized Company D was in need of reinforcements. By 9:14 am, twenty-six Marines were confirmed dead. The situation was in doubt and another Company of Marines was committed to the battle. At 9:25 am, the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Commander requested assistance of two company's of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, "M"and "K" Company.

During those early hours, Chaplain Capodanno received word of the battle taking place. He sat in on the morning briefing at the 3rd Battalion's Combat Operations Center. He took notes and listened to the radio reports coming in. As the elements of Company "M" and "K" prepared to load the helicopters. "Fr.Vince" requested to go with them. His Marines needed him. "It's not going to be easy" he stated. As Company "M" approached the small village of Chau Lam, the North Vietnamese opened up on the 2nd Platoon, which was caught on a small knoll, out in the open. The fighting was fierce, hand to hand at times, and the platoon was in danger of being overrun. Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his Marines. Wounded once in the face and suffering another wound that almost severed his hand, Father Capodanno moved to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun.

Father Capodanno died taking care of one of his men. ( Father Capodanno was shot 27 times in the back by an enemy machine gun )

Father Capodanno's inspiration and dedication to "his" Marines goes much further. His story continues to touch many lives even today.

Fr. Capodanno leading field prayer service for the Marines of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) in the Muo Douc area, Vietnam, 9/11/66

http://www.father-capodanno.org/index.htm

[SSGMike.Ivy]

Link update to Father Capodanno page http://www.father-capodanno.org/