‘We See the Lord in Combat’ - Remembering Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno

Heavenly Father, source of all that is holy, in every age you raise up men and women who live lives of heroic love and service.

You have blessed your Church through the life of Vincent Capodanno, Vietnam War Navy chaplain, who had the “courage of a lion, and the faith of a martyr.” He was killed in action offering medical assistance to the wounded and administering last rites to the dying on the battlefield.

Through his prayer, his courage, his faith, and his pastoral care he is an example of laying down one’s life for one’s friends: Jesus told us that there is no greater love than this.

If it be your will, may he be proclaimed a saint! We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

http://www.catchingthespirit.net/capodanno.htm

Thanks. I don’t think I have heard about Fr. Capodanno before. I wish the NCR had given more details about him, or linked to sources that did.

There’s a MAJOR street on Staten Island named for Father Capodanno. I believe he was born there.

Regards,

I thought htere was a naval vessel named in his honor?

http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/9412/Remembering-the-Grunt-Padre.aspx

http://www.knightsofdivinemercy.com/2012/05/22/the-grunt-padre-venerable-fr-vincent-capodanno/

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?28142-The-Grunt-Padre-USMC-Vietnam

His brother talking about him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pgcXacm538

Here's the website for his cause for sainthood:

Fr. Vincent Capodanno, LT., CHC, USNR, Servant of God

There’s a MAJOR street on Staten Island named for Father Capodanno. I believe he was born there.

I wondered about that when I started reading this article. I've ridden down Fr. Capodanno Blvd many times, right after getting off the bridge. I never knew anything about the man (and not being from Staten Island, it was never high on my list to look him up).

Thanks. That’s a good source.

And thanks also for those links.

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to

*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, N.Y. Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y.

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 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 machinegun 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.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_1960_vn/capodanno_vincent.html

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