‘Grunt Padre’ memorialized at Pentagon (Father Vincent Capodanno)

Arlington CatholicHerald ^ | 9/4/13 | | Mike Flach

[Salvation]

9/4/13 |

 

‘Grunt Padre’ memorialized at Pentagon

A portrait of Fr. Vincent Capodanno is unveiled.

Mike Flach | Catholic Herald

Surrounding the portrait of Fr. Vincent Capodanno are (from left): Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben, chaplain of the Marine Corps; retired Navy Captain Ted Bronson of Arlington; Ambassador Juan Garcia, assistant secretary of the Navy; Chip and Sharon Lofton of Roxboro, N.C.; and Gen. John M. Paxton, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

 

 

It started with a simple conversation in mid-July during a pilgrimage to Rome.

Retired Navy Capt. Ted Bronson told Chip and Sharon Lofton of Roxboro, N.C., the inspiring story of Maryknoll Father Vincent Capodanno.

The Loftons instantly felt inspired to do something to memorialize the U.S. Navy chaplain from Staten Island, N.Y., who died a martyr on a battlefield in Vietnam. They commissioned their friend, artist George Bucannan, to create a portrait based on a holy card sent to them by Bronson.

Bucannan’s portrait was unveiled Aug. 30 at a Pentagon ceremony that included Gen. John M. Paxton, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps; Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben, chaplain of the Marine Corps; and Maj. Gen. Mike Regner, staff director at Marine Corps headquarters.

The lower scene of Bucannan’s painting depicts Father Capodanno on the Que Son Valley battlefield, about 35 miles from Danang. He is giving the last rites and medical attention to the wounded and dying “grunts” in their time of pain, sorrow and dying.

In his brief remarks at the Pentagon ceremony, Bronson said that Father Capodanno was first wounded in the shoulder and later his hand before being killed by direct fire shortly after telling a wounded soldier, “Stay calm Marine, someone will be with you shortly. God is with us this day.”

Bronson said that Father Capodanno was killed on the opening day of “Operation Swift,” which was the worst casualty day for Marines during the Vietnam War.

“Father Capodanno was a true ‘Grunt Padre,’” said Bronson. “He died always faithful to his God, his country and his Marines.”

In addition to the new portrait, the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services honored Father Capodanno at a Sept. 4 Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The Mass was celebrated on the 46th anniversary of Father Capodanno’s death.

[Salvation]

“Father Capodanno was a true ‘Grunt Padre,’” said Bronson. “He died always faithful to his God, his country and his Marines.”

[Salvation]

Catholic Ping!

[Salvation]

Is there a “Marines” ping list? Anyone?

[Salvation]

Is there a “Marines” ping list? Anyone?

[Salvation]

‘Grunt Padre’ memorialized at Pentagon (Father Vincent Capodanno)
Obama's War On Religion In The Ranks
Grunt Padre Honored in Vietnam [Vincent J. Capodanno]
US military chaplains concerned about freedom of religion Introduction: The Miracle of Father Kapaun Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero
Military archdiocese objects to Catholic 'extremist' label
CNS dispatch 1951: Fighting men on Korean front describe heroism of missing Catholic chaplain

Medal of Honor for US Army chaplain Father Kapaun
Army chaplain to get Medal of Honor posthumously (Fr Kapaun)
Chaplain Fr. Emil Kapaun: The Good Thief
Chaplain gets Medal of Honor 62 years after death (Outstanding story)
New: "The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero"
Students Try to Banish Catholic Chaplain >From Campus for Anti-Gay Stance
Archbishop Broglio Delivers Homily of Thanksgiving for Service and Dedication of Pope Benedict XVI
Father Emil Kapaun to be Awarded Medal of Honor
New auxiliary bishop for military archdiocese, Bishop-designate Robert J. Coyle
February 3rd - Four Chaplain's Day

“We Have to Go Where The Suffering and Dying Are” [Military Chaplains]
‘We See the Lord in Combat’ - Remembering Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno
Lawmakers Claim Air Force Culture Becoming 'Hostile Towards Religion'
‘Get in Line’ or ‘Resign’ Admiral Tells Military Chaplain
A Halo and a Medal for Emil Kapaun?
Prison Mates Promote Cause of Heroic Korean War Priest
Recognition Finally for a Warrior Priest's Heroics
ACTION ITEM ALERT! Pres. Obama, through a minion, attacks Catholic chaplains once again
Airborne Forces Priests Will Make Parachute Jumps During Their Training [Russia]
Religious Speech in the Military: Freedoms and Limitations

Soldier, Chaplain, Shepherd (Auxiliary Bishop Rick Spencer of the U.S. Archdiocese for Military)
Catholics Seek to Boost Number of Priests Serving as Chaplains
Catholic Chaplain Finds UK Troops in Afghanistan Hungering For Religion
U.S. troops in Afghanistan
Cross removed at base in Afghanistan
Mass During Wartime
The Traditional Latin Mass -- in Afghanistan
Uncle Sam attracts more (Catholic) military chaplains
Evangelical Chaplains Refuse to Marry Gay Couples on Military Bases
Over 2,000 Evangelical, Orthodox Chaplains Join Catholics in Opposing Pentagon on Same-Sex Marriage

2,000 Evangelical, Orthodox Chaplains Join Catholics in Opposing Pentagon Directive on SSM
No Same-Sex Weddings at West Point's Catholic Chapel, Says Military Archdiocese
Conflict between Pentagon and Catholic military chaplains brews over ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
The (Catholic) Church's Noblest at Ground Zero
More men asking about becoming military chaplains
Catholic Caucus: Fr. Emil Kapaun: The Good Thief
Catholic Military Chaplains: America's Forgotten Heroes (Ecumenical)
Fr. Emil Kapaun Beatification Cause Heads to Rome [US Army Chaplain]
Two US Soldier Priests
Chaplain Groups Ask Military to Create Religious Liberty Protections

Australian Padre helps deployed soldiers tackle life challenges (Former SAS soldier turns chaplain)
Army says chaplain is first killed in action since 1970
Army Chaplain Dies in Afghanastan
With God in Iraq: A Day in the Life of a Military Chaplain
Soldier's Death Led Catholic Priest to Become Chaplain
Mass at National Shrine to honor Servant of God and heroic Navy chaplain
Prison chaplain remembers ("Behind the Walls with the Man Behind the Stole")
"Thanks God... and Thanks Mom" (Senate chaplain recalls his mom's amazing last day on earth)
Priest a wartime legend (Most decorated chaplain in Canadian army history dies at 106)
Catholic Navy chaplain shares story of Iraqi conversion (from 12/04/07)

[ConorMacNessa]

From the Virtual Vietnam Wall:

Vincent Robert Capodanno
Lieutenant
United States Navy

Rank and organization:

Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps
3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)

Place and date:

Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967

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 in 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.

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

"Is there a “Marines” ping list? Anyone?"

Can you help, Jaz?

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

Ping to the FR Canteen!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Salvation]

Now shall I say “Is there a Navy Ping?

[SkyDancer]

>ping<

[jazusamo]

Freema had the Marine ping list but I haven’t seen her post for some time.

[Tanniker Smith]

When you get off the Verrazano narrows bridge and take the first exit, make the first turn and head south, you’re on Father Capadano Blvd. everyone in Staten Island needs to see this.

[Salvation]

Amazing....don’t tell Bloomberg.

[Slyfox]

Bump

[Eagles6]

Does America deserve the sacrifice of such men?

[nickcarraway]

BUMP

[xone]

Does America deserve the sacrifice of such men?

The US political system isn't America. I doubt the Chaplain was thinking about his country during the fight but he apparently thought that the guys he was with (all Americans) were deserving of his efforts.