State Superintendent Ellen Weaver Names South Carolina Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient Major James Capers Jr. as Newest Palmetto Pioneer
“This is the greatest country in the world. I fought for that flag; I believed in it.” – Major James Capers Jr.
BISHOPVILLE, S.C. – South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver unveiled a new Palmetto Pioneer honoring Major James Capers Jr., a native of Bishopville and one of South Carolina’s most distinguished military heroes, as part of the South Carolina Department of Education’s Palmetto Civics initiative.
Why It Matters
The unveiling took place on Saturday, July 25, in Capers’ hometown of Bishopville following a parade held in his honor, and just weeks after Major Capers received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, in recognition of the extraordinary heroism he displayed during the Vietnam War. Through the Palmetto Pioneer program, South Carolina students can now learn about Major Capers’ life, leadership, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of service.
What They’re Saying
“Major James Capers Jr. represents the very best of South Carolina and America. His courage under fire, unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines, and lifelong devotion to service embody the character and values we hope to inspire in every South Carolina student. We are honored to recognize him as a Palmetto Pioneer and ensure future generations learn from his remarkable example.” – State Superintendent Ellen Weaver
Go Deeper
The Palmetto Pioneer initiative is a cornerstone of the South Carolina Department of Education’s Palmetto Civics Project, which provides free, engaging, and easy-to-use civics and American history resources for teachers, students, and families across the state. Palmetto Pioneers highlights extraordinary South Carolinians whose lives exemplify the virtues that sustain both our republic and our communities, including leadership, courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and integrity. Through these stories, students gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who have shaped our state’s history and strengthened our nation. Major James Capers Jr. joins a distinguished group of Palmetto Pioneers that includes educator Mary McLeod Bethune, Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, and astronaut and physicist Dr. Ronald McNair. By learning from these remarkable South Carolinians, students are encouraged to embrace the character, citizenship, and spirit of service needed to build strong families, communities, and a more perfect Union.
Zoom In
Known to generations of Marines as “The Iron Major,” James Capers Jr. was born in Bishopville, South Carolina, on August 25, 1937. Raised in a family of sharecroppers, he overcame adversity through perseverance, determination, and an unwavering commitment to service. During the Vietnam War, then-Lt. Capers led a six-man Force Reconnaissance team deep behind enemy lines when they were ambushed by a much larger enemy force. Despite being shot twice, suffering broken legs, and sustaining life-threatening injuries, he continued directing the fight and safeguarding his Marines. When a rescue helicopter struggled to lift off under the weight of the wounded, Capers offered to surrender his seat to save his teammates. His Marines refused to leave him behind. Major Capers became the first African American Marine to receive a battlefield commission and later the first African American to command a Marine Force Reconnaissance company. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he completed 64 dangerous reconnaissance missions and earned numerous military decorations, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and three Purple Hearts. Although his commanding officer began the process of recommending him for the Medal of Honor, that officer was killed in combat before the recommendation could be completed. As a result, Capers’ extraordinary heroism went officially unrecognized for decades. In 2026, bipartisan congressional action helped correct that historic omission, and Major Capers was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Reflecting on his service, Capers has said: “This is the greatest country in the world. I fought for that flag; I believed in it.”
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
