Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Father Capodanno Memorial

Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 13, 2002

1. Father Capodanno Memorial

Inscription. In memory
of
Father Vincent
Capodanno
Medal of Honor
Viet Nam, 1967
Erected by S.I. Marine Corps League
and its benefactors
1977

Reverse side:
Father Capodanno born on Staten Island Feb. 13 1929
For his actions on a battlefield in Viet Nam on Sept.4, 1967 he was mortally wounded while giving medical aid and last rites to his wounded and dying comrades of the 3rd Batt. 5th Marine Reg. 1st Div.
He was no stranger to combat. He died in the manner in which he had lived, unselfishly serving God, his country and fellowman.

Erected 1977 by S.I. Marine Corps League.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, Vietnam.

Location. 40° 36.31′ N, 74° 3.607′ W. Marker is on Staten Island, New York, in Richmond County. It is in Fort Wadsworth. Memorial is on New York Avenue south of Coast Guard Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Staten Island NY 10305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Four Chaplains (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arthur Von Briesen Park (about 700 feet away); Staten Island War Dog Memorial (about

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800 feet away); Fort Wadsworth (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chilena (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dry Moat and Counterscarp (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battery Catlin (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fort Wadsworth (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.

More about this memorial.
The marker and chapel are located in Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Park.

Regarding Father Capodanno Memorial.
Medal of Honor citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3rd Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces. In response to reports that the 2nd 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

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 28, 2020

2. Father Capodanno Memorial

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 machine gun 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".

Also see . . .
1. Vincent R. Capodanno. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on May 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Vincent Robert Capodanno. Find A Grave entry. (Submitted on May 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Father Vincent Capodanno, Lieutenant, USNR image. Click for full size.

from Find A Grave, unknown

3. Father Vincent Capodanno, Lieutenant, USNR

Father Capodanno Memorial Chapel, Fort Wadsworth image. Click for full size.

from Facebook, unknown

4. Father Capodanno Memorial Chapel, Fort Wadsworth

Capodanno Family gravesite image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 26, 2020

5. Capodanno Family gravesite

St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten island

USS Capodanno (FF-1093) image. Click for full size.

From Navsource.com, unknown

6. USS Capodanno (FF-1093)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 777 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2. submitted on May 29, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.