ARLINGTON, TX — Ahead of a White House ceremony where President Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Marine Corps Major James Capers, Jr., Marine Corps Colonel John Ripley, and Army Major Nicholas Dockery, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) released the following statement from Cory Crowley, NMOHMF Executive Vice President: 

“Today, three brave Americans join an exclusive group of fewer than 4,000 individuals who have earned our nation’s highest military award for valor. Though their experiences were different, each of their lives has been defined by leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Their actions embody the ideals our nation has cherished for 250 years.

“While on a Force Reconnaissance patrol near Phu Loc in April 1967, then-Second Lieutenant Capers and his team were ambushed. Despite being gravely wounded, he continued directing supporting fires, coordinating his team’s movements, and overseeing the evacuation. Refusing to leave before his Marines, he remained in command until every member of the patrol was safely aboard the extraction helicopter. Over a 22-year Marine Corps career, Capers broke barriers and opened doors for future generations of Marines, becoming the first Black Marine to join Force Reconnaissance, receive a battlefield commission in Marine special operations, and command a Reconnaissance company.

“Then-Captain John Ripley of the U.S. Marine Corps demonstrated similar resolve in April 1972 in Vietnam. Recognizing that a key bridge over the Cua Viet River had to be destroyed to slow a North Vietnamese offensive, he repeatedly climbed beneath the span while under continuous enemy fire, hanging from its steel girders for hours as he emplaced hundreds of pounds of explosive. Known to generations of Marines as ‘Ripley at the Bridge,’ his actions became an enduring example of courage, initiative, and selfless service.

“A generation later, another young officer put himself in harm’s way to help his fellow soldiers. As a second lieutenant leading a combined force of American and Afghan soldiers in Kapisa Province in October 2012, Dockery's unit came under attack from a large Taliban force. Throughout the battle, Dockery repeatedly crossed open ground under enemy fire to rally friendly forces. As the fighting intensified, he used his body to shield a fellow soldier from a grenade blast, led counterattacks against enemy fighters, and fought his way to an unconscious teammate who was being dragged away by enemy combatants. After rescuing the soldier and administering lifesaving aid, he continued exposing himself to enemy fire while directing the fight and helping friendly aircraft suppress the attack.

“Their extraordinary legacies will be safeguarded within the walls of the National Medal of Honor Museum and will serve to inspire future generations of Americans. The growing number of Medal of Honor recipients, along with the recent passing of U.S. Army Col. Bruce Crandall, also highlights the urgency of establishing a National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, DC. We call on Congress to finalize passage of National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act and ensure the remaining 65 living recipients do not have to wait any longer to see a permanent tribute to their sacrifices.”

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About the National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute  

The National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute inspire individuals by honoring and preserving the history of the highest military decoration awarded for valor in combat.

The Museum, which opened on March 25, 2025, and was voted as the Best New Museum in America and one of the world’s most beautiful museums, serves as a national landmark located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas, and provides an unrivaled, interactive visitor experience that commemorates the historical thread of sacrifice, patriotism, and courage that connects members of the United States military service past and present. It is the Museum’s mission to tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients in a dynamic and interactive setting that will inspire visitors to recognize the potential for the extraordinary that resides in us all.   

Through dynamic and far-reaching curriculum and programming, the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute is bringing to life the core values inherent to the Medal of Honor in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities around the country.  

In 2021, The National Medal of Honor Monument Act was signed into law, paving the way for the monument’s placement in Washington, D.C. Soon, Americans and visitors of every nation will have the opportunity to reflect on the values represented by those whose selfless and courageous actions have served to safeguard freedom and democracy the world over.  

For more information please visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.