57 years ago, the United States Marines launched Operation Swift to defend the Que Son Basin and to rescue two Marine companies which had been ambushed by the People’s Army of Vietnam. Vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy, the Marines battled for 11 days. 127 Marines and Navy Corpsmen lost their lives in that battle.
Memories and photographs fade over time, but we must never forget those who sacrificed so much on behalf of our Nation. I would like to share the stories of two of the men who gave their lives in that battle.
Corporal Rodney Maxwell Davis was a Platoon Guide with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On September 6, 1967, he was operating with his unit in the Quảng Nam Province on a search and clear mission during Operation Swift, when they were attacked by a large North Vietnamese force. Elements of the platoon were pinned down in a trench line by mortars, heavy automatic and small-arms fire. He went from man to man encouraging them on and also returning fire at the same time. An enemy hand grenade fell in the trenches his men were fighting from and without hesitation he threw himself upon the grenade. He saved his fellow Marines in this selfless act and thus earned the nation’s highest military decoration: the Medal of Honor.
Father Vincent R. Capodanno was a U.S. Navy chaplain attached to the U.S. Marines Corps. During his service Capodanno established a reputation for selfless dedication to the men, sharing their hardships and working for their spiritual and practical welfare. Capodanno was so beloved by the men that he acquired the moniker “The Grunt Padre.” On September 4, 1967, Capodanno embedded himself with one of the companies taking part in the mission. During a bloody firefight, Capodanno repeatedly exposed himself to retrieve wounded soldiers, deliver last rites, and bring comfort and aid in the heat of the battle. Capodanno was severely wounded twice and refused treatment or requests to withdraw. Finally, going to aid a wounded medical corpsman under enemy fire, he was killed in action. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his family on January 7, 1969.
Thank you for taking the time to remember with me the actions of Corporal Davis, Father Capodanno, and the 125 other Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice.
