The Field Afar

Fr. Capodanno, a native of Staten Island, New York was a Catholic priest, who received the posthumous Medal of Honor for his valor as a chaplain to the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. Among his men, he earned the nickname, the “Grunt Padre,” because of his ministry to the “grunts” (nickname for members of the infantry). Veterans recall how Fr. Capodanno was a constant companion to the Marines - living, eating and sleeping in the same rough conditions as the men he served. What his Marines remember most about this remarkable priest, however, was his bravery and fearlessness on the battlefield. During his two tours in Vietnam, he accompanied the men in nearly a dozen combat operations, tending to the wounded and offering Last Rites to the dying. In 2006, the Vatican began an official investigation into Fr. Vincent’s life for possible canonization and sainthood. Today numerous monuments - roads, chapels, ships and organizations are named in his honor. In a world growing ever more weary with cynicism, this is a story to renew the spirit. In the stories told by the Marines who knew him, we gain insight into the tremendous impact a life can have when it is lived in service to others.