This story is about my brother Corporal Joseph A. Capito who served in the USMC in the Korean War. He was proud to serve his country and he was a proud Marine. He is our hero along with his fellow Marines who served with him.
Corporal Joseph A. Capito
While serving with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, FMF, (in the field). On 22 November 1950, Corporal CAPITO”S platoon was ordered to assault and seize Hill 1088. Advancing up the icy treacherous slopes of this hill, Corporal CAPITO’S squad met with heavy enemy small arms fire and automatic weapons fire.
During this action Corporal CAPITO was slightly wounded, nine men serving with his squad were killed and two wounded seriously, leaving himself and one man fit for duty. Realizing that the Chinese held bunker directly above him was delivering heavy fire toward his comrades and taking a heavy toll of lives, he knew it had to be destroyed. Corporal CAPITO with disregard for his own personal safety assaulted said bunker by himself and succeeded in destroying it with a hand-grenade.
Taking it upon him to see that damage had been done with the grenade, Corporal CAPITO leaped into the remains of the emplacement there meeting face to face with two Chinese communist soldiers, Corporal CAPITO proceeded to destroy the two enemy soldiers with his bayonet thus completely demolishing the main artery of the enemy defense.
This personal sense of duty led to the complete seizure of this strategically important enemy held position. Corporal CAPITO’S actions were in the traditional spirit of the United States Marine Corps.
Corporal CAPITO received the Silver Star award of Conspicuous Gallantry Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
New York, NY