Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 238

Marine Force Recon Legend & The Medal Of Honor Upgrade
Release Date: November 10, 2025
Guests: Major Jim Capers
Hosts: Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator, The Fat Electrician

Episode Overview

This episode of the Unsubscribe Podcast is a special Veterans Month edition featuring Major Jim Capers, a legendary Marine Force Recon veteran and Medal of Honor nominee. The conversation delves deep into Major Capers’ extraordinary military career, incredible acts of heroism, and his journey as a groundbreaking African-American Marine officer during Vietnam. The hosts explore his battlefield experiences, reflections on leadership and family, and the personal tolls of war. The blend of humor, respect, and raw truth makes this an unmissable story of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Key Topics & Highlights

1. Introduction and Major Capers' Background

[03:16] Episode introduces Major Jim Capers, Marine Force Recon legend.
[07:35] First African-American to be field commissioned during Vietnam—a rare honor after WW2/Korea.

“My colonel called me in... took off my Staff Sergeant Chevrons and put on lieutenant bars. I walked out in the rain and there were some guys out there that saluted me for the first time.” — Major Capers [07:53]

2. Early Marine Corps Service

[08:34] Enlisted in 1956 — describes Parris Island boot camp era shortly after six Marines drowned.
[09:48] Deployments to Middle East (Lebanon, Mediterranean) showing force during geopolitical conflicts.
[10:11] Served as an infantryman before joining elite Force Recon.

3. Joining and Leading Force Recon

[10:53] Chose to reenlist, moved to California, and volunteered for First Force Reconnaissance Co.
[11:45] Completed 550 parachute jumps (static and HALO/freefall), became a dive master.

"I made 550 parachute jumps." — Capers [11:45]
[14:29] Emphasis on always putting his men first; numerous rescue and recovery dive missions in Vietnam.
[13:36] Describes harrowing swims under carriers with sharks and dangerous night missions:

“His buddy line came loose, and he was drifting out where the sharks were. And I unhooked my buddy line and swam. I got him and brought him back.” — Capers [13:36]

4. Legendary Battlefield Stories

A. 20-Foot Python Capture

[19:00] Returns to the infamous story: his team captures a 20-foot python (named Gomer) in Vietnam.
[21:00–25:13] Wild tales of attempting to feed the snake a live duck, only to find the snake dead and the duck alive—team makes belts from the skin.

B. Jungle Training/Canoe Heist

[26:30] Team breaks a training course record in Panama by “acquiring” canoes from locals.

C. Combat Dives

[14:39] Led multiple underwater recovery and demolition missions, including recovering Marines' bodies and removing ordnance from riverbeds.

D. Knife & Sidearm Combat

[86:01] Details close combat kills with knife and FN Browning Hi-Power sidearm:

“I grabbed the first one, sneaked up on him and... I cut his throat. Then I took my 9 millimeter and there was two others. And I shot...” — Capers [87:02]

E. POW Rescue Operation

[89:21] Recounts a CIA mission to free American POWs from a North Vietnamese camp, involving brutal close-quarters fighting and harrowing extraction.

5. Surviving Chaos: The Silver Star & Final Combat

[62:15] Last combat mission at Full Lock, Vietnam — multi-day siege, all-team wounded, Capers severely injured:

“We fought for three days. … My point man… lost his leg. My war dog, King, killed two...” — Capers [63:14]
[68:54] Details evacuation under fire, refusing to depart until all men and war dog were onboard; threat to shoot a medic who mishandled King:

“He said, ‘the damn dog is dead.’ I said, ‘yeah, but carry him. … If you don’t pick him up, I’ll kill you right now.’” — Capers [68:54]
[70:00] Medical evacuation: narrowly avoids leg amputation, months of recovery.

6. Race, Resilience, and the Path to Leadership

[34:32] Faces racist assumptions in diver school, told he would drown — graduates as honor student but denied handshake by bigoted commander.

“He walked past me. He didn’t shake my hand. … But I would have saluted your ass.” — Capers [38:53]
[44:57] “In some places in the United States, I couldn’t get a drink of water at that time. … I couldn’t sit in a bus. … That’s the way the country was.”
[77:41] Chosen as face of the Marine Corps in national recruiting poster campaign while still recovering from wounds.

7. Trauma, Recovery, and Family

[50:10] Emotional tribute to his late wife, Dottie, his high school sweetheart — 50 years of marriage.

“She died of cancer. … She winked at me, squeezed my hand, then she closed her eyes. … She’s the love of my life.” — Capers [50:10]
[51:00] Describes battle with physical and psychological wounds, survivor’s guilt, and the pain of PTSD.
[101:18] Tribute to son Gary, who was blind but excelled at music, Braille, and life:

“He could write in braille. And I was so proud of him. He died in my arms. … I sued the federal government and I won.” — Capers [101:18]

8. Reflections on Leadership and Brotherhood

[14:01; 116:56] Lifelong ethos: never left a man behind; his loyalty to his men is central.

“If I gotta die, let me die with the only friend I ever had.” — remembering Sgt. Yerman [115:10]
[99:15] Bonds formed with fellow Marines and with a young South Vietnamese (Lapp) integrated in his team during CIA missions.
[109:42] Lessons passed down for future generations and the value of persistence and integrity.

9. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On being commissioned in combat:

“All the officers were killed in the first three months. … My colonel took off my chevrons and put on lieutenant bars.” —Capers [07:53]
On racism in training:

“The commander … told me he was sending me home … because we have medical documentation you can’t swim... I said, you're making a mistake. I can swim, and I can swim, you know, a little bit of bravado...I can probably swim better than anybody you got in this class.” —Capers [34:32]
On leadership:

“Their lives are more important than my own. And that’s true every time.” —Capers [14:29]
“Take my guys. It was always my guys.” —Capers [69:40]
On postwar life & legacy:

“I feared no man. … I didn't fear anybody. I fought day and night and I swam the oceans. … Right now I’m in a damn wheelchair … but it wasn’t always this way.” — Capers [110:06]
A light moment about his reputation:

“This is the only dude I know with a confirmed knife kill.” — Zach, via Host [07:11]
Refusing to leave men behind:

“I didn't get on; take my men home. I figured out some way I’ll make it...my wife said, ‘Did you think about me?’ … At that time, it didn’t matter.” —Capers [66:56]
Comic relief on the snakes:

“We thought the snake was going to eat the duck, but somehow ... the snake died, and the duck was there, quacking.” —Capers [22:41]
On loss and survival:

“I have 19 holes that I bled from. I spent time in the Middle East. But there are a lot of moments I was proud of.” — Capers [100:44]
Famous father’s advice:

“If 10 men start up a flight of steps, you believe that you be the one that get to the top.” — Capers [107:19]

10. Closing, Legacy, and How to Learn More

[104:57, 112:23] Major Capers' memoir, "Faith Through the Storm," is available on Amazon; proceeds go to charities.
[117:09] Hosts offer to fly his old team members to visit him, in tribute to his impact.
[124:37] Hosts thank Major Capers for one of their favorite and most important episodes:

“You said you weren’t good at this podcast stuff before we started. You’re showing all of us up.” — Brandon Herrera [124:25]

Timestamps for Crucial Segments

| Segment | Time | |------------------------------------|----------| | Field commission story | 07:35–08:20 | | Force Recon selection/jumps/dives | 10:53–14:39 | | 20-foot python (Gomer) story | 19:00–25:13 | | Battle of Full Lock, Silver Star | 62:15–70:00 | | Knife and sidearm combat | 86:01–89:21 | | POW rescue mission (CIA) | 89:21–95:07 | | Family, PTSD, recovery | 50:10–54:30 | | Reflections on leadership | 109:42–111:29 | | Amazon book info | 104:57, 112:23 |

Summary & Takeaways

Major Jim Capers’ life is a testament to courage, friendship, and perseverance in the face of both enemy fire and social adversity. Through vivid storytelling, he reflects on leading Marines through hell, breaking color barriers, and enduring personal tragedy and triumph. His humor, humility, and candor leave a lasting impression, and his wisdom is both a tribute to the veteran experience and an inspiration for all listeners.

If you listen to one episode this Veterans Month, make it this one.

Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 238

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Highlights

1. Introduction and Major Capers' Background

[03:16] Episode introduces Major Jim Capers, Marine Force Recon legend.
[07:35] First African-American to be field commissioned during Vietnam—a rare honor after WW2/Korea.

“My colonel called me in... took off my Staff Sergeant Chevrons and put on lieutenant bars. I walked out in the rain and there were some guys out there that saluted me for the first time.” — Major Capers [07:53]

2. Early Marine Corps Service

[08:34] Enlisted in 1956 — describes Parris Island boot camp era shortly after six Marines drowned.
[09:48] Deployments to Middle East (Lebanon, Mediterranean) showing force during geopolitical conflicts.
[10:11] Served as an infantryman before joining elite Force Recon.

3. Joining and Leading Force Recon

[10:53] Chose to reenlist, moved to California, and volunteered for First Force Reconnaissance Co.
[11:45] Completed 550 parachute jumps (static and HALO/freefall), became a dive master.

"I made 550 parachute jumps." — Capers [11:45]
[14:29] Emphasis on always putting his men first; numerous rescue and recovery dive missions in Vietnam.
[13:36] Describes harrowing swims under carriers with sharks and dangerous night missions:

“His buddy line came loose, and he was drifting out where the sharks were. And I unhooked my buddy line and swam. I got him and brought him back.” — Capers [13:36]

4. Legendary Battlefield Stories

A. 20-Foot Python Capture

[19:00] Returns to the infamous story: his team captures a 20-foot python (named Gomer) in Vietnam.
[21:00–25:13] Wild tales of attempting to feed the snake a live duck, only to find the snake dead and the duck alive—team makes belts from the skin.

B. Jungle Training/Canoe Heist

[26:30] Team breaks a training course record in Panama by “acquiring” canoes from locals.

C. Combat Dives

[14:39] Led multiple underwater recovery and demolition missions, including recovering Marines' bodies and removing ordnance from riverbeds.

D. Knife & Sidearm Combat

[86:01] Details close combat kills with knife and FN Browning Hi-Power sidearm:

“I grabbed the first one, sneaked up on him and... I cut his throat. Then I took my 9 millimeter and there was two others. And I shot...” — Capers [87:02]

E. POW Rescue Operation

[89:21] Recounts a CIA mission to free American POWs from a North Vietnamese camp, involving brutal close-quarters fighting and harrowing extraction.

5. Surviving Chaos: The Silver Star & Final Combat

[62:15] Last combat mission at Full Lock, Vietnam — multi-day siege, all-team wounded, Capers severely injured:

“We fought for three days. … My point man… lost his leg. My war dog, King, killed two...” — Capers [63:14]
[68:54] Details evacuation under fire, refusing to depart until all men and war dog were onboard; threat to shoot a medic who mishandled King:

“He said, ‘the damn dog is dead.’ I said, ‘yeah, but carry him. … If you don’t pick him up, I’ll kill you right now.’” — Capers [68:54]
[70:00] Medical evacuation: narrowly avoids leg amputation, months of recovery.

6. Race, Resilience, and the Path to Leadership

[34:32] Faces racist assumptions in diver school, told he would drown — graduates as honor student but denied handshake by bigoted commander.

“He walked past me. He didn’t shake my hand. … But I would have saluted your ass.” — Capers [38:53]
[44:57] “In some places in the United States, I couldn’t get a drink of water at that time. … I couldn’t sit in a bus. … That’s the way the country was.”
[77:41] Chosen as face of the Marine Corps in national recruiting poster campaign while still recovering from wounds.

7. Trauma, Recovery, and Family

[50:10] Emotional tribute to his late wife, Dottie, his high school sweetheart — 50 years of marriage.

“She died of cancer. … She winked at me, squeezed my hand, then she closed her eyes. … She’s the love of my life.” — Capers [50:10]
[51:00] Describes battle with physical and psychological wounds, survivor’s guilt, and the pain of PTSD.
[101:18] Tribute to son Gary, who was blind but excelled at music, Braille, and life:

“He could write in braille. And I was so proud of him. He died in my arms. … I sued the federal government and I won.” — Capers [101:18]

8. Reflections on Leadership and Brotherhood

[14:01; 116:56] Lifelong ethos: never left a man behind; his loyalty to his men is central.

“If I gotta die, let me die with the only friend I ever had.” — remembering Sgt. Yerman [115:10]
[99:15] Bonds formed with fellow Marines and with a young South Vietnamese (Lapp) integrated in his team during CIA missions.
[109:42] Lessons passed down for future generations and the value of persistence and integrity.

9. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On being commissioned in combat:

“All the officers were killed in the first three months. … My colonel took off my chevrons and put on lieutenant bars.” —Capers [07:53]
On racism in training:

“The commander … told me he was sending me home … because we have medical documentation you can’t swim... I said, you're making a mistake. I can swim, and I can swim, you know, a little bit of bravado...I can probably swim better than anybody you got in this class.” —Capers [34:32]
On leadership:

“Their lives are more important than my own. And that’s true every time.” —Capers [14:29]
“Take my guys. It was always my guys.” —Capers [69:40]
On postwar life & legacy:

“I feared no man. … I didn't fear anybody. I fought day and night and I swam the oceans. … Right now I’m in a damn wheelchair … but it wasn’t always this way.” — Capers [110:06]
A light moment about his reputation:

“This is the only dude I know with a confirmed knife kill.” — Zach, via Host [07:11]
Refusing to leave men behind:

“I didn't get on; take my men home. I figured out some way I’ll make it...my wife said, ‘Did you think about me?’ … At that time, it didn’t matter.” —Capers [66:56]
Comic relief on the snakes:

“We thought the snake was going to eat the duck, but somehow ... the snake died, and the duck was there, quacking.” —Capers [22:41]
On loss and survival:

“I have 19 holes that I bled from. I spent time in the Middle East. But there are a lot of moments I was proud of.” — Capers [100:44]
Famous father’s advice:

“If 10 men start up a flight of steps, you believe that you be the one that get to the top.” — Capers [107:19]

10. Closing, Legacy, and How to Learn More

[104:57, 112:23] Major Capers' memoir, "Faith Through the Storm," is available on Amazon; proceeds go to charities.
[117:09] Hosts offer to fly his old team members to visit him, in tribute to his impact.
[124:37] Hosts thank Major Capers for one of their favorite and most important episodes:

“You said you weren’t good at this podcast stuff before we started. You’re showing all of us up.” — Brandon Herrera [124:25]

Timestamps for Crucial Segments

Summary & Takeaways

If you listen to one episode this Veterans Month, make it this one.

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Marine Force Recon Legend & The Medal Of Honor Upgrade | Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 238

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Summary

Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 238

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Highlights

1. Introduction and Major Capers' Background

2. Early Marine Corps Service

3. Joining and Leading Force Recon

4. Legendary Battlefield Stories

5. Surviving Chaos: The Silver Star & Final Combat

6. Race, Resilience, and the Path to Leadership

7. Trauma, Recovery, and Family

8. Reflections on Leadership and Brotherhood

9. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

10. Closing, Legacy, and How to Learn More

Timestamps for Crucial Segments

Further Reading and References

Summary & Takeaways

Summary

Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 238

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Highlights

1. Introduction and Major Capers' Background

2. Early Marine Corps Service

3. Joining and Leading Force Recon

4. Legendary Battlefield Stories

5. Surviving Chaos: The Silver Star & Final Combat

6. Race, Resilience, and the Path to Leadership

7. Trauma, Recovery, and Family

8. Reflections on Leadership and Brotherhood

9. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

10. Closing, Legacy, and How to Learn More

Timestamps for Crucial Segments

Further Reading and References

Summary & Takeaways