Description

FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO (1929-1967)

AVE BEADS: Another rare find. These “pebble beads are rugged on the outside and appear to be cut into facets along the center line to reveal an inner clarity giving light to his sense of God’s presence in his life.

PATER BEADS: Fine Bodhi wood beads (Pacific Rim) capped with filigree metals. Note the blood red facets on either side to represent the spilling of his life blood while ministering to others on the filed.

CRUCIFIX:  DOVE CRUCIFIX – antique, Russia/19c or earlier – (3 in.)

CENTER: ST. MICHAEL – traditional, late 19-20c – (1 in. )

WHO WAS VINCENT CAPODANNO? Born on February 13th, 1929, in Staten Island, New York. He attended Fordham University and after a year sensed a calling into the priesthood,entering the Maryknoll seminary. He was ordained in 1958. His first assignment was with aboriginal Taiwanese (Taiwan) for 7 years then was assigned to a Maryknoll school in Hong Kong.

ENTERED OFFICERS CANDIDATE SCHOOL: He reported to the 7th Marines, in Vietnam? On completion of his tour, he requested an extension and reported to the 5th Marines. There, gained a reputation for always being there, for always taking care of his Marines. Lovingly his men called him the “Grunt Priest”.

OPERATION “SWIFT” (VIET NAM): On September 4th, 1967 , in the Thang Binh District of the Que-Son Valley, elements of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines found the large North Vietnamese Unit, approx. 2500 men, and were out-numbered, 9:14 am, twenty-six Marines were confirmed dead.

GIVING AID WHEN KILLED IN BATTLE: Father Capodonno shielded a fallen Corpsman Marine from enemy fire and was riddled with 27 Viet Cong bullets. He died wearing his pastoral stole, serving his men by administering Last Rites and providing medical aid, inspiring courage to the wounded.

MILITARY AWARDS: 3 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm), Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Congressional Medal of Honor. In 2004, the Church declared Father Capodanno a Servant of God.

USS CAPODONNO (FF-1093) Commissioned September 17, 1973, in honor of Lieutenant Capodanno. It became the first ship in the U.S fleet to receive a Papal Blessing when it was blessed by Pope John Paul II in Naples, Italy, September 4, 1981.

……”Stay calm, Marine, someone will be here to help, God is with all of us this day!” (Fr Capodonno -Giving aid in the field)…

ABOUT OUR MEDALS: All medals on our website are hand cast from antiques and vintage pieces in sterling silver and solid bronze then antiqued to restore original patina.

PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE: (pricing determined by gram wt of metals at time of casting)

20% DISCOUNT APPLIED BELOW UNTIL GONE

Bronze: ($234) your special price $187.20

Sterling: ($430) your special price $344