The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, Vietnam, 1966-1967

by Father Daniel L. Mode, Gerald H. Turley (Foreword)

Navy Chaplain killed in vietnam l967 with Marine search unit in operation swift, outnumbered 2500 to 500 marines, killed protecting a corpsman who was administering first aid to soldier. Receive Congressional medal of honor, Bronze star and 3 purple hearts. Even though wounded refused to leave battle area to assist his grunts. Most recognized and respected chaplain in that war, memorials and buildings thoughout the world named after him. This is a hero

Genres: Biography, Catholic, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Christian, History, War

202 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned about Father Capodanno a few years ago when the Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archdiocese for U.S. Military Services, established the Cause for Cannonization of Father Vincent Capodanno. I later learned Father Capodanno was in Vietnam at the same time I was there and within the same general locations (I was Army). I didn’t know a book had been written about Father Vincent until I donated a modest amount to the cause for his Cannonization and in turn received a dvd movie “Called and Chosen” about the life of Father Vincent (produced by James Kelty in collaboration with EWTN and the Father Capodanno Guild. The movie is exceptional. The book is well written and recommended.

You can visit the AMS website www.capodannoguild.org for more information about his cause for Cannonization and donate if you wish.

[Relstuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of an American man who decided to become a priest/missionary. He spent time in Taiwan as a missionary and he was subsequently given permission to serve as a military chaplain. He served in Vietnam and was a front line chaplain. He could have stayed more towards the rear but he chose to move with Marines on missions to help with the wounded and give last rites when desired. He was the sort of person that would give someone the shirt off his back and his service to the marines made him beloved by those her served. He chose to extend his time in combat in Vietnam when his tour ended.

As a result of his choices, he ended up with the marines during a firefight. He ran towards a wounded marine and put his body between his and the enemy taking the enemy fire into his own body while trying to shield the wounded marine. He died on the battlefield.

As a result of his sacrifice and service he earned the Medal of Honor.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, I did not know of Father Capodanno or of his heroic and spiritual life. However, I did know of the author, Father Mode. Also a Navy Chaplain, Father Mode is in residence in Arlington when he is not called for active service. His sermons are always inspiring and relevant to the lives of his parishioners. They often contain stories of admiration for those in the Armed Forces. The Grunt Padre is just that…a book of inspiration. It also reveals the humility of Father Vincent Capodanno, a Maryknoll priest and Navy Chaplain. Father Capodanno was imbedded with the Marines during the Vietnam war. This book does give a brief summary of the Maryknoll Missionaries as well as a synopsis of the Chaplains serving with our Armed Forces, but the impactful parts are the story of Father Vincent. Born in Staten Island, NY, Vincent knew at an early age that he was meant to be a priest of service. That was the reason he entered the order of the Maryknolls. He served as a missionary priest, but he felt compelled to do even more. Father Vincent became a Navy ChaplaIn and one of the “grunt” marines, which is a term of honor among soldiers. Traveling from battalion to battalion, going where he was needed, Vincent was there for each marine. The personal tales of those marines are remarkable. His life and his death are ones of service to all who knew him. This is an amazing story.

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book about a very holy man, a priest tending to the spiritual needs of his Marines in Vietnam. Before I begin let me say that nothing in this world happens without God's knowledge, direction, order or God letting it happen for a reason. We all have free will but if God does not want it to happen it does not happen. Yes, there is such a thing as probability and outcome but it is up to God. In God's plan we are not God. We only report for duty to carry out His plan. God has a mission for all of us to do before we are called home to heaven. Having said that let me say that "The Grunt Padre" by Father Daniel Mode a fellow priest provides a revealing picture of a holy priest who went about doing God's work. The facts are that Father Vincent Robert Capodanno; Servant of God was a witness to God's goodness and love from February 13, 1929 to September 4, 1967. In the last few years he was a United States Navy Roman Catholic Chaplain in Vietnam and for his actions in the war was posthumous recipient of America's highest military decoration the Medal of Honor. Navy Chaplain Capodanno was killed in Vietnam in l967 when he accompanied a Marine search unit in operation swift. The Marines were outnumbered 2500 to 500 marines. Father Capodanno was killed while protecting a corpsman that was administering first aid to a wounded Marine. Father Capodanno even though wounded refused to leave battle area to assist his Marines. For his actions Padre Capodanno received posthumously the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was also awarded for other actions while in Vietnam, the Bronze star and 3 purple hearts. Father Capodanno was the most recognized and respected chaplain in the Vietnam War. Memorials and buildings have been constructed throughout the world that bears his name. He was truly a servant of God and a real hero. This brings to mind from Holy Scripture: "No greater love hath no man than to lay down one 19s life for his friends."------ John 15: 13

The book "The Grunt Padre" covers all aspects of his life from early childhood to the calling from God to the vocation of becoming a priest. The sacrifices he made all his life to reach his goals. One crucial character trait was the thinking of others. He always went out of his way to help others; this priest has touched many people who knew him or knew of him here on earth. Some miracles have been reported through the intercession of Blessed Father Vincent Capodanno. A movement is in the works for the church to declare him a saint. But this does not happen overnight for a thorough investigation must be accomplish. This could take years. Meanwhile the cause of sainthood goes forward and the following prayer can be used to promote his cause:

Prayer for the Canonization of the Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno

Heavenly Father, source of all that is holy, in every age you raise up men and women who live lives of heroic love and service. You have blessed your Church through the life of Vincent Capodanno, Vietnam War Navy chaplain, who had the 1Ccourage of a lion, and the faith of a martyr.1 1D He was killed in action offering medical assistance to the wounded and administering last rites to the dying on the battlefield. Through his prayer, his courage, his faith, and his pastoral care he is an example of laying down one 19s life for one 19s friends: Jesus told us that there is no greater love than this. If it be your will, may he be proclaimed a saint! We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

I gave "The Grunt Padre" five stars because I found it very inspirational and humbling to read about how one man can do so much if he offers it all up to God. Many people have questions about us Catholics that could be answered within the pages of this book. It is a book that you may read once but then keep going back to it for from its pages you can hear God talking to you. It is also a good news story. You just might learn why God lets things happen to good people. Much of the bad in this world happens because of the lack of love. Without love the ugly head of the evil one surface and we are left only with a vacuum and that is filled with strife, wars, hatred, envy, darkness, terrorism and all the rest of the bad things we see happening in this world. But Father Vincent Capodanno went about spreading the good news of Our Lord wherever he happened to be. With God and his guidance we have salvation. I strongly recommend this book to all who want to read of what is possible with God. God bless you all.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Review of Audio Format **

Truly A Padre for the Men

Father Vincent Capodanno was a truly inspired and inspiring man. He saw what our boys went through in Vietnam and supported them in the aftermath of the horrifying events they lived through. And when they didn't live he was there to administer last rites and give comfort to the dying.

My father is a Vietnam veteran. I know that these soldiers, especially, the volunteers like my dad, were convinced they were helping to bring freedom and democracy to the Vietnam people. They felt they were part of a bigger movement to spread democracy throughout the world. And when they came home, they were reviled, spit on, and not taken care of by the Veterans Administration. So when I heard Father Vince watch the Vietnamese vote and listened to his thoughts on their determination and bravery to vote while being shelled...it really hit home for me. This is what my father was experiencing and fighting for. It was truly impactful to understand the emotions of Father Capodanno, the soldiers, and the Vietnamese.

The first 3 hours of this book are about Father Capodanno's childhood, education, and training in the Catholic church. Once he gets to Vietnam, the narrative really picks up and becomes very interesting to listen to. Well worth a credit and may give some insight to what your father, brother, uncle, cousin is feeling who has just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
It made me want to thank every soldier who ever fought for the sacrifice they gave. And thank the clergymen who go with them to offer so much comfort. I now understand why Father Capodanno insisted on going to the worst expected battles and being there for 'his Marines'.

Kevin Spalding has an excellent voice for this type of narration. He is a soldier himself, so he was able to bring the right tone to the material. I don't think it would have had the same impact without him narrating this listen.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I know and swear there are living chapels in Vince's name. 'Those grunts' saw Christ when they saw Vince. This may appear like pious rhetoric but I have been a priest too long not to comprehend how people react when sentences are used to tell people the happening of an event. When those 'grunts' learned of Vince's death, it was pathetic to watch their reactions. A lump came to my throat, Pauline, and I know I'm a tough man emotionally."

The above quote was from a letter Chaplain Thomas J. Woolton wrote to the sister of Fr. Vincent Capodanno, a navy chaplain who was killed in Vietnam. This book is a brief biography of Father Capodanno's life, how we requested mission work overseas, and how he eventually martyred himself in service to the marines sent to fight in Vietnam.

Most of the book reads like a short (and slightly boring) history book. I found that the best narrators of Father Vincent's life proved to be the quotes from those who knew him. Such subtlety of peace and holiness is truly difficult to describe. I think Corporal Ray Harton's testimony is the most powerful:

When I opened my eyes, he looked directly at me. It was Father Capodanno. Everything got still: no noise, no firing no screaming. A peace came over me that is unexplainable to this day. In a quiet and calm voice, he cupped the back of my head and said "Stay quiet, Marine. You will be OK. Someone will be here to help you soon. God is with us all this day."

And while this book is just so-so as far as literature goes, Father Capodanno's story is very moving. I mentioned this book to a friend and she commented because of time passing, it must be okay to talk about Vietnam now. But this really isn't about a person's feelings about this war. Father Vincent Capodanno understood that the 'grunts' were being sent to hell, but God intended for them experience love. In service, Father Vincent was able to give them that.

[Mary Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

One heck of a good priest and brave man. Quote from the book. Father Capodanno was a totally devoted military chaplain with the heart of a missionary. He lived as those he served, so when he joined the ranks of a Marine chaplain, he lived like a grunt in Vietnam. He ran onto battlefields unprotected to minister to dying and wounded Marines without ever giving a thought to his own safety. The grunts came before him. He died trying to reach and give comfort to a dying corpsman. He had already been injured helping wounded Marines, and when he heard the corpsman cry out, he jumped and ran to him shielding him from enemy fire. --Quote from the book. "We counted 27 gunshot wounds ... saw the shrapnel embedded in his shoulder ... and some fingers missing from his hand. The shot that killed him entered his head from the back of is neck. Most of the gunshot wounds were in the back. Usually we looked down upon anyone with a wound in his back, because it was a sign of running away ... in Capodanno's case, it verified what eyewitnesses had said. Capodanno, having seen an NVA machine gunner aim his weapon at a cluster of Marines, ran and deliberately shielded one of them with his own body, back turned to the NVA. Whether he was praying at the time is cloudy. Some said he was ... others said he wasn't ... whatever the case, his action was a profound prayer itself. "

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and poignant biography of a humble priest from Staten Island, who was killed in Vietnam while tending to a wounded Marine. At times I could not put the book down. It flows from Fr. Capodanno's childhood to his years as a Maryknoll missionary and to his final journey as a US Marine. It also sensitively reflects on how he felt when he would visit the US, only to hear protests from friends and neighbors.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have read about military chaplains in the last year. This one was a recommendation after someone posted an icon of Father Capodanno and Father Kapaun. This book was an addictive read. I could hardly put it down, and gave up taking my lunch break two days in a row to keep reading. This book was originally published as a masters thesis in 1992. The edition I read was published in 2008 and is considered the 3rd edition. The book was expanded in 2001, and the 2008 edition was expanded again with more information and background on the Military Diocese. The author himself a military chaplain has researched extensively to prepare this book for us. And from what I can tell it is currently the only book about this man of God and his service. It is an inspiring story.

Prior to this book being recommended I did not know anything about Father Capodanno. But he has been described many ways, he was a navy chaplain, he was a member of the Maryknoll Fathers, he was a distinguished soldier who received the Congressional medal of honor, Bronze star and 3 purple hearts. And there are memorials and buildings around the world named after him. But after reading this story I think he is best described as a Catholic hero. He had a servants heart.

Vincent Capodanno volunteered when he saw the looming conflict in Vietnam. He left his role as a missionary and enrolled in the military. He was a grunt, he carried the same pack as the other marines. He lived their life, and he served them in body and spirit. The cause for the canonization of Fr Capodanno is underway. In 2006 he was named a Servant of God.

But this book is more than the telling of his military service. It is the story of his life, his struggles, his frustrations and his obedience to his calling, to his superiors and to God. The author states in the preface to this book:

"While I was studying at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and casting about for an M.A. research paper, Father Vincent emerged as a likely subject. Initially, I was going to opt for a fifty-page paper in which I would review the most publicly known events of his life. But the more I discovered about this remarkable man, the more I realized that such a modest paper would not do justice to him and to the ideals for which he stood. I wanted to determine the "whys" behind his actions, including the motivation for his joining the Chaplain Corps and his going to Vietnam with the U.S. Marines. I wanted to do as thorough a study as possible of this dedicated and brave priest. Consequently, I wrote a lengthy thesis rather than a brief paper."

And he did that with all of the resources available. Beginning with the few published articles about Father Vincent, his military and church records, and interactions with over 50 people who knew Father Vincent personally. So after compiling all of that material this book grew out of the research. Therefore the sections in this book are:

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
An Italian-American Family
Radiating Christ
The Field Afar
St. Martin's Cloak
The 7th Marines
Priest Of God - Servant Of Men
Semper Fidelis
An Inspiration:
Memorials
Postscript
A Bibliographic Essay

This book unlike those about Father Kapaun is not about being a pow, being tortured, being abused. It is about serving, serving in the front lines and making the ultimate sacrifice. The Vietnam War is for many still a hard topic, especially among my American friends. What this book does is bring a different light on the subject. It highlights one man who had an influence upon many. It was an inspiring read. And I can highly recommend it.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Walt Trachim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Vincent Capodanno was a Maryknoll missioner who had been initially sent to Taiwan. He worked with Hakka communities in villages in the mountains, and did that well for a number of years before being sent to Hong Kong to teach English.

While he was in Hong Kong he felt a strong urge - some would say he was called - to join the US Navy as a chaplain, which he did, going to Vietnam and serving with the Seventh Marine Regiment, the First Medical Battalion, and ultimately the Fifth Marine Regiment.

During Operation Swift (September 1967) he attached himself to Mike company, 3/5. The platoon he was with was ambushed, and during the fight that ensued he disregarded his personal safety to provide support and comfort to the wounded and the dying. He was wounded twice himself before shielding a wounded Marine and a dying Navy hospital corpsman from an NVA machine gunner, taking 27 rounds to his back and head, killing him instantly.

His actions posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor, the US Military's highest award for gallantry in combat. His selflessness in his ministry and the qualities that made him who he was caused him to be given the title "Servant of God", the first step on the road to canonization and sainthood. His cause is ongoing.

This is an excellent, well-written narrative of the life of an individual who is a personal hero of mine. Not only does Fr. Daniel Mode, the author, talk about the qualities that put him where he is now, he also talks about what made him the person he was. It is a testament to a life that was both well-lived but also had great meaning to many people who were affected by who he was and how he lived, and died.

I highly recommend this book.

[Anthony Bracciante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had known the basics of Father Vincent Capodanno's life and how he died in Vietnam saving the life of others in combat for many years. This book tells the whole story of his life starting with growing up on Staten Island; deciding to become a Maryknoll missionary; serving his parishioners in Taiwan for six years; and how he came to be a Chaplain after he was reassigned to Hong Kong instead of Taiwan. He was in the Navy as a Chaplain but lived as a Marine with his "grunts" giving all he could and caring deeply for those he served. Ultimately he gave his life for his Marines. Father Capodanno is currently being considered for canonization as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Anyone reading this book will realize that he is a Saint.

[Mick Maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When his final days and death were described I was in tears. Having served four years in the Army Medical Corps '71-'75 reliving Vietnam brings back many experiences. Being a former high school seminarian before the Army I was close to many Catholic military chaplains when I served. So Fr Vin's story of his service was very evocative of memories. We don't learn about everyday parish Catholic priests. So Military, Hospital, and Prison chaplains do much good shedding a positive light on Catholic priests, so much diminished by clergy abuse.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, like other chaplain books, reads very much like a hagiography, where really no flaws or mistakes are presented for Capodanno, but it was an enriching narrative at least. I enjoyed getting to see into the Roman world, as much as I disagree with it, and I think the author did a good job offering a deep view into that world. I again find it strange how much the ministerial impact of the chaplain is downplayed, but it seems like a theme in books about chaplains.

[Jessie Mattis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about a heroic missionary-turned-Navy chaplain. This book was birthed from a research paper and is a somewhat dry read because of the nature of the project, which is why I gave it four stars rather than five. I'm glad I read it though, and am sure that anyone with an interest in Father Vincent Capodanno's life and his work in Vietnam will agree!

[John Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while stationed at Camp Barrett (Quantico) where Fr. Capodanno's Medal of Honor resides in the chapel named after him.

This book is a simple biography of a missionary, a Marine chaplain in Vietnam, and someone who exemplified Christ's sacrificial love to the very end. It is an inspirational story and a glimpse into the life of holy and selfless man.

[Artie Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ANOTHER

A well written life history worth writing and reading. A person who disregarded danger to himself to effectuate his duties and responsibilities. His Priestly duties took precedence over his own safety. Courage, the epitome of courage. God bless him.

[Alva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Reading this bio has helped me, I believe, to only begin to scratch the surface of understanding what it means to empty oneself and let the Lord fill the void.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational story of courage and faith that I would highly recommended to anyone lagging in spirit and strength. I am proud to say he is "one of our own", a Staten Islander who made good.

[Donna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and inspiring. Also bought the DVD "Called and Chosen," from EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), about Chaplain Vincent R. Capodanno, equally riveting.

[Randy Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing you'll ever enjoy, but the story of Father Capodanno's faith, humility, quiet sacrifice, and ultimate sacrifice is so powerful that the writing is kind of beside the point.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most inspiring account of a chaplains life that I have encountered.

[Val Crofts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Amazing role model in the faith and as an American!

[David Sheedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an inspirational book to read. It’s amazing to read about how this man put his faith into action.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know of Father Capodano before reading this for our church book club. What an inspiring story about this man really living out his ministry. I was truly moved to tears.

[Sr.MaryJohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational story of a humble priest who lays down his life for others.

[Wade Wiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational life and death of Father Capodanno. It’s a book I could reread over and over due to the way it was captured as well as the events.

[Elaine]

Fr Vincent Capodanno, pray for us!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has hopped into my hands so many times over the years and I've always passed it up or passed it along. Then Chris Stefanik made a video I found on youtube about Father Capodanno that struck me so profoundly I am assuming I make up many of the views it gets. Something about that video kept me going back and back again with a clear image in my minds eye of Fr Capodanno telling a soldier in the middle of all out hell, broke loose, that "God is with us all this day." Those words kept insisting to be thought about. Only someone like Father Capodanno could have uttered such words to a soldier in the situation that those Marines were in, and give comfort to them. After reading this book and all of the memories he created in the lives he did encounter, I can see that truly Christ walked among those terrified men, even after he was shot 27 times while running to aid a terrified medic screaming for help. This wasn't just one heroic action, it just happened to be the one that killed him. He loved his Marines exceptionally; and they loved him. The story is magnificent, beautiful, essential. What is really wonderful about this book though, is that it is written by another priest who doesn't just give us the external picture of Father Capodanno, even though it can stand alone. He explores, and I think the writer's vocation lends to the internal landscape and offers insight to how a man like Father Capodanno could be who he was. One passage I found most interesting spoke about Fr. Capodanno watching the movie "Monsieur Vincent" in the theatre and being quite moved by it; his name sakes life story. I have since watched this movie too. I highly recommend watching it after finishing the book. It had Fr Cap all over it. His display of heroic love speaks to everyone. Though I am far removed from him by time, I am nevertheless, deeply affected. An example like him brings out the desire to look deeper at the mystery of life and its temporal nature. Isn't it strange that the most incredible things can be accomplished when we say, like St. Mother Teresa "I am just a pencil in God's hand." That to give up ourselves allows us to gain more fully something of ourselves we could never hope for without Gods assistance. I think that even though we know God is beyond comprehension it is still so beautiful to realize that he has made himself comprehensible through his incarnation. That is the new thought I'm going to chew on for a while.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an inspiring read. The author chronicles the early life as well as the education and preparation of Fr. Capodanno for the mission field. Fr. Capodanno started out in Taiwan as a missionary after 6 years of intense preparation. He didn't seem to really find his niche in missions until he chose to ask for a transfer to become a marine chaplain.The vocation of Marine chaplain was perfect for him ... he had such a Godly compassion for his fellow Marines who he served during the Vietnam War. He brought a sense of God's Presence to those he suffered with during the intense fighting that took place during his tour of duty.Since our own son served a tour of duty during intense fighting in the Iraq War, I've come to appreciate the incredible contribution chaplains make in the lives of our young men and women as they grapple with the deep questions of life and death and awful atrocities of war that they are witness to.Fr. Capodanno gave everything ... including his life ... to bring the Presence of Christ to those desperately needing assurance in time of war.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this book for about 2 years, ever since i heard about the subject, Father Vincent Capodanno, a priest who became a Navy chaplain in order to volunteer in Vietnam during the war there. I am glad I was able to read it finally, and honored to know more about Father Capodanno's selflessness and sacrifice for others. However, the book itself reads more like a report than a good biography. I believe it was first written as the author's thesis project and fleshed out later for publication; this is evident in the style. It does include a lot of first-hand quotes from those who knew and served with Capodanno but it's very hard to get a real, close feel of what his life was really like. It is extremely full of dates, battle locations, etc which I'm sure are accurate, but detract from the flow of the story.