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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to South Carolina, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Major James “Jim” Capers Jr.
Marine Recon Legend | Bishopville, South Carolina
Born in 1937 in segregated South Carolina, Major James Capers Jr. rose to become one of the most decorated Reconnaissance Marines in history. During the Vietnam War, he led more than 50 long-range reconnaissance missions with Team Broadminded, earning a reputation for fearless leadership under fire.
Severely wounded in combat, Capers refused evacuation to protect his men—an act of valor that earned him the Silver Star. Over a 22-year Marine Corps career, he received two Bronze Stars with “V,” three Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
Capers also broke racial barriers, becoming the first African American to command a Recon company and the first Black Marine to receive a battlefield commission. After retiring in 1978, he continued serving veterans through advocacy, mentorship, and his memoir, Faith Through the Storm. He was later inducted into the U.S. Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor.
In 2025, bipartisan members of Congress renewed calls for Capers to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary courage, humility, and service.
Zachary L. Green
Keynote Speaker | Leadership Consultant | Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Int’l Best-Selling Author| Veteran Advocate | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Zachary L. Green is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, and international best-selling author whose career bridges military leadership, public safety, and business innovation. He served in the Marine Corps from 1991–1999, completing Parris Island, Infantry School, and field artillery training, and graduating first in his platoon at Officer Candidate School.
After service, Green spent 13 years as a fire lieutenant, where frontline experience inspired him to found MN8 LumAware Safety, a multi-million-dollar safety technology company now protecting 80,000+ firefighters in 25 countries. His success earned him Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year, a White House invitation, and national recognition.
Green later authored Warrior Entrepreneur and launched Warrior Enterprises, a DoD-recognized SkillBridge program helping service members transition to civilian careers. He is also the curator of the Teufelhunden Tavern & Museum, home to one of the nation’s largest private collections of World War I Marine Corps memorabilia, and regularly delivers professional military education.
A Share the Legacy speaker at MCRD Parris Island, Green continues to mentor Marines, lead Crucible hikes, and uphold the Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment—proving that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
Major James Capers Jr.
Force Recon Marine & Vietnam War Veteran | Bishopville, South Carolina
Submitted by: Dion Thomas
Major James Capers Jr. is a highly decorated Force Recon Marine whose service during the Vietnam War placed him among the most respected reconnaissance leaders in Marine Corps history. Raised in segregated South Carolina, Capers overcame significant barriers to become a pioneering figure within the Corps.
During Vietnam, Capers led Force Recon teams on combat operations against Viet Cong guerrilla forces and the North Vietnamese Army, earning a reputation for calm leadership and tactical excellence under fire. He later served in Lebanon and participated in more than 50 classified missions across Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, contributing to sensitive operations during the Cold War.
Over a distinguished career, Capers earned multiple awards for valor and service, including the Silver Star, Bronze Stars with “V”, and Purple Hearts. His actions and leadership have led to continued advocacy for recognition at the nation’s highest level.
Following retirement, Capers has shared his experiences through speaking engagements and his memoir, Faith Through the Storm, offering insight into leadership, faith, and service. His legacy continues to influence Marines and special operations forces, reflecting the enduring impact of Force Recon and Marine Raider communities.
Col Matthew G. St. Clair
Marine Corps Leader & Combat Veteran | Greenville, South Carolina
Submitted by: Richard Andrew Farrer
Col. Matthew G. St. Clair served nearly 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, commanding some of the Corps’ most complex and operationally demanding units. His leadership assignments included an Infantry Battalion Landing Team (3rd Battalion, 8th Marines), the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, and a Marine Corps Recruit Training Regiment. He also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and concluded his career as chief of staff at Marine Corps Recruit Depot / Eastern Recruiting Region, Parris Island.
Throughout his career, Col. St. Clair completed multiple operational deployments, including combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His service reflects a career dedicated to leadership development, operational excellence, and preparing the next generation of Marines.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
