Bill Overview
Title: To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr. for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
Description: This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr. for his acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from March 31 through April 3, 1967, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
Sponsors: Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]
Target Audience
Population: People closely associated with and supporters of James Capers, Jr.
Estimated Size: 1000
- The primary individual affected by the bill is James Capers, Jr., who is the subject of the Medal of Honor award.
- The Medal of Honor is a significant award that may impact the family and close associates of James Capers, Jr. by bringing recognition and honor.
- Passed bills like these can increase morale and acknowledgment of veterans' efforts, impacting military communities who view this as a form of recognition of their sacrifices.
- While the Medal of Honor is a personal accolade, public recognition can indirectly affect military personnel by highlighting their contributions, positively affecting veterans and active service members.
Reasoning
- The primary direct impact of this bill will be on James Capers, Jr. himself as it is an individual award, hence the budget considerations are minimal in terms of affecting a wide population.
- Indirect impacts are expected to reverberate largely within veteran and military communities due to the symbolic nature of the award, increasing morale and feelings of recognition.
- Families of military veterans and active duty service members may feel a sense of increased pride and acknowledgment, which could improve their overall wellbeing.
- Given the symbolic nature rather than a direct economic impact, any changes in wellbeing scores will likely be influenced by non-material factors like emotional and social recognition.
- The estimated population affected (1,000 people) includes military personnel, veterans, family, and supporters who value and recognize military valor and awards.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Marine Corps Veteran (Montgomery, Alabama)
Age: 82 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe recognizing James Capers, Jr. with the Medal of Honor is overdue and well-deserved.
- Such recognition boosts our morale as veterans, making us feel valued for our sacrifices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Military History Professor (New York, New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awarding James Capers, Jr. the Medal of Honor highlights underrepresented heroes from the Vietnam War.
- This generates interest and discussion about military history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Active Duty Marine (San Diego, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition of valor like this uplifts the spirit of all active duty members, knowing our efforts are seen and respected.
- It inspires young Marines to serve with honor.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Veterans Service Organization Member (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This Medal of Honor recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of veterans like Capers, bringing a sense of pride to our community.
- It strengthens our resolve to advocate for all veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate Student in Sociology (Houston, Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awards like these contribute to societal discussions on military valor and its role in national identity.
- They bring needed attention to underrepresented heroes from past wars.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Journalist (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This story on James Capers, Jr. receiving the Medal of Honor will resonate with our readers.
- Honors like this create positive narratives around military service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Vietnam War Veteran's Widow (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing Capers honored with the Medal of Honor reminds us that our loved ones' sacrifices were not forgotten.
- It brings a bittersweet sense of pride and closure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Military Spouse and Full-time Parent (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such recognitions reinforce the pride and values within military families.
- They're a reminder of the historical strength and honor in the Marine Corps lineage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Historian (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This Medal of Honor is critically important in the historical narrative of Vietnam War heroics.
- It elevates the stories of those who have often been overlooked.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Film Producer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This award could inspire stories that elevate the narratives of unsung heroes like Capers.
- I see potential for impactful storytelling that educates and honors service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000 (Low: $4000, High: $6000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The Medal of Honor is primarily a symbolic accolade and does not entail recurrent costs.
- The act might be perceived as having high symbolic and moral value rather than fiscal stakes.
- Recognitions like these can affect perceptions and morale in military communities despite no direct economic implications.