Versailles Vietnam vet humbled by national hero

Versailles Vietnam vet humbled by national hero nomination
Mid Missouri
by Jessica Troike
Posted: 07.09.2013

VERSAILLES, MO -- Teresa Capps was shopping online when she came across Dickies American Hero of the Year contest.

She thought her husband, Tommy, would be a good candidate and wrote a 500 word essay to enter the contest.

"He had no idea that I had entered him in this contest, and we were both very pleased and surprised that he's one of the 5 finalists for the American Military Hero of the Year," said Capps.

Tommy Capps was an 18-year-old high school dropout in 1966 when he was drafted into the Army as a replacement...and eventually sent to Vietnam.

Upon arrival, Capps was immediately thrown into combat situations and constantly on guard for signs of the enemy.

A search and destroy mission ended Capps' stint in the war-torn country after three months and one day.

A building exploded, leaving Capps with serious shrapnel wounds, the loss of an eye, and permanent nerve damage in his face.
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