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Jerry joined the Class of 1958 and took his oath as a cadet on the “Plain of West Point” after a year at the USMA Preparatory School, then located at Stewart Air Force Base, New York. He readily adapted himself to the rigors of cadet life and soon learned how to “work hard and play hard” in the proper proportion and at the proper time. Although Jerry was serious-minded and conscientious as a cadet, he was a relaxed individual, and never lost his fine sense of humor. It was not long before he started to ’drag’ his bride-to-be, the former Arlene Caroline Dill, of Newburgh, New York. They were married right after Jerry graduated.</p>
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After the Infantry Basic Officers Course and after Airborne and Ranger Training, Jerry was assigned to the 1st Battle Group, 20th Infantry at Fort Kobbe in the Canal Zone. It was there, on 21 May 1959, that his son Jeffrey Scott was born. By the time he departed the Canal Zone in May 1962, Jerry had acquired the title of “jungle expert,” and the designation was a source of genuine pride to him.</p>
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From Panama, Jerry was named to attend the Infantry Career Course, and the Capelles moved back to Fort Benning. Jerry’s next assignment was with the 101st Airborne Division, and in June 1964 he received orders for Vietnam. There he became Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese 52d Ranger Battalion, the unit he was working with when, on 1 April 1965, he ‘fell beneath a soldier’s blow.’ He gave his life that a fellow advisor might live.</p>
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Jerry’s medals include: the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. We are proud to have Jerry in the Long Gray Line, and we will always remember and salute him. He is a credit to his country and to his profession.</p>
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