Lieutenant Colonel John William “Caps” Capito (USMC, Ret.) was a distinguished Marine Corps aviator and a pioneer in the AV-8 Harrier program. Born October 31, 1945, in Augusta, Kentucky, Capito became a beloved figure in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he attended St. Joseph’s School and graduated from Western Kentucky University (WKU) in 1967. Inspired by his father, a Marine Corps combat hero who served on Guadalcanal, John pursued his childhood dream of becoming a Marine Corps pilot.
Initially selected to fly the F-4 Phantom, Capito honed his skills at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, and achieved aircraft carrier qualification at NAS Pensacola, Florida. He joined VMFA-513, a Phantom F-4B squadron, and bravely volunteered for service in Vietnam (1969-1971). Driven by a desire to honor his father’s legacy and to avenge the combat death of his best friend, Johnny Miller, Lt. Capito flew 105 combat missions supporting USMC ground operations before returning stateside.
A true innovator, Lt. Capito volunteered to pilot the groundbreaking AV-8A Harrier, the Marine Corps’ first combat aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Joining VMA-542 at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, he became part of only the second squadron to operate this incredibly complex machine, famously without the aid of simulators or two-seat training aircraft.
As the Harrier program expanded, Captain Capito emerged as one of the Marine Corps’ most experienced AV-8 pilots. His expertise was crucial in weapons testing, evaluations, public relations demonstrations, and extensive carrier deployments. After numerous overseas deployments, stateside rotations, and a brief stint as a civilian pilot with Braniff Airlines, Lt. Col. Capito reached the zenith of his illustrious Marine Corps career: Commanding Officer of VMAT-203, the Marine Corps Harrier Training Squadron. Notably, he was also the first person to eject from the newest version of the Harrier, the AV-8B, following a catastrophic engine failure, a testament to the risks he undertook.
Known affectionately as “Caps” by his fellow Marines, Lt. Col. Capito’s humble, low-key leadership and exceptional sense of humor made him an iconic figure in the Harrier community. He fostered strong relationships with both officers and enlisted personnel, dedicating himself to training young Navy and Marine Corps pilots to fly the Harrier professionally and ensuring enlisted Marines were expertly skilled in its maintenance and arming. His focus on mentoring is widely credited for the success of the Harrier program and the careers of those he led.
John Capito retired from the Marine Corps in 1987. He spent several years in Kansas City pursuing various business ventures and actively participating in civic and veteran affairs, including instrumental involvement in organizing all USMC Harrier reunions.
Lieutenant Colonel John William Capito returned to Bowling Green and passed away on November 9, 2020, the day before the Marine Corps’ 245th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Linda McIvoy Capito, and his legacy as a devoted Marine and pioneering aviator.
Lt. Col. John W. Capito’s distinguished awards include:
Meritorious Service Award
Air Medal (nine awards)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) with V device
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Various theater and campaign ribbons
Further insights into the Marine Corps V/STOL program and Lt. Col. Capito’s experiences can be found in his book, AV-8 Harrier Straight Up and Out of Control: A Few Observations and Confessions of a Harrier Pilot, available on Amazon.
