The U.S. Naval Academy and West Point rejected an advertisement intended for the Army-Navy game last month that featured a Marine whom supporters believe should receive the Medal of Honor, a tribute that could have raised significant awareness of his heroic actions, his advocates said.

The ad, which lauded the life and bravery of retired Marine Maj. James Capers Jr., was sponsored by a group that has backed service members convicted or sentenced for war crimes, among other cases it believes were wrongfully tried or determined.

The academies declined to comment on the refusal to Military.com, but the move drew the attention of 23 Republican lawmakers who signed a letter addressed to the superintendents of the military academies, stating that they were "deeply troubled" by the decision to dismiss it.

"Major Capers, a distinguished Marine veteran and Medal of Honor nominee, embodies the values of courage, dedication and sacrifice that our service academies strive to instill in their cadets and midshipmen," the Dec. 10 letter from lawmakers said. "Recognizing him in the commemorative program for such a historic event would have been a fitting tribute to his legacy and contributions."