degree, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Virginia, where he was also a member of the school's prestigious Raven Society.

He then practiced law in New York City from 1941 to 1950, with time out for military service in the United States Navy.

During the invasion of Normandy, he served as U.S. Navy beachmaster,[4] cited as member of initial landing force on Omaha Beach and the recipient of the French Legion of Honor.

Upon his leaving, The Washington Post published an article about Caplin's accomplishments as Commissioner, which included helping to tighten the administration of tax laws, building the IRS's public image, and implementing a nationwide computer system centralized with a basic taxpayer master file.

Caplin served as Trustee of many educational and charitable organizations: UVA Board of Visitors; UVA Law School Foundation;[11] George Washington University;[12] University of the Virgin Islands; Peace Through Law Education Fund; Community Children's Theatre; Arena Stage; Shakespeare Theatre; Wolf Trap Foundation.

Caplin's passion for the arts can be traced back to his college years when he was president of the Virginia Players' and performed the title role in their production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar on February 5, 1938.

The American Bar Foundation honored him at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans founded by historian and author, Stephen Ambrose.

He was also named "Chevalier" of the Légion d'honneur or Legion of Honor[19] by the President of the French Republic for his contributions to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II.

The Maryland General Assembly issued an official citation in recognition of his appointment as "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor.

Caplin was the star middleweight of a national championship boxing team as a University of Virginia undergraduate in the mid-1930s.

[24] Since its inception in 2008, the conference brings together leading experts to examine crucial economic issues on the global stage.