Rep. Tiahrt asks that legislation to award Father Kapaun a Medal of Honor move forward

Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) is asking that Congress move forward with legislation to award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Major Emil Kapaun, a Korean War chaplain who died in a Chinese prisoner of war camp in 1951. In his service to his country and God, Kapaun saved dozens of soldiers lives.

Kapaun, a Kansan, is also being considered for sainthood by the Vatican.

He served as a chaplain in World War II, left the Army after the end of that conflict, but he re-enlisted in 1948.

Kapaun would give mass from the hood of a jeep, unfortunately, his mass kit would often get damaged by enemy fire. He was captured in late 1950--He refused to an order to escape from oncoming forces, staying to administer the last rites to a soldier.

Next month, a documentary about Father Kapaun's wife will be released.



The great priest was buried in a mass grave near the Yalu River.

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