The Hero Chaplain of the Korean War Father Emil J. Kapaun Ken Riege

The Hero Chaplain of the Korean War Father

(Captain) Emil J. Kapaun US Army Medal of Honor Recipient

By Ken Riege USAF Veteran

CChaplains have served in all branches of the United States armed forces since their inception including the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In was on March 4th, 1791 that Reverend John Hurt of Virginia (who had also served as the Chaplain of the 6th Virginia

Regiment during the American

Revolution) was the first officially recognized United States Military

Chaplain.

One very interesting fact is: out of the 3,526 Medal of Honor’s bestowed to 3,507 individuals (There are 19 double MOH Recipients) 9 have been chaplains. Their information is as follows: From the Civil War;

John Milton Whitehead, Grancis

Bloodgood Hall, James Hill, and

Milton Lorenzo Haney. From WW2;

Joseph Timothy O’Callahan. Korea;

Emil J. Kapaun (who is the focus for this story). Vietnam; Angelo J. Liteky,

Charles Joseph Watters and Vincent

Robert Capodanno.

As previously stated, the main focus of this story is WW2 and

Korean War Chaplain, Father (Captain) Emil J. Kapaun. There are several books written about Father

Kapaun, but the one I have read and found so fascinating is “The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and

Korean War Hero.” This book can be found online and through Amazon.

Gallup, NM has several close connections to Father Kapuan. One connection is with Hershey Miyamura who is also a Korean War MOH Recipient and POW. This fact is well known. However, the second connection many may not know about is with Mr. John Moore of the USA RV Park. ( An aside) if you have not visited Mr. Moore’s USA RV Park, you need to. It is such a great place and to get to visit with John and listen to his stories is a delight.

Here is a link to Mr. Moore’s Pilgrimage from the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, to Father Kapuan hometown of Pilsen, KS.

A Patriotic Burden (kofc.org)

Another website that is of great interest would be the following:

Fr. Emil Kapaun - Catholic Diocese of Wichita

I wanted to close this story with Father Kapaun’s MOH Citation and a picture of the Father Kapaun Memorial Display I have at the Comfort Suites in Gallup.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy at Unsan, Korea,from November first to the second, 1950. On November 1, as Chinese Communist Forces viciously attacked friendly elements, Chaplain Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical aid to his comrades and rescuefriendly wounded from no-man’s land. Though the Americans successfully repelled the assault, they found themselves surrounded by the enemy. Facing annihilation, the able-bodied men were ordered to evacuate. However, Chaplain Kapaun, fully aware of his certain capture, elected to stay behind with the wounded. After the enemy succeeded in breaking through the defense in the early morning hours of November 2, Chaplain Kapaun continually made rounds, as hand-to-hand combat ensued. As Chinese Communist Forces approached the American position, Chaplain Kapaun noticed an injured Chinese officer amongst the wounded and convinced him to negotiate the safe surrender of the American Forces.

Shortly after his capture, Chaplain Kapaun, with complete disregard for his personal safety and unwavering resolve, bravely pushed aside an enemy soldier preparing toexecute Sergeant First Class Herbert A. Miller. Not only did Chaplain Kapaun’s gallantry

This book can be found on Amazon or through: www. americanvaluescenter.org

save the life of Sergeant Miller, but also his unparalleled courage and leadership inspired all those present, including those who might have otherwise fled in panic, to remain and fight the enemy until captured. Chaplain Kapaun’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.

*Breaking news regarding Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun. As I was working on this story, I started seeing some posts on the internet about something amazing. I will back it up a bit.

Father Kapaun was captured on November 2nd, 1950 near Unsan, North Korea. Sadly, Father Kapaun died as a POW on May 23rd, 1951 and his remains were buried at the POW camp. The amazing part to this story is just recently the United States Military stated that they have identified the remains of Father Kapaun who was lauded by his fellow soldiers for his selfless examples during the Korean War.

Father Kapaun is also being considered for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church.

There are many fascinating stories from our military, but few are as amazing as Father Emil Kapaun, Priest, Soldier, and Korean War Hero.

This exhibit at the Comfort Suites in Gallup, NM honors MOH Recipient Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun, US Army Korea.

As with all my stories, I end with a quote from one of our nation’s greatest heroes. This month I would like to quote Vietnam War MOH Recipient and retired US Army Major General Patrick Brady. General Brady’s quote is as follows:

“Mediocrity and failure result from choice, not chance. Success is born of courage alone and God has made this marvelous gift infinitely available to all who ask for it.”

I would like to thank General Brady for these wonderful words of faith and wisdom.

This quote along with all the other quotes that have been included in my stories can be found in the book, “Medal of Honor Quotes, Inspiration from America’s Military Heroes.”