Korean War Army chaplain to get Medal of Honor posthumously
WASHINGTON — An Army chaplain who the White House says braved “withering enemy fire” to provide medical aid and comfort to fellow soldiers during the Korean War is receiving the Medal of Honor more than 60 years after his death.
President Barack Obama was awarding the nation’s highest military honor to Capt. Emil Kapaun (Kah-PAHWN) at a White House ceremony Thursday. Members of Kapaun’s family were expected to attend.
Kapaun is receiving the medal for heroism while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during the Battle of Unsan in 1950. Kapaun stayed with wounded troops knowing he’d probably be captured by the Chinese and led prayers at the risk of punishment.
The Kansas-born Roman Catholic priest died as a prisoner of war at age 35.