On the recordSeptember 30, 2021
Today I would like to honor one of the finest men to ever come from the State of Kansas, Father Emil Joseph Kapaun, or Kapaun, as he is frequently referred to in Kansas. Father Kapaun, or Kapaun, who grew up on a farm in Kansas, was ordained as a priest for the Wichita Diocese on June 9, 1940. He went on to become a U.S. Army Chaplain during World War II and the Korean war with the rank of captain. Father Kapaun died in a North Korean prison camp on May 23, 1951, at the age of 35. In 35 short years, Father Kapaun sacrificed more and saved more lives and souls than many could ever hope to do in 100 years. Many around the world rightly celebrate the story of Father Kapaun, who is being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church; a first for a native Kansan. His Medal of Honor citation gives a small glimpse at the deep reservoir of Father Kapaun's bravery and honor. It reads: Chaplain Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical aid to his comrades and rescue the wounded from no-man's-land. After the battle, when given the option to escape to safety with his unit, Father Kapaun volunteered to stay behind to care and minister to the wounded. He was subsequently captured by the Communists and taken to a prison camp where he was forced to march more than 60 miles in harsh weather.…
