Taegeuk Order of Military Merit
South Korea’s Highest Award
In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, Father Kapaun has also been awarded the Republic of Korea’s highest military recognition for valor in 2021.
The Taegeuk Order of Military Merit is a recognition given to few Americans. President Moon Jae-in of South Korea awarded the medal to Father Kapaun’s nephew Ray. When bestowing the medal, President Moon referenced Father Kapaun’s dedication to peace and freedom through humility and love.
Among the Americans who have received the award are General Douglas MacArthur, who oversaw the defense of South Korea and the Incheon Landing to turn the initial tide of the war, and General Homer Litzenberg, who commanded the 7th Marine Regiment at the Battles of Incheon and the Chosin Reservoir.
The Kapaun family has chosen to loan the Taegeuk Medal to various museums to help share Father Kapaun’s story.
Chaplain Kapaun’s Awards
Father Kapaun is the most highly decorated Chaplain in US military history. In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Korean Taegeuk Medal, he has several other awards.
The Legion of Merit is given not primarily for heroism, but for exceptionally meritorious service. It was awarded to Chaplain Kapaun in recognition for his extraordinary actions as a Prisoner of War. The Medal of Honor focuses on Kapaun’s actions on the battlefield; this is an award that recognizes his outstanding religious and humanitarian actions, even while sick and suffering himself.
Aug. 2, 1950 (early in the war). Upon learning of a wounded squad leader in an exposed position, and with no litter bearers available, Ch. Kapaun and another officer proceeded to the front lines. With total disregard for personal safety, they retrieved the wounded man, the whole route under intense enemy machinegun and small arms fire. Stories of his brave deeds became a huge morale boost to the whole division.
America’s oldest military decoration, it was established by General George Washington. Since World War I it is awarded to someone who has been wounded or killed by enemy forces, or in the case of Father Kapaun, who has been taken as a Prisoner of War.
A relatively new award, issued in 1985, it is given to members of the Armed Forces who have been taken captive by enemy forces.
Awarded for service during World War II. Father Kapaun served for a few months as a new chaplain at Fort Wheeler, Georgia in 1944, and was sent to the China-Burma-India Theater in early 1945.
Chaplain Kapaun served in Burma and India from March 1945 – March 1946. He saw little heavy combat, and mostly travelled great distances over dangerous mountain roads and by air to bring Christ to the troops. It was during this time that he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Awarded to all troops who served during World War II as a commemoration of their contributions to the Allied Victory.
Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for 120 days of honorable active service during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and/or Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
Awarded by the United States to troops who fought during the Korean War.
Awarded by the United Nations to troops who fought during the Korean War.
Citations awarded to the 1st Cavalry Division in recognition for its contributions to the war effort, given by the Presidents of South Korea (top) and the United States (bottom).
Medal of Honor Ceremony
April 11, 2013
Watch the presentation of Father Kapaun’s Medal of Honor to his nephew Ray Kapaun at the White House. Several of Father Kapaun’s fellow Prisoners of War were in attendance for the momentous occasion.