The Medal of Honor is one of the most prestigious and rare recognitions in the world, given for only the greatest acts of courage at the risk of one's life while engaged in battle. Chaplain Emil Kapaun is one of 5 chaplains since the Civil War- all Catholic Priests- to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Since it's creation during the Civil War, the Medal has been awarded only 3,535 times. With more stringent criteria, only 1,242 people have received the Medal of Honor since the beginning of World War I.

This is less than 0.01% of all American combat troops that have seen war in the 20th and 21st Century.

The award, along with the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star- not to mention the Korean equivalent of the Medal of Honor- make Father Kapaun one of the most decorated Chaplains in US history.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to

Chaplain (Captain) Emil J. Kapaun United States Army

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 1-2, 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 rescue friendly 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 to execute Sergeant First Class Herbert A. Miller. Not only did Chaplain Kapaun's gallantry 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.

Request Citation Cards

• Father Kapaun’s Medal of Honor is on display at the Chaplain Kapaun Museum in Pilsen, Kansas, in the same rectory where he lived for several years of his priesthood.

• Father Kapaun’s Medal has traveled with Ray Kapaun to visit many of Father Kapaun’s fellow POWs, the Army Chaplain Museum, and even South Korea for the awarding of the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit. Most recently it was on loan at the National Museum of the US Army in Virginia for about 9 months.

• In 2021, the Army issued a second Medal of Honor to be buried with Father Kapaun.

• A National Medal of Honor Museum is currently being built in Arlington, Texas. It is set to open in 2024. Likewise, a Memorial is being planned for the National Mall in Washington, DC. Learn More at www.mohmuseum.org