Rev. Emil Kapaun honored for heroism during Korean War
President Moon Jae-in poses with Raymond Kapaun, second from right, and Katherine Kahn in a medal-giving ceremony honoring their deceased Korean War veteran relatives' bravery and contributions to the Republic of Korea at Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
By Nam Hyun-woo
Rev. Emil Kapaun / Courtesy of Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul
Rev. Emil Kapaun, a Roman Catholic priest who served as a U.S. Army chaplain, was honored for his heroism during the 1950-53 Korean War.
President Moon Jae-in awarded the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit, the highest decoration for outstanding military service, to the late priest, on Tuesday, the occasion of the 71st U.N. Forces Participation Day.
Kapaun landed in Korea on July 18, 1950 and immediately faced battle. He committed himself to caring for wounded soldiers while under fire during the North Korean army's advance into the South.
He was captured by the enemy in November that year while looking after wounded soldiers despite a pullout order amid an airstrike by the Chinese Army, which had entered the war to drive allied fighters out of North Korea. While a prisoner, he cared for other soldiers in a prison camp but ultimately died of malnutrition and pneumonia on May 23, 1951.
In recognition of his devotion and service, Pope John Paul II declared him a Servant of God, the first stage on the path to canonization, in 1993, and the U.S. awarded him with the Medal of Honor in April 2013.
His body was returned to his family in March this year, after being discovered at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.
“Under the extreme situation of being wounded and taken prisoner, Father Kapaun showed bravery of protecting freedom, peace and his belief. Also, he celebrated mass to pray for the enemy, which was a true practice of love,” Moon said during an award ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae. “Father Kapaun's holy life will become a great spiritual legacy for not only the U.S. and Korea but also for all of humanity.”
Moon added that the South Korean Catholic community is making efforts for Kapaun's canonization.
Kapaun's nephew Raymond Kapaun received the medal on behalf of his uncle.
Also at the ceremony, former Australian Brigadier Colin Kahn was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Pomegranate Medal, which is given to those who have contributed to national development.
Kahn participated in the war in July 1952 as a platoon leader, and suffered a bullet wound that pierced his lung during a reconnaissance mission. After returning home, Kahn played a role in sharing the horrors of the war and the post-war development of South Korea.
His great-grandniece Katherine Kahn received the order on his behalf.
This is the first time that a South Korean President has bestowed state medals on U.N. Forces veterans who fought in the Korean War.
“The sacrifice and commitment of Father Kapaun, Brigadier Kahn and the other 1.95 million U.N. Forces?veterans from 22 countries have become the pride of the Republic of Korea,” Moon said. “The Korean government will honor the blood alliances with the participating countries and spare no efforts to repay veterans' sacrifice and commitment.”