Chaplain Kapaun, with complete disregard for his personal safety, calmly moved among the wounded men, giving them medical aid and easing their fears. His courageous manner inspired all those present and many men who might otherwise have fled in panic were encouraged by his presence and remained to fight the enemy. As the battle progressed, the number of wounded increased greatly and it became apparent that many of the men would not be able to escape the enemy encirclement. Finally, at dusk on 2 November 1950, the remaining able-bodied men were ordered to attempt to break through the surrounding enemy. At this time, although fully aware of the great danger, Chaplain Kapaun voluntarily remained behind, and when last seen was administering medical treatment and rendering religious rites wherever needed.
Captain (Chaplain) Emil Joseph Kapaun’s citation for the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumous) [Emphasis Added]
While in captivity, Father Kapaun risked his life to steal food from the surrounding fields and sneaked away to a nearby river to clean cotton bandages for the wounded held in a dirty and unsanitary prison camp.
Many of those who have survived the camp credit Kapaun for helping them get through the ordeal.
On Easter Sunday 1951, defying camp rules forbidding religious services, Father Kapaun held Mass using broken wood to make a cross and barbed wire to form a rosary.
On May 23 1951, Father Kapaun died of pneumonia while in captivity. His body is buried in a unmarked grave in North Korea.
“Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Pray for us Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun.
