Over the course of my life as an “army brat,” a soldier and a retiree I have been well served by military chaplains representing a wide array of backgrounds, races, genders and creeds. Almost every one of them was able to provide meaningful pastoral care to the soldier or family member in need of spiritual direction regardless of that person’s faith, be it strong or non-existent. Those with whom I served were also astute observers and thoughtful advisors concerning the command climate, morale of the troops, and other sensitive issues.
Indeed, our chaplains do so much more! In Cold War Europe, for example, our chaplains served both congregations in our communities and our troops on maneuvers or in “density” at major training areas like Grafenwoehr. I remember well, and with BOTL-pride, listening to our own Chaplain Geoff Moran over AFN radio as he delivered the spiritual message of the day for all of USAREUR. https://thedaysforward.com/word-in-the-world/ In Vietnam, morale went up when a chaplain flew into the firebase or the jungle. Regardless of the day of the week, that day became Sunday! Later, we all prayed along with Chaplain Ray Dupere as he led us on a memorial tour, cemetery to cemetery across America, to solemnly acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by our classmates fifty years earlier. https://thedaysforward.com/semi-final-resting-place/ https://thedaysforward.com/semi-final-resting-place-2/
Several chaplains have become special members of my family; their witness encouraged my daughter Mary, USMA ’02, to follow those footsteps. She serves as a chaplain in the Colorado Army National Guard.
A Shephard in Combat Boots
Late in my career I had the good fortune to “meet” another very special chaplain. I was privileged to command the 24th ID and Fort Riley, Kansas in 2000-2001 at which time the post was a designated installation for commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Korean Conflict. We proudly hosted and honored many veterans with parades, reunions, and the like. In the spring of 2001, the Archdiocese of Wichita contacted us to request support for the dedication of a statue of a deceased Korean War veteran, a Catholic priest named Emil Kapaun. When I asked who he was, I was handed a book entitled A Shepherd in Combat Boots.
Emil Kapaun was born 20 April 1916 and raised in the small farming community of Pilsen, Kansas inhabited mainly by Czech immigrants. He was ordained in 1940 and served in the diocese until becoming an army chaplain in 1944. He served in Burma during World War II and deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division to the Korean Conflict in 1950. His courage was legendary in the 1st Cav. Father Kapaun was always on the front lines conducting services, encouraging the weary and frightened, and sharing their experiences. He was the guy who dragged the wounded to safety during a firefight.
He was the guy who would drop into a soldier’s foxhole during a mortar attack to offer the startled fellow an apple and to check morale. For his extraordinary courage in near constant contact, he was awarded Distinguished Service Cross.
On 1 November 1950 as allied forces approached the Yalu River, Chinese Communist forces entered the battle. His battalion was surprised by their attack and was quickly overwhelmed at Unsan. He, of course, was with the wounded, refusing to leave them behind, and was captured on 2 November. Within minutes he saved a wounded soldier, Sergeant Herb Miller, from being executed. He then carried Miller for the first 10 miles of the long march to the POW camp. For the next seven months, he was the ultimate servant-leader, spiritually and in every other way, under the harshest conditions. He went far beyond the call of duty: he was the “good thief” who was able to deliver extra food; he washed their wounds; he performed myriad other life-sustaining efforts, prayed with them and conducted “forbidden” religious services. Against all odds, he bolstered their morale and gave them hope, buffeting the re-education classes and reminding them that they were valued American soldiers who could survive and return home. The Communists both hated and feared him. Their mistreatment of him eventually caused his death in May 1951. Even those who became prisoners after his death were inspired by what he had accomplished. One of these, Captain Gerald Fink, USMC, a man of Jewish faith, carved a nearly four-foot-tall crucifix with a barbed-wire crown to honor Kapaun whom he had never seen. Those who had known Kapaun in the POW camp were amazed at the resemblance of the Christ figure to the good padre. The crucifix was the “banner” under which the POWs paraded out of camp two years later; it remains an inspirational reminder in the entrance hall of Wichita’s Kapaun High School today!
Testimony of his courageous leadership by surviving POWs, especially 1LT Mike Dowe, USMA ’50, led to his eventual award of the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2009. Their testimony of his sacrificial gift of himself to his fellow POWs in imitation of Christ led Pope John Paul II in 1993 to declare him a Servant of God, the Catholic Church’s first formal step toward sainthood.
A Memorial for the Troops
I was moved and very inspired by his story. On 3 June 2001 I went to Pilsen with our mounted color guard, our chaplains, and an honor guard and participated in the touching dedication of the statute.
Upon return to Ft. Riley, I asked my staff if we could re-name the Custer Hill Chapel in the troop area after Chaplain Kapaun. They dutifully forwarded a request to the Pentagon. We promptly received a response: DISAPPROVED: cannot name a chapel after a person. In frustration, I asked, “What can we name?” “A street.” came the reply. “What street runs into the parking lot of the chapel?” I asked. When I learned that it was a one-block dead-end street, we re-named it Kapaun Street and our re-submitted request for the Kapaun Street Chapel was approved. In November 2001, fifty years after his death in the POW camp, the Kapaun family joined the Ft. Riley command for a ceremonial rededication of the chapel as the Chaplain (CPT) Emil Kapaun Chapel and across the parking lot, the newly named Kapaun Family Readiness Center. Soldiers and families would now enjoy facilities named for this soldier-chaplain-hero, a fitting conclusion to our 50th Anniversary of the Korean Conflict Commemoration events at Fort Riley.
A Moving Funeral for a Future Saint
Now…the rest of the story. Father Kapaun’s remains were returned to the US Army in 1953 but remained unidentified. He was interred in a grave marked “Unknown but to God” in the Punchbowl Military Cemetery in Hawaii. Finally, in early in 2021, due to advances in the science and technologies of DNA, his remains were positively identified. He would finally be returning to Kansas for a hero’s welcome and proper burial. Decades of prayers had been answered!
On 29 September 2021, 70 years after his death, the “world” saw on television what 6000 witnessed in person in Wichita, Kansas, the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Emil Kapaun. The solemn ceremony was celebrated by Archbishop of the Diocese of Wichita and concelebrated by five other bishops, assisted by myriad priests, deacons, speakers, cantors, and a mixed choir from parishes, local Catholic high schools and the military academies.
Soldiers, young and old, from near and far, including the command teams from Fort Riley and from the 1st Cavalry Division, attended to rejoice over his return, to honor and to celebrate his life of amazing and heroic service. After the Mass, Father Kapaun received full military honors and was entombed in a special vault in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Several of his fellow POWs, including Sergeant Herb Miller, attended the funeral. My wife Joan and I along with classmate Joe McCarville and his wife Diane were also privileged to attend.
For his brothers in the clergy, his family and the people of Pilsen, the surviving POWs, today’s soldiers, kids from Father Kapaun and Bishop Carroll High Schools in Wichita, and the entire community, these events were ones of joy, hope, and inspiration.
Getting to Know this Man of Heroic Virtue
Father Kapaun’s extraordinary performance, clearly above and beyond the call of duty, exemplified the motto of the Chaplain Corps, Pro Deo et Patria, For God and Country. Since “meeting” him in 2001, Father Kapaun has become my spiritual inspiration, my go-to-hero, a patron saint of sorts: my model of what it means for a Christian to “pick up one’s cross and follow Christ!”
If you are interested in an authentic story about heroic virtue read A Shepherd in Combat Boots or The Miracle of Father Kapaun. Search YouTube for the many videos about Father Emil Kapaun. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks, Bob, for this story on a great servant leader.
Bruce: Thanks for reading it and commenting. Best, Bob
Saint, Thank you for sharing this great tribute to a great man. I am proud to know you and to have been your “roomie” all of those many years ago.
Doug: I am happy that you liked the story. Look on UTube to find more good stuff about him. Thanks, Saint
Bob, thanks so much for your article on Chaplain Kapaun. It reminded me of my battalion chaplain, Dave Canada, who could be found riding with the crew of a big 8-inch Howitzer or eating chow with a group of soldiers in the pouring rain. He was a loved and invaluable friend, advisor and listener to everyone in the unit.
Bill: The best chaplains are not forgotten! We have been blessed by their service, Thanks, Bob
Thanks, Bob, a wonderful tribute to a great man and soldier of God! Appreciate your tenacity in naming the chapel for him.
Thanks, Eric. You know well the value of a great chaplain. Best my friend. Bob
Thanks, Bob, for this inspiring story. I had not really been aware how the chaplains bravely served in the foxholes along with their men until I read hand written accounts by Mike’s step-father, Dr. Bill Grindstaff. He served on Guadalcanal and we cherish the few black and white photos of him preaching and baptizing as well as written narratives of foxhole experiences. Yours was an amazing story of one of God’s greatest.
Dear Janie: Just think: Father Kapaun and Mike are likely getting to know each other in the great beyond! Thanks for naming another Chaplain-hero who is probably making that a three-way chat since have we invoked them. I hope you are doing well. Bob
Honor indeed! A genuinely inspiring account of dedication and persistence in the face of obstacles (technical and bureaucratic) to ultimately achieve a fitting recognition of an incredible soldier and Servant of God.
We members of the BOTL are so fortunate to have your continuing service to and celebration of the ideals of Duty, Honor, Country.
The two words “Thank you” seem inadequate to express appreciation for all you do, but please know they are heartfelt. Lead on!
Stewart: I knew you would enjoy and be moved by this story of heroic virtue. Thanks for your comments. Bob
Bob, This was a fabulous story about a fabulous man. Thanks for sharing.
Greg: Thank you for reading it. I am happy you enjoyed it, Best, Bob
Bob, thank you for your very touching tribute to Father Kapaun. When we graduated back in 1969 I never imagined that one day I would retire as a U.S. Army Chaplain, but by the grace of God that is what came to be. And the longer I served with the Cross on my lapel the more I came to learn what “a great cloud of witnesses” I had become a part of; and certainly Chaplain Kapaun is a great one indeed among that cloud. Thank you again for reminding us that true service to God and Country and Man comes in many forms.
Ray: You are part of my story. Thanks. Bob
Your story brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful man, soldier and future saint.
Pete: I am pleased that you found the story of this man of heroic virtue moving. Thanks for reading it and for your comment. Bob
Saint, such a great and moving story of dedication, courage, and leadership. Heroes like this should never be forgotten for their selfless service in the most difficult of situations. Thank you for this beautiful gift.
Thanks, Dick. Yes, he should not be forgotten. There must be many more heroes about whom we know little. I glad I learned about this Kansan albeit late in my life. Best, Saint
Thank you, Saint. It’s clear why the details of Fr Kapaun’s life, and the the honor he was given after his death, are etched in your mind. Such a powerful and moving story. Your sharing of it inspires us all to be all we can be in our life journey.
Paul: Thanks. I am glad you found the story moving. Inspire is the right thought, indeed. My best, Saint
Dear Lord, Bob, thank you. I am still so very moved with your tale of a courageous priest and fellow soldier.
Tom: I am pleased that you not only enjoyed but were inspired by the Kapaun story. Many thanks for your comments. My best, Bob
Saint, Ray DuPree – you guys are an inspiration to us. You make us realize how important it is to have God in our lives. I live next to Maryknoll and in their hallway is a plaque to Vincent Capodanno – a Marine Corps chaplain who was killed in Vietnam and awarded the Medal of Honor without ever touching a weapon. I say prayers to him every time I am there. What you did to share this story and what Ray did to visit our classmate’s graves is beyond any adjectives I could come up with. God Bless. Cappiello
Rick: Thank you for your heartfelt comments. When I talk to my civilian friends about sainthood for Father Kapaun invariably the response is “What about Capodanno?” He is better known than Kapaun…must be the USMC thing. I am all for a “two-fer.” Let’s canonize them both at the same time. Maryknoll: my first retreat while a cadet. I am happy that the story moved you. Best, Saint
Gen St. Onge,
I enjoyed reading your inspiring tribute to military chaplains and to Father Kapaun. I came across your story as I searched the web for information on my D-4 TAC from 1976-1978.
I started WP with the first class of women and left after my yearling year. I remember you clearly. You may be interested to know a little about me. Years later, I became a diocesan chancellor. One of my roles was to support our priests, much like a personnel officer but also as a friend. I worked with military chaplains and priests alike in their service to the Catholic faithful and all who called on them. I agree with you that they are amazing and courageous people.
I am overjoyed to find you after 40 plus years – to be able to thank you for your support during one of the most challenging times in my life. My Catholic faith has been my sustaining strength but people like you are a channel of God. You supported me then. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I think it’s important for people to know that even those who don’t graduate from WP take with them what they learned there about dedication to serve.
Dear Kathy: I remember you very well and with great fondness. You made it through the toughest times at WP and then chose a different path to service. I read your retirement article and applaud your life of giving.
I keep in touch with a few from your WP class, one in particular may bring a smile: Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa. She was in A4 I believe, Served in the active army and then the reserves. Despite a successful business career she entered the Benedictine order before her final retirement from the army reserve. She was known in the convent as “the nun with a gun” as she went to finish her last few drills before retirement.
Thank you for your support to our priests and for reaching out to me. I would enjoy staying in touch. Bob
General,
Thank you for the story about Chaplain Kapaun. I graduated in 97 and you were Comm when I was a cadet. I had a minor role at the US Embassy in Seoul when the ROK government posthumously awarded CH Kappaun their highest military honor. A story for the ages!
Joe: Nice to hear from you. Thanks for filling in some additional spaces for me about Father Kapaun. Your classmate, Mac Hodell, is my son-in-law. He is doing well and has a beautiful family. Blessings to you and yours. Bob
Inspiring story Bob. Thanks for bring chaplains the recognition they deserve. The Chaplain I most remember from my service is Chaplain Ford who was the Protestant Chaplain during our cadet years and later Chaplain to the U.S. Congress.
Bob,
What a great story on Chaplain Kapaun! Thanks for sharing this about a truly unique soldier and hero!
I ‘m just now getting “The Days Forward” thanks to your Classmate Johnnie Shaw, a dear and old friend from our teaching days at West Point and being neighbors at Stewert Field.
I don’t know if you remember me, but we shared some “fun” times together in Ranger 4-69 and then a floor apart in Washington Hall in the late 1970’s. Thanks again for the story!
Dick Johns (ROTC, Cal Poly, 1969)
Dick:. Of course I remember you…and honorary member of our class through blood, sweat and tears…Ranger 4 Hard Core! Or so we thought!!
I am happy you enjoyed the article. Thanks for coming up on the net. Best wishes for the holidays and for 2023.
Bob,
Thanks so much for the response…you always were THE BEST and remain that way today!
Best,
the skull (my nickname from the 3rd ACR in 1982! Pretty cool, so I’ve kept it!)
Sir,
Great story, it’s good to hear about truly great soldiers.
Hope all is well with you and the family. Great to see your stories online. Hope to hear more.
Sir,
Great story. I am watching a PBS Veterans Day special and saw someone who reminded me of you. Found this after a google search. Followed your career, but lost you as you retired. Great to find you again! Black Lions, Sir!
Steve: It is nice to hear from you. Wishing you a proud, yet humble, Veterans Day. I am happy that you enjoyed the article about Father Kapaun. Peace to you, your family, and our Nation as we attempt to still troubled waters at home and abroad. Bob