Kan. lawmakers push for MoH for late chaplain - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Kan. lawmakers push for MoH for late chaplain

WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas congressional delegation is making their case to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that a late Roman Catholic priest deserves a Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Korean War.

Army Capt. Emil Kapaun of Pilsen was serving as a chaplain when he died in a prison camp in May 1951. His sister-in-law, Helen Kapaun, said she was encouraged by Friday’s letter from the congressional delegation and hoped the honor would be forthcoming.

Panetta’s recommendation to President Obama would be one of the last steps in the process. Kapaun already has the backing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the Wichita Eagle.

Kapaun has been classified a Servant of God by the Vatican, the first step in the process to sainthood.