Graves Statement on Posthumous Presentation of Medal of Honor to Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today Army Chaplain (Captain) Father Emil J. Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House. Father Kapaun was born in Kansas but attended the Conception Abbey seminary college in Nodaway County, Missouri. He died in 1951 while a prisoner of war in Korea. U.S. Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) issued the following statement regarding the award:

"Father Kapaun's selfless and heroic service during the Korean War is a remarkable example of what makes our nation great. He was a man of God who calmly ministered to the wounded in the middle of a firefight, at grave risk to his life and his freedom. Today's recognition of Father Kapuan is long overdue."

# # #