The Story of U.S. Army Chaplain – Captain Emil Kapaun

Date of Incident: April 1951
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

Though he served in World War II, Captain Emil Kapaun’s ultimate sacrifice came during the Korean War — not with a weapon, but with compassion and unbreakable faith.

The Story:

In November 1950, during the Battle of Unsan, Kapaun’s unit was overwhelmed by Chinese forces. As bullets rained down and men screamed for help, Kapaun ran through enemy fire, dragging the wounded to safety, praying over the dying, and offering last rites to those beyond saving.

When he was offered a chance to escape, he refused. He said he wouldn’t leave the wounded behind.

He stayed.

He was eventually captured and marched with other POWs to a brutal prison camp. There, in freezing temperatures and starvation-level rations, Kapaun became the soul of the camp. He stole food for others. He gave away his own portions. He washed the wounded, tended to the sick, and carried dying soldiers in his arms even when he could barely walk himself.

One soldier recalled:

“He was the reason many of us stayed alive. He gave us hope. When he prayed, it felt like God was right there with us.”

Despite growing sick, he continued to serve others. The guards, angry at his influence and strength, dragged him away to a so-called “death house,” denying him food and medicine. He died alone, likely of pneumonia and starvation — but not before saving dozens of lives with his courage, spirit, and unwavering love.