[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H2574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                FATHER EMIL KAPAUN, A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, 
a priest, soldier and POW, Chaplain Emil Kapaun. Today, we remember 
that 50 years ago Father Kapaun died in a Communist POW camp during the 
Korean war.
  A chaplain in the United States Army's Eighth Cavalry Regiment, 
Father Kapaun and his unit found themselves in a perilous situation on 
the Korean battlefield. A wounded soldier lay completely exposed and 
could not be accessed because of intense machine gun and small arms 
fire.
  With total disregard for his personal safety, Father Kapaun went 
after the wounded man and successfully evacuated him, saving his life. 
Later, captured and as a prisoner of war, Father Kapaun continued to 
minister to his flock of fellow POWs. He encouraged and inspired others 
by his peaceful, courageous demeanor. He continually risked his health 
and life by giving all he had to his fellow soldiers.
  Ultimately, these acts of selflessness contributed to his own 
untimely death.
  So today on the 50th anniversary of his death, we honor his courage 
and reflect on the heroism and the spiritual devotion of this great 
man.

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