[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING FATHER EMIL KAPAUN

  Mr. MORAN. Madam President, a few weeks ago, in November, in 
communities across our country, our Nation's men and women in uniform 
were honored on Veterans Day for their service to our Nation. I wish to 
share a story with my colleagues of one exceptional Kansas veteran who 
is no longer with us but whose story stands as a lasting tribute to the 
members of our Armed Forces whose courage and sacrifice preserve our 
freedoms.
  Father Emil Kapaun was born in Pilsen, KS, in 1916 and served as a 
Catholic priest in the diocese of Wichita for 4 years before 
volunteering for the U.S. Army in 1944. During the Korean war, he 
served as a chaplain for the 8th Calvary Regiment of the First Army 
Division.
  His courageous actions in the Korean battlefields saved countless 
lives as he ran under enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. When 
Father Kapaun was taken prisoner in 1950, he continued to live out the 
Army chaplain motto: ``For God and country.''
  In the bitter cold of winter, Father Kapaun carried his injured 
comrades on his back during forced marches through snow and ice, gave 
away his meager food rations, and cared for the sick who were suffering 
alongside him in the prison camp. When all else looked hopeless, this 
simple priest from Kansas rallied his comrades, regardless of their 
faith, to persevere, until his own death as a prisoner of war in 1951. 
This good man distinguished himself by laying down his life for the 
sake of others.
  Earlier this year, Senator Roberts and I introduced legislation to 
award this Kansas war hero the Medal of Honor for his acts of valor in 
the Korean war. The legislation would request and provide the 
Department of Defense and the President with the authority to grant 
this important honor. By waiving the 3-year statute of limitations--the 
timeframe in which it can be awarded--Father Kapaun would be eligible 
to receive the Medal of Honor.
  Senator Roberts and I offered this legislation recently as an 
amendment to the Senate Defense authorization bill and the amendment 
was unanimously approved by the Senate. I thank Senators Levin and 
McCain for their support. My Kansas colleagues in the House were also 
successful in including this language in the House version of the 
National Defense Authorization Act, and I ask that with such strong 
support from both Chambers this provision be included in this year's 
final Defense authorization bill.
  Father Kapaun is most deserving of the distinguished award and I am 
hopeful the Secretary of Defense and President Obama will use the 
authority outlined in this legislation to give Father Kapaun his long 
overdue recognition.
  At this special season of the year, we are reminded that there are 
saints and heroes throughout the history of our Nation who put others 
above themselves and live by God's plan for their lives. May we be 
inspired by their example and live our lives accordingly. Father Kapaun 
demonstrated that one person can make a difference and help change the 
world.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Tennessee.

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