In recognition of his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, April 11, 2013. VIEW ORIGINAL
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – In a solemn ceremony held June 5, the U.S. Army formally renamed Camp Humphreys’ Freedom Chapel in honor of Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun, a Roman Catholic priest and Medal of Honor recipient whose courage and sacrifice during the Korean War left a lasting legacy of selfless service.
Hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Commander Col. Ryan Workman, the dedication paid tribute to Chaplain Kapaun’s life, faith, and legacy.
“I believe it’s absolutely fitting to memorialize this chapel in his honor, where our Catholic congregation gathers to worship,” said Workman. “Chaplain Kapaun’s story is one of personal courage, faith in God, and love of his fellow Soldiers.”
Kapaun served in both World War II and the Korean War. During a fierce battle near Unsan, North Korea, on Nov. 1, 1950, he was captured by enemy forces after voluntarily staying behind with wounded Soldiers. Though he briefly escaped, he was recaptured the next day and taken to a prisoner-of-war camp.
Despite brutal conditions, Kapaun emerged as a source of hope and resilience for his fellow prisoners. He ministered to the sick, scavenged for food, built fires to keep others warm, and improvised tools to help purify water and sanitize clothing — all in defiance of his captors’ orders. His quiet defiance, acts of compassion, and unwavering spiritual leadership left an indelible mark on those around him.
Kapaun died in captivity May 23, 1951. In his final moments, he prayed for his fellow prisoners — and even for his captors. “I’m going to where I’ve always wanted to go,” he reportedly told them. “When I get there, I will say a prayer for all of you. Forgive them — for they know not what they do.”
In recognition of his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, April 11, 2013. Many of his fellow POWs credited him with sustaining their morale and saving lives through his spiritual and physical care.
Closing the ceremony, an official order was read aloud:
“In accordance with Army Regulation 1-33, The Army Memorial Program, we hereby memorialize Building 695 on Camp Humphreys in honor of Roman Catholic priest, Army chaplain, and Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Emil J. Kapaun.”
“He distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations at Unsan, Korea, from November 1-2, 1950.”
With the renaming of Freedom Chapel, the Army honors not only the memory of Chaplain Kapaun, but also his enduring legacy of courage, compassion, and faith — ensuring his story continues to inspire Soldiers, families, and civilians for generations to come.
U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys is the “Army’s Home in Korea.” The garrison’s area of responsibility includes Camp Humphreys, Camp Yongin, K-16 Airfield and 11 other smaller sites within Area II and III of U.S. Forces Korea. Camp Humphreys – located along the western coast of the Republic of Korea within the seaport city of Pyeongtaek – is the hub of USFK and headquarters for the Eighth Army, the 2nd Infantry Division, and the U.S. Army’s most active airfield in the Pacific – Desiderio Army Airfield.
Social Sharing