Tiahrt renews push for Kapaun honors

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt of Kansas is asking a House committee to take up legislation to award the Medal of Honor to a Kansas Army chaplain.

Capt. Emil Kapaun was a Roman Catholic priest who died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War. He continued to minister and serve fellow soldiers who were sick and wounded while imprisoned by Chinese and Korean captors.

Tiahrt has written to the House Armed Services Committee seeking to advance a bill that would award Kapaun the Medal of Honor, which is the nation's highest military honor. Army leaders have endorsed the award.

Kapaun, a native of Pilsen, is also being considered by the Vatican for sainthood.