A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division Paperback – January 1, 2002

This book is about a young man who decided, after becoming a priest, that he would like to serve as a military chaplain. Ultimately he was honored by the military and is now being considered as a possible saint, as his cause has been opened.The author give some background about the Korean War, and then proceeds to tell the life story of this heroic man. He came from a small town in Kansas from Bohemian descent. His family was too poor to send him to the seminary, so the local priest helped to fund his education. After serving in his home town after ordination, he repeatedly asked to become a military chaplain. The bishop ultimately agreed.Fr. Emil's military service will never be forgotten as he had no apparent fear dodging bullets to get to wounded or other soldiers in need during battles. Ultimately, he was captured and put into a prison camp where he encouraged others until he died himself.The author's chapters are very long, but his writing style is interesting and complete. It is a very well developed synopsis of this young man's life.In light of today's scandals among clergy (both protestant and Catholic) is is refreshing to see a man who REALLY WALKED HIS TALK! If you like this book, you will also enjoy "The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, Vietnam, 1966-1967 by Father Daniel L. Mode (Jun 1, 2000)"... another chaplain, WW II, who received the medal of honor and who is also a candidate for sainthood.

Interesting story of why chaplains bring so much comfort to so many young boys in combat. Fr. Emil's remains are buried on the shores of the Yalu River in North Korea He was awarded the M of H, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Combat Infantry Badge. The latter medal is reserved only for those who were in actual combat but Fr. was a "non-combative" ( he was known to have carried a M1 with him) a special dispensation was given for him to receive this medal.) A down to earth son of a born in Germany farmer made this comment in Latin so the Chinese couldn't understand what he said while in Prison Camp #5; Ni illegitimi carborndum esse." (Good Luck on translating this.) The Vatican named him "Servant of God.'' Personal comment by me "may his memory be eternal."

William Maher has given us a well-written biography of Fr. Emil Kapaun. Chaplain Kapaun was born in Kansas, grew up on a farm, and became a diocesan priest. He served as a chaplain in WWII and in Korea. In Korea he was taken as a prisoner of war and died from lack of medical treatment. Parts of this book are difficult to read because of the inhumane way the communist treated POW's, but for all the good men who endured this treatment, we need to read the story.His heroic service to all the men he served with, not just catholics, will never be forgotten. He did everything he could to help his men spiritually, physically and mentally. The title of this book appropriately calls him a shepherd. Just as we think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, so Fr. Kapaun was a good shepherd to his men. He was a true hero although he never would have considered himself a hero.The vatican has named him "Servant of God", and I hope to see him canonized in my lifetime. Pray for us Fr. Kapaun.

A well-written account of Chaplain Kapaun. The author did a lot of research and interviews, and presents a heartbreaking account of the Chinese prison camp in North Korea. Fr Kapaun’s faith was an inspiration.

Father Emil Kapaun was an army chaplain in World War II and in the Korean War. He refused to allow the soldiers who were wounded be taken by the North Koreans. He physically would carry men back to American lines . When he was captured, he refused to allow the Communist guards to destroy the moral of American troops. He daily encouraged all soldiers. He prayed for all Americans who were in battle and when the North Koreans mocked him he publically defended his beliefs. When he became sick and was put in a dirty hospital where he was denied medicine he would not give up. He died in North Korea, but his men both Catholic and non Catholic loved him. He was and is a true hero.

This was a difficult book to stop reading. It moved fast and told a story worth reading. Interesting way the chaplain was able to do his part in saving lives and providing for their general welfare. Preparing them to meet their Maker.

A great book for those interested in Korean War History. This book presents a different view of a soldier who was there and hasn’t returned yet. From his childhood in Kansas to his death as a POW it tells his story!

Loved the story of this patriot priest!