The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier, Korean War Hero

Emil Kapaun: priest, soldier and Korean War hero. He has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, and is also being considered by the Vatican for canonization as a saint. Under the unbelievably brutal conditions of a prisoner of war camp, survivors say, no matter their religion Father Kapaun did more to save lives and maintain morale than any other man they know. In tracking down the story of Father Kapaun for the Wichita Eagle, Wenzl and Heying uncovered a paradox. Kapaun’s ordinary background as the son of Czech immigrant farmers in Kansas sowed the seeds of his greatness. His faith, generosity and grit began with his family’s humility, thrift and hard work.

Roy Wenzl is an award-winning reporter for the Wichita Eagle. He is a co-producer of the documentary film The Miracle of Father Kapaun.

Travis Heying, a photographer, reporter and war correspondent for the Wichita Eagle, earned acclaim for his series on Afghan detainees. He produced and directed the film documentary The Miracle of Father Kapaun.