My father, MSG(R) Joe Ramirez, was a PVT in 2-8 Cav in the 1st Cavalry Division in 1950. He knew Father Kapaun well - he baptized my father in Korea.
In Nov, 1950, when China entered the war, my father's outfit was overrun and he was shot 5 times. He was captured by the Chinese and spent the next 33 months as a POW in Manchuria. He was in the same prison camp as Father Kapaun, and it was Father Kapaun who helped keep my father alive. My father was repatriated in 1953, but Father Kapaun died in that POW Camp.
My father was part of the group of former POWs from that camp who lobbied to get Father Kapaun the MoH. Last spring my father was one of nine former POWs who were invited to The White House to witness the family of Father Kapaun receive his MoH. I was honored to accompany my father to that awesome event.
Father Kapaun was an incredible man, by all accounts, and was truly deserving of the MoH. It was truly special to be there for his MoH ceremony. Truly an amazing story of an awesome man.
Thanks for sharing. Very special.
