Honoring the Brave: Medal of Honor Chaplains
Chaplains play a vital role in the U.S. military, providing spiritual guidance, comfort, and moral support to service members in times of peace and war. Some have gone above and beyond, displaying extraordinary bravery under fire. This Chaplain Appreciation Month, we honor the chaplains who received the Medal of Honor—the nation’s highest military decoration—for their selfless service and sacrifice.
Heroic Chaplains Who Received the Medal of Honor
Chaplain Francis B. Hall (Civil War)
Chaplain Francis B. Hall served with the 16th New York Infantry and was recognized for his bravery in the Battle of Salem Heights in 1863. He risked his life under heavy fire to assist wounded soldiers, demonstrating exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
Chaplain Milton L. Haney (Civil War)
Known as the “Fighting Chaplain,” Milton L. Haney served with the 55th Illinois Infantry. During the Battle of Atlanta in 1864, he picked up a rifle and fought alongside his men while also tending to the wounded. His gallantry earned him the Medal of Honor.
Chaplain James Hill (Civil War)
Chaplain James Hill served with the 21st Iowa Infantry and displayed great courage at the Battle of Champion Hill in 1863. Despite intense combat, he aided wounded soldiers on the battlefield, ensuring they received medical attention.
Chaplain John M. Whitehead (Civil War)
A dedicated spiritual leader with the 15th Indiana Infantry, John M. Whitehead earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Stones River in 1862, where he risked his life to assist wounded soldiers under fire.
Chaplain Joseph O’Callahan (World War II)
A Jesuit priest and U.S. Navy chaplain, Father Joseph O’Callahan served aboard the USS Franklin in 1945. When the aircraft carrier suffered a devastating attack, he fearlessly led firefighting and rescue efforts, personally assisting wounded sailors and preventing further explosions. His courageous leadership saved countless lives, earning him the Medal of Honor.
Chaplain Emil Kapaun (Korean War)
Father Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain, risked his life to minister to wounded soldiers during the Battle of Unsan in 1950. Captured by Chinese forces, he continued to uplift fellow prisoners of war, stealing food for the starving and tending to the sick despite his own deteriorating health. He died in captivity but left an indelible legacy of faith and resilience. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Father Kapaun is also on the path to sainthood. He has been declared a Servant of God, the first step in the canonization process, as the Vatican investigates reported miracles attributed to his intercession.
Chaplain Vincent R. Capodanno (Vietnam War)
Father Vincent Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain, served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam. During Operation Swift in 1967, he ran through intense enemy fire to aid and comfort wounded Marines. He was mortally wounded while shielding a soldier with his own body. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Father Capodanno is also on the path to sainthood. He has been declared a Servant of God, the first step toward canonization.
Chaplain Charles “Angelo” Liteky (Vietnam War)
Father Charles Liteky, a U.S. Army chaplain, displayed incredible bravery during a battle near Phuoc-Lac in 1967. Despite heavy enemy fire, he carried over 20 wounded soldiers to safety. He later renounced his Medal of Honor in protest of U.S. foreign policy but remained dedicated to humanitarian causes.
Chaplain Charles Watters (Vietnam War)
Father Charles Watters, a Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain, repeatedly braved enemy fire to rescue and aid wounded soldiers during the Battle of Dak To in 1967. He was killed in action while administering last rites to the dying. His unwavering devotion to his troops and fearless actions posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor.
The Lasting Impact of Chaplains in Service
Medal of Honor chaplains embody the highest ideals of courage, faith, and sacrifice. Their stories serve as a reminder of the essential role military chaplains play—not only as spiritual leaders but also as heroes in their own right.
As we observe Chaplain Appreciation Month this October, let us honor and remember these remarkable individuals who placed their faith in action under the most harrowing circumstances.
Join Us in Honoring Military Chaplains
The Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove is dedicated to preserving the legacy of these heroes. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more and support our mission.
To learn more about Medal of Honor recipients, visit The Congressional Medal of Honor Society.