Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #241240 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 199 pages

Customer Reviews

FR. KAPAUN WAS OUR REGT. CHAPLIN
I WAS WITH CO.C IST BN. 8TH CAV. REGT IN KOREA. I HAVE BEEN A CATHOLIC FOR 48 YEARS, AND CREDIT FR. KAPAUN EQUALLY INSTRAMENTAL IN GUIDIND ME TOWARD THE FAITH, HIS LACK OF FEAR IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE, WHEN HE AND OTHER CHAPLIN WOULD GO TO THE AID OF THE WOUNDED AND DYING MADE YOU FEEL THAT HE COULD NOT BE HARMED. I STARTED PRAYING TO FR.KAPAUN SOME MONTHS AGO ,NOT KNOWING THAT HE COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR SAINTHOOD,BECAUSE I FEEL I HAVE SOMEONEIN HEAVEN WHO UNDERSTANDS MY FEELINGS OF SURVIVING GUILT AND WILL ASK FORGIVNESS FOR ME. SINCERLY DONALD H. SUMMERS 301 WILDHORSE COVE CLEVELAND GA. 30528

The story of a hero
"A Shepherd in Combat Boots" is the story of a remarkable soldier, priest and human being. In this day and age, where people loosely confer the title of "hero" on media stars and sports figures, it is inspiring to read the story of a true hero -- Father Emil Kapaun, a simple chaplain who gave unselfishly of himself and placed his own life in jeopardy to serve his fellow soldiers during the Korean War. As a member of the U.S. military reserve, I found the story a moving reminder of what it means to serve one's country and fellow man.

The extensive endnotes and bibliography indicate that the author has thoroughly researched his subject matter. Yet, while providing a great deal of information, the author has produced a story which is quite readable. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Korean War (as I did in reading it) or to anyone who is simply looking for an inspirational, true story.

Father Kapaun provided a tremendous example of courage to the young soldiers in his care during the most frightening and difficult circumstances. His story would send a positive message to any reader and might be particularly appreciated by young readers (teens and above), who may be trying to formulate their own answers to the question of what it really means to live one's life as a hero.

War in Another Dimension
One usually thinks of soldiers exclusively when considering warfare. Only as a second thought are civillians, surgeons and chaplins given any attention. A Shepherd in Combat Boots will rectify that laxity in thinking. Father Emil Kapaun's story is one of compelling compassion for fellow human beings in the peculiar circumstances of combat and captivity. He was a man of action when the simplest of gestures counted. By his example soldiers learned the true meanings of love, sacrifice, duty and honor. No one can read this book without being touched and without asking "why have I never heard of this man before?"