Wichita ? The Defense Department says it supports recent legislation that allows a Kansas Army chaplain to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Jo Ann Rooney, an undersecretary of defense, told Sen. Pat Roberts in a recent letter the department supports legislation that enabled Fr. Emil Kapaun’s consideration for the honor. That legislation waived time restrictions on awarding the medal. Kapaun’s actions took place in the Korean War.

Kapaun, from Pilsen, was serving as an Army Chaplain when he died in a prison camp in 1951. He’s also been classified as a Servant of God by the Vatican, the first step to sainthood.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Rooney said the waiver legislation gives the President the authority to award that medal to Kapaun if he determines the award is merited.