Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

Korean War - U.S. Army

Loren R Kaufman

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment,
    2d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 4, 1950
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Yongsan, Korea
Citation
Sfc. Kaufman distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. On the night of 4 September the company was in a defensive position on two adjoining hills. His platoon was occupying a strong point two miles away protecting the battalion flank. Early on 5 September the company was attacked by enemy battalion and his platoon was ordered to reinforce the company. As his unit moved along a ridge it encountered a hostile encircling force. Sfc. Kaufman, running forward, bayoneted the lead scout and engaged the column in a rifle and grenade assault. His quick, vicious attack so surprised the enemy that they retreated in confusion. When his platoon joined the company he discovered that the enemy had taken commanding ground and pinned the company down in a draw. Without hesitation Sfc. Kaufman charged the enemy lines firing his rifle and throwing grenades. During the action, he bayoneted two enemy and, seizing an unmanned machine gun, delivered deadly fire on the defenders. Following this encounter the company regrouped and resumed the attack. Leading the assault, he reached the ridge, destroyed a hostile machine-gun position, and routed the remaining enemy. Pursuing the hostile troops, he bayoneted two more and then rushed a mortar position, shooting the gunners. Remnants of the enemy fled to a village and Sfc. Kaufman led a patrol into the town, dispersed them, and burned the buildings. The dauntless courage and resolute intrepid leadership of Sfc. Kaufman were directly responsible for the success of his company in regaining its positions, reflecting distinct credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 21, 1951
    The Pentagon, presented by Gen. Omar N. Bradley to his Father
  • Born: July 27, 1923, The Dalles, Wasco County, OR, United States
  • Died: February 10, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: Willamette National Cemetery (MH) (G-2812), Portland, OR, United States
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!