Loren R. Kaufman

Loren R. Kaufman
Medal of Honor recipient
Born	(1923-07-27)July 27, 1923 The Dalles, Oregon
Died	Near Yongsan, Korea
Place of burial	Willamette National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1941 - 1951
Rank	Sergeant First Class
Unit	Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Loren R. Kaufman (July 27, 1923 – February 10, 1951) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 4, and September 5, 1950. He was later killed in action before being awarded the Medal of Honor and is buried at Willamette National Cemetery.

Kaufman joined the Army from his birthplace the week after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and served in North Africa and Europe during World War II.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Yongsan, Korea, 4 and September 5, 1950

Entered service at: The Dalles, Oregon. Born: July 27, 1923, The Dalles, Oregon.

G.O. No.: 61, August 2, 1951.

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 2 adjoining hills. His platoon was occupying a strong point 2 miles away protecting the battalion flank. Early on 5 September the company was attacked by an 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 2 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 2 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.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.