b. 27/07/1923 The Dalles, Oregon. d. 10/02/1951 Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 04/09/1950 near Yongsan, Korea.
Loren R Kaufman MOH
Kaufman joined the Army a week after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and served in both North Africa and Europe during World War II. He remained in the Army after the war, and was posted to Korea. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on 4–5 September 1950 during the Battle of Yongsan. He was later killed in action before being awarded the Medal of Honor and is buried at Willamette National Cemetery. The Medal was presented to his father at The Pentagon on June 21, 1951 by General Omar N. Bradley.
MOH 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: WILLAMETTE NATIONAL CEMETERY, PORTLAND, OREGON.
SECTION H, GRAVE 3622-N
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
