Loren R. Kaufman
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Loren R. Kaufman was born on 27 July 1923 in The Dalles, OR. He was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 4-5 September 1950.

Medal of Honor

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

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

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

Medals, Awards & Badges

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman's Badge

Death and Burial

SFC Loren R. Kaufman was killed in action on 10 February 1951. He is buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Clackamas County, OR.