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