Oregon Veteran Profile
Loren Robert Kaufman
Personal Details
Born: | July 27, 1923, The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon |
Died: | February 10, 1951, Korea |
Buried: | Willamette National Cemetery (Mh) (G-2812), Portland, Oregon |
Military Service
Conflict: | Korean War |
Branch: | July 27, 1923, The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon |
Rank: | Sergeant First Class |
Unit: | Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division |
Enlistment: | The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon |
Equipment: | M1 Rifle, bayonet, and grenades |
Citation
Citation: | Medal of Honor |
Posthumous?: | Yes (KIA) |
Action Date: | September 4 And 5, 1950 |
Action Place: | Near Yongsan, Korea |
Presentation: | June 21, 1951. Presented At The Pentagon By Gen. Omar N. Bradley To Loren Kaufman's Father |
Loren Kaufman served with Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. On September 4-5, 1950, Kaufman distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at Yongsan, Korea. While trying to reinforce Company G, his platoon was attacked by an enemy battalion. Kaufman engaged the enemy repeatedly in hand-to-hand combat and with rifle and grenade assaults. His first quick vicious attack so surprised the enemy that they retreated in confusion. In subsequent attacks while his Company was pinned down, he charged the enemy line without hesitation. Following this, he led another assault, destroying a machine gun position. Then, pursuing the hostile troops, he bayoneted two more, and rushed a mortar position, shooting the gunners. When the enemy fled, Kaufman led a patrol into the nearby town and dispersed them.
Kaufman was killed in action on February 10, 1951, before being awarded the Medal of Honor.
