The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Samuel Streit Coursen (ASN: 0-59419), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kaesong, Korea, on 12 October 1950. While Company C was attacking Hill 174 under heavy enemy small-arms fire, First Lieutenant Coursen’s platoon received enemy fire from close range. The platoon returned the fire and continued to advance. During this phase one his men moved into a well-camouflaged emplacement, which was thought to be unoccupied, and was wounded by the enemy who were hidden within the emplacement. Seeing the soldier in difficulty he rushed to the man’s aid and, without regard for his personal safety, engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in an effort to protect his wounded comrade until he himself was killed. When his body was recovered after the battle seven enemy dead were found in the emplacement. As the result of First Lieutenant Coursen’s violent struggle several of the enemies’ heads had been crushed with his rifle. His aggressive and intrepid actions saved the life of the wounded man, eliminated the main position of the enemy roadblock, and greatly inspired the men in his command. First Lieutenant Coursen’s extraordinary heroism and intrepidity reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.