The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John F. Kauffman (ASN: 0-1341273), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Pahgdungdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. His company had the mission of attacking and securing an enemy-held objective. As the friendly troops approached the enemy positions, they were subjected to intense mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. The Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants were all wounded and evacuated, leaving the men disorganized and confused. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Kauffman moved into a foremost position and, with complete disregard for his own safety, led his men through the devastating hail of fire to engage the enemy in close combat. Inspired by his fearless and skillful leadership, his men attacked with renewed aggressiveness and captured their objective. Captain Kauffman’s courageous actions, exemplary leadership and outstanding performance of duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John F. Kauffman (ASN: 0-1341273), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Sorak-san, Korea, on 25 April 1951. His company was in trucks and moving in a convoy as part of an organized regimental retrograde movement. The convoy was suddenly ambushed by a well-organized and heavily armed enemy roadblock and it was extremely difficult to get the men organized into an effective fighting unit. Although Captain Kauffman was wounded in the initial encounter, he succeeded in organizing a unit of about company strength from various units in the convoy. He sent one platoon against the left flank of the enemy in an attempt to break up the roadblock. As the platoon became pinned down by the intense enemy fire, he rallied the other members of his unit and personally led them in an assault. Throwing grenades and firing his pistol, he personally accounted for one automatic weapon position and several enemy troops being destroyed. Inspired by his actions, the members of his unit overran the enemy’s position, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. He then deployed his men into positions that had the best field of fire. As the friendly units had suffered heavy casualties in the initial contact with the enemy, resulted in the opening of an avenue of evacuation for the wounded men. He then assisted in administering first aid to the wounded men and moved among them instilling confidence in them. Only after all the wounded had been treated did he allow himself to be treated for his own wounds. At this time he noted group of twelve enemy troops trying to infiltrated through his lines. He unhesitatingly grabbed a box of grenades and intercepted them, killing or wounding all of them with his pistol and the hand grenades. Captain Kauffman’s conspicuous display of leadership and courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.