The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Harold James Kaufman (ASN: OF-101518), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Kaufman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On 20 November 1967 Company C made contact with a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. Captain Kaufman immediately maneuvered his forces in an assault line and began pushing toward the objective. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continuously exposed himself to the intense enemy automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire in order to inspire and guide the movements of his company. As it became apparent that the objective could not be taken, Captain Kaufman, utilizing fire and maneuver tactics, moved his company to the rear, thus sustaining a minimum of casualties. He quickly reorganized the unit and ordered a second assault. Again exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, Captain Kaufman went from platoon to platoon shouting words of encouragement and direction, thus inspiring his men with his display of personal valor. As the assault line viciously fought its way through the initial line of enemy defense, Captain Kaufman, realizing that the enemy had too much of an advantage, issued the order to withdraw. Again utilizing the fire and maneuver tactics as before, he directed his elements in an organized retrograde movement in order to sustain fewer casualties. He immediately began establishing a defensive perimeter and continued to direct his platoons into position, all the while exposing himself to intense enemy fire. During this time Captain Kaufman was slightly wounded. Ignoring his wounds, he went from position to position, still under fire, to direct the collection of wounded. After returning to his command post, Captain Kaufman began issuing orders that would enable his company to hold its defensive perimeter, and at this time he was mortally wounded. Captain Kaufman’s exceptionally valorous actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.