Navy Federal Credit Union

Loren Kaufman enlisted in the Army one week after Pearl Harbor, and spent three years in combat during World War II, fighting with the famed 3d Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 04 & 5, 1950

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 61 (August 2, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Loren R. Kaufman (ASN: 19005070), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of while serving with Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Yongsan, Korea, on September 04 & 5, 1950. On the night of 4 September the company was in a defensive position on two adjoining hills. Sergeant First Class Kaufman’s platoon was occupying a strong point two miles away protecting the battalion flank. Early on 5 September the company was attacked by an enemy battalion and his platoon was ordered to reinforce the company. As his unit moved along a ridge it encountered a hostile encircling force. Sergeant First Class 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 Sergeant First Class Kaufman charged the enemy lines firing his rifle and throwing grenades. During the action, he bayoneted two enemy and seizing an unmanned machinegun, 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 machinegun 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 Sergeant First Class Kaufman led a patrol into the town, dispersed them, and burned the buildings. The dauntless courage and resolute intrepid leadership of Sergeant First Class 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.