Samuel S. Coursen-West Point, NY
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 41° 23.910 W 073° 58.068
18T E 586285 N 4583509
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Kaeson, Korea on October 12, 1950. He was killed in action. He is buried in the U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery in Section VII, Row E, Grave 230.
Waymark Code: WMXD62
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 12/29/2017
Views: 0
He was born on August 4, 1926 in Madison, NJ and died on October 12, 1950 in North Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *COURSEN, SAMUEL S.
• Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C 5th Cavalry Regiment.
• Place and date: Near Kaesong, Korea, 12 October 1950.
• Entered service at: Madison, N.J.
• G.O. No.: 57, 2 August 1951.
Citation: 1st Lt. Coursen distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While Company C was attacking Hill 174 under heavy enemy small-arms fire, his platoon received enemy fire from close range. The platoon returned the fire and continued to advance. During this phase 1 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 7 enemy dead were found in the emplacement. As the result of 1st Lt. 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. 1st Lt. Coursen's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.
Armed Service: Army
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