Medal of Honor: Master Sergeant Ernest R. Kouma Korean War, August 31–September 1, 1950

Master Sergeant Ernest R. Kouma

Korean War — August 31–September 1, 1950

In one of the most desperate early days of the Korean War, one American tank commander stood his ground alone against overwhelming odds. Master Sergeant Ernest R. Kouma fought for over nine hours, facing waves of North Korean attacks, and left a legacy of courage that saved his unit and hundreds of lives.

Summary of Action

On the night of August 31, 1950, near the village of Agok along the Naktong River, North Korean forces—estimated at over 500 strong—launched a massive assault. Kouma’s armored unit, part of Company A, 72nd Tank Battalion, had been ordered to cover the withdrawal of American infantry who had taken heavy casualties. As the enemy overran other tanks in the formation, Kouma suddenly realized his was the last tank standing between the attackers and the withdrawing infantry.

All night long, Kouma’s tank absorbed the fury of the enemy. He ordered his crew to keep firing and personally manned the .50-caliber machine gun, even leaping onto the rear deck in full exposure when the tank was nearly surrounded. For hours, he fired the heavy gun at point-blank range, hurled grenades, and even used his pistol when his ammunition ran low. The fight turned into brutal close-quarters combat, but Kouma refused to back down.

When dawn came, Kouma finally pulled his tank back through eight miles of enemy territory, still firing until he was out of ammunition. His tank destroyed three enemy machine gun nests along the way and inflicted staggering losses—an estimated 250 North Korean soldiers killed. Despite being wounded and utterly exhausted, Kouma tried to rearm his tank to return to battle. Even while being evacuated for medical care, he asked to be sent back to the front.

His stand not only saved his own crew but gave U.S. infantrymen the critical time they needed to regroup and establish new defensive lines, preventing a collapse along the Naktong River.

Medal of Honor Citation

M/Sgt. Kouma, a tank commander in Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His unit was engaged in supporting infantry elements on the Naktong River front. Near midnight on 31 August, a hostile force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched a fierce attack against the infantry positions, inflicting heavy casualties. A withdrawal was ordered and his armored unit was given the mission of covering the movement until a secondary position could be established. The enemy assault overran 2 tanks, destroyed 1 and forced another to withdraw. Suddenly M/Sgt. Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the hostile onslaught. Holding his ground, he gave fire orders to his crew and remained in position throughout the night, fighting off repeated enemy attacks. During 1 fierce assault, the enemy surrounded his tank and he leaped from the armored turret, exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire, manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck, and delivered pointblank fire into the fanatical foe. His machine gun emptied, he fired his pistol and threw grenades to keep the enemy from his tank. After more than 9 hours of constant combat and close-in fighting, he withdrew his vehicle to friendly lines. During the withdrawal through 8 miles of hostile territory, M/Sgt. Kouma continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy and exhausted his ammunition in destroying 3 hostile machine gun positions. During this action, M/Sgt. Kouma killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers. His magnificent stand allowed the infantry sufficient time to reestablish defensive positions. Rejoining his company, although suffering intensely from his wounds, he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the battle area. While being evacuated for medical treatment, his courage was again displayed when he requested to return to the front. M/Sgt. Kouma’s superb leadership, heroism, and intense devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.