Samuel S. Coursen

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Samuel S. Coursen
August 4, 1926 - December 12, 1950
Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Madison, New Jersey
Place of death	Near Kaesong, Korea
Allegiance	United States Army
Years of service	-1950
Rank	First Lieutenant
Unit	Company C 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

Samuel S. Coursen was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 12, 1950.

[edit] Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

Place and date: Near Kaesong, Korea, 12 October 1950

Entered service at: Madison, N.J. Born: 4 August 1926 Madison, N.J.

G.O. No.: 57, 2 August 1951.

Citation: ^[1]

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.