Samuel Streit Coursen

Saving a wounded soldier during the attack on Hill 174

Samuel S. Coursen served as an Army first lieutenant in Company C, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On 12 October 1950, near Kaesong, Korea, his platoon advanced against Hill 174 under heavy fire. A soldier entered a concealed enemy emplacement and was wounded. Coursen rushed to help and fought the defenders at close quarters, protecting his comrade until he was killed. His action saved the wounded soldier and eliminated a major enemy position. His posthumous Medal of Honor recognized the courage and leadership he displayed during the Korean War.

Medal of Honor citation

First 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, one of 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, seven 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. First Lt. Coursen's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity refect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.