★
Loading archive…
Heroic Score1001057th out of 4480
Number of Medals7
Total Heroic & Non-Heroic Score112989 of 4480
U.S. Army#443of 2016
Infantry#417of 1502
Korean War#101of 197
Battle of Pusan Perimeter#9of 18
Pusan Perimeter Offensive#1of 1
UN offensive into North Korea#2of 4
Battle of the Kumch'on Pocket †#1of 1
World War II#486of 924
Samuel S. Coursen
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Korean WarBattle of Pusan PerimeterPusan Perimeter OffensiveUN offensive into North KoreaBattle of the Kumch'on Pocket †World War II
Awards & Decorations
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Samuel Streit Coursen was a 1949 graduate of the United States Military Academy who served as a company commander in the United States Army during the Korean War. He demonstrated extraordinary heroism and leadership while leading his platoon in tactical operations against enemy forces.
During his service in Korea, Coursen was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While attempting to protect a wounded comrade, he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, sacrificing his own life to save others.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Lieutenant Coursen's service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and campaign medals from both his World War II era service and his active combat deployment in the Korean War.
Support & adopt
Become the named supporter for this profile and edit the tribute biography and portrait (Owner account required). Proceeds help keep the archive online.
Score Breakdown
Medal of Honor(base 100)
+100Heroic Score100 pts