Greg Walden Bill to Rename The Dalles Veterans’ Clinic after Local Medal of Honor Recipient Signed into Law

Click here to watch Walden’s speech on the House floor

Contributed by: Andy Smith, AOC Veterans Policy Manager

July 7, 2016

On June 23, Congressman Greg Walden announced that his bill to rename The Dalles Veterans Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after Sergeant First Class Loren R. Kaufman, a native of The Dalles and one of Oregon’s 14 Medal of Honor recipients, has been signed into law by President Obama. Sergeant Kaufman was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery and selfless actions to save his company while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. The clinic named in his honor will be called the Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic.

“Sergeant First Class Loren Kaufman was a true American hero who exemplified courage and selflessness throughout his service,” said Walden. “Fittingly, he will now have a permanent tribute to his service in his hometown. I’d like to offer a special thanks to Loren Kaufman’s family from The Dalles who helped make this all possible. I also want to thank Les Cochenour and the entire Mid-Columbia Veteran Memorial Committee, and the Wasco County Commission for their support. I’m proud to have joined them in helping to honor Loren Kaufman by renaming this clinic after him so he can be a continuing inspiration for the community and the country.”

The bill was unanimously approved by the House on May 23, and unanimously agreed to by the Senate on June 10. It was signed into law by the President on June 22.

Born and raised in The Dalles, Sergeant Kaufman joined the Army in the week following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and went on to serve in both in World War II and the Korean War. While in Korea, Sergeant Kaufman’s company was attacked near Yongsan. His platoon was two miles away protecting the battalion flank and was ordered to come reinforce the company.  On their way to their new location, they came under attack.  Selflessly, Sergeant Kaufman ran forward, engaged the enemy, and forced them to retreat in confusion.

Once Sergeant Kaufman’s platoon rejoined their company, they found the enemy had taken commanding ground and pinned the company down in a draw.  Without hesitation, Sergeant Kaufman again charged the enemy lines, firing his rifle, throwing grenades, using his bayonet, and seizing an unmanned machine gun.  Because of his fast thinking and fearlessness, the enemy fled.  The company regained their position because of Sergeant Kaufman’s courage and leadership.

For these actions and “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call,” Sergeant Kaufman was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S Truman. In his citation, it was written, “the dauntless courage and resolute intrepid leadership of Sergeant First Class Kaufman were directly responsible for the success of his company in regaining its positions, reflecting distinct credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.” Tragically, though, Sergeant Kaufman received this honor posthumously. He was killed in action on February 10, 1951 and was laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery.