Albert Kauffman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Albert Kauffman, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with an Antiaircraft Gun Crew of the 1st Infantry Division, on 6 February 1944, near Mount Trocchio, Italy. On that date, enemy shelling of an antiaircraft gun position resulted in a direct hit on a loaded ammunition trailer. Private First Class Kauffman and his gun sergeant were wounded by exploding ammunition. Although painfully wounded, Private First Class Kauffman removed the sergeant and dragged him out of danger. Finding the sergeant dead, Private First Class Kauffman returned to the trailer to extinguish the fire despite further shelling and the danger of more explosions. Only after putting the fire out did he seek medical aid for himself. Private First Class Kauffman’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.