Draper Laurence Kauffman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Draper Laurence Kauffman, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Underwater Demolition Team FIVE (UDT-5), in action against the enemy on 14 June and 10 and 11 July 10 1944, at Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Marianas. On 14 June Lieutenant Kauffman led his team in a daylight reconnaissance of fortified enemy beaches under heavy fire. On 10 and 11 July he again led his team in a daring night reconnaissance of the heavily-defended beaches at Tinian Island. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Draper Laurence Kauffman, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Lieutenant Kauffman unloaded and examined a live 500 pound Japanese bomb lying on the grounds of Fort Schofield, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. His courage, confidence and exceptional skill made possible the recovery of all parts of this Japanese bomb for study by the Bureau of Ordnance of the Navy Department. The conduct of Lieutenant Kauffman throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.