Existing comment:
MSG Ernest Kouma: 72nd Tank Battalion Medal of Honor:
MSG Kouma earned the medal of honor for his actions against the enemy in the vicinity of Angok, Korea. His unit was supporting infantry elements along the Naktong River. Near midnight on 31 August 1950, approximately 500 North Koreans crossed the river and attacked. The American position suffered heavy casualties and began to withdraw. Kouma's unit was directed to delay the North Koreans while a second defensive position was established. In the brutal nighttime melee, Kouma's tank became isolated and the only remaining obstacle to the enemy advance. He opted to defend his position against repeated assaults throughout the night. During one such engagement, his tank became surrounded. He climbed out of the turret and manned the exposed .50-caliber machine-gun. When ammunition ran low, he used his sidearm and threw grenades to keep enemy soldiers from reaching the tank. After nine hours, Kouma finally withdrew his tank. He fought his way through eight miles of enemy-held territory before reaching friendly lines. Although wounded, he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the fight. Personally credited with killing an estimated 250 soldiers, Kouma's stand permitted a new defensive line to be established, thereby stabilizing the front in his area. |