Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Awarded on:

July 1942

Citation:
"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."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant commander

Unit:

Underwater Demolition Team Five (UDT-5), U.S. Navy (Underwater Demolition Team Five (UDT-5), U.S. Navy)

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Underwater Demolition Team Five (UDT-5), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Marianas Islands, on 14 June 1944. During the investigation of the reefs and beaches off Charan-Kanoa, Saipan Island, Marianas Group, Commander Kauffman was in charge of the Underwater Demolitions Teams. While disembarking from landing craft and approaching the outer reef in rubber boats the Underwater Demolitions Teams came under very heavy mortar fire which had been sighted on the outer reef. In the face of this fire Commander Kauffman and his teams, swimming, carrying explosives on their backs, advanced one thousand yards meeting heavy machine gun and rifle fire and enduring many casualties. When the mission had been accomplished, he retired with his wounded to deliver valuable information to the Task Force Commander which contributed greatly to the success of the landing operation. He then learned that two of his men were missing. In spite of the heavy enemy machine gun and mortar barrage, Commander Kauffman unhesitatingly returned to the reef. By his courage and determination with complete disregard of his own safety, he personally rescued the two stranded men. By his cool courage, superb professional skill and devotion to duty throughout, Commander Kauffman contributed materially to the success of our assault landings on this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 1598 (August 31, 1944).