 M / Sgt. Kouma , a tank commander in Company A , distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy . His unit was engaged in supporting infantry elements on the Naktong River front . Near midnight on August 31 , a hostile force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched a fierce attack against the infantry positions , inflicting heavy casualties . A withdrawal was ordered and his armored unit was given the mission of covering the movement until a secondary position could be established . The enemy assault overran 2 tanks , destroyed 1 and forced another to withdraw . Suddenly M / Sgt. Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the hostile onslaught . Holding his ground , he gave fire orders to his crew and remained in position throughout the night , fighting off repeated enemy attacks . During 1 fierce assault , the enemy surrounded his tank and he leaped from the armored turret , exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire , manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck , and delivered pointblank fire into the fanatical foe . His machine gun emptied , he fired his pistol and threw grenades to keep the enemy from his tank . After more than 9 hours of constant combat and close @-@ in fighting , he withdrew his vehicle to friendly lines . During the withdrawal through 8 miles of hostile territory , M / Sgt. Kouma continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy and exhausted his ammunition in destroying 3 hostile machine gun positions . During this action , M / Sgt. Kouma killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers . His magnificent stand allowed the infantry sufficient time to reestablish defensive positions . Rejoining his company , although suffering intensely from his wounds , he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the battle area . While being evacuated for medical treatment , his courage was again displayed when he requested to return to the front . M / Sgt. Kouma 's superb leadership , heroism , and intense devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army . 
