Memorials › Ernest R. Kouma

Ernest R. Kouma

23 Nov 1919 – 19 Dec 1993

Birth	23 Nov 1919
Death	19 Dec 1993
Cemetery	Fort Knox Post Cemetery Fort Knox , Hardin County , Kentucky , USA
Added by	Anthony S on 06 Mar 2007
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7719530

Bio

Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant 1st Class in Company A, 72nd Tank Battalion, US Army. In the early hours of September 1, 1950, Sergeant Kouma was a tank commander engaged in supporting infantry elements at the Naktong River, Korea. A withdrawal was ordered when an enemy force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched an attack against the infantry positions. Sergeant Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the assault when he gave orders to his crew to open fire. Holding his ground, he manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck of the tank and remained in position throughout the night, fighting off repeated enemy attacks. After more than 9 hours of constant combat, he was able to withdraw his vehicle to friendly lines after killing an estimated 250 enemy soldiers. For most conspicuous gallantry, he was promoted Master Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor on June 4, 1951.

Inscription

MEDAL OF HONOR MSG US ARMY WORLD WAR II KOREA

Photos

Family

Parents

• Joseph J Kouma 1883–1964
• Mary Nemec Kouma 1893–1971

Spouse

• Mary Lee Shank Kouma 1932–1973

Siblings

• Mrs Agnes Kouma Kunasek 1914–1987
• Albin Alois Kouma 1917–1957
• SGTMAJ Anthony Benedict Kouma 1922–2004
• James G. Kouma 1924–1984
• Emil A Kouma 1927–1971
• Edward Joseph Kouma 1931–2008
• Raymond A "Ray" Kouma 1934–2023

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