June 10, 2016

Senate Approves Wyden, Merkley Bill to Rename Clinic for War Hero Loren Kaufman

Washington, D.C. – A bill co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to designate the veterans community-based outpatient clinic in The Dalles the Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans’ Clinic passed the Senate today.

The Oregon senators said their bill provides long-overdue recognition to a local Army soldier who served with great distinction in both World War II and the Korean War.

“Loren Kaufman’s service and ultimate sacrifice has earned him a permanent place of honor in his hometown,” Wyden said. “Remembering him through a clinic in The Dalles that helps veterans every day conveys our thanks to one brave Oregonian for generations to come.”

“Our veterans have stood up for us overseas, and we must stand up for them back home. That’s why it is right and good that we honor Loren Kaufman by naming a veterans clinic in his hometown after his service and sacrifice,” said Merkley. “This Medal of Honor recipient exemplified courage and bravery throughout his service and it is time that we dedicate this building in his honor.”

Born and raised in The Dalles, Kaufman enlisted in the U.S. Army the week after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.  He would serve in World War II and later in the Korean War, where he was killed in action in 1951. 

Sergeant First Class Kaufman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his actions in September 1950. His Medal of Honor citation reads, in part, “The dauntless courage and resolute intrepid leadership of Sfc. Kaufman were directly responsible for the success of his company in regaining its positions.”