MSG ERNEST R. KOUMA, U.S. Army, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while supporting infantry units on the Naktong River in Korea on August 31 and September 1, 1950. After the enemy had overrun two banks, his was the only obstacle in the path of a hostile onslaught. He remained in position throughout the night and at one point, when the tank was surrounded, leaped from the turret, manned the machine gun mounted on the rear deck, and delivered point blank fire. After more than 9 hours of constant combat he killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers.