Edgar H. Kauffman

The grave of PFC Edgar H. Kauffman

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Adams County, PA native who was killed in action in the Korean War

Place of Birth:

Gardners, PA

Date of Birth:

September 22, 1931

Place of Death:

Korea

Date of Death:

September 10, 1950

Place of Burial:

Gettysburg, PA

Cemetery Name:

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Section 2, Row 4, Grave 49

Edgar Kauffman was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania on September 22, 1931. He attended Biglerville High School and then worked at the Aspers’ Plant. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949. Following his basic training in the Army, he was granted leave in early July 1950. After his leave, his orders sent him overseas to join his unit in Korea.

Edgar was the son of Mr. And Mrs. Guy Kauffman. They lived on R.D. 2, (Rural Route) Gardners, Pennsylvania. Edgar only wrote one letter home before his death in Korea.

Edgar served in the 38^th Infantry Regiment of the 2^nd Division. The 38^th was one of the first units to arrive in Korea, landing in July 1950, just weeks after the war began.

After their arrival, the 2^nd Division was pushed south toward the port city of Pusan, along with U.S. and United Nations forces. By September, the 2^nd division was part of a larger battle along the Pusan perimeter, known as the Second Battle of Naktong Bulge, named for the nearby Naktong River. During this fighting, PFC Kauffman was killed during an assault on a mountain stronghold on September 10. At the time of his death, Edgar was the sixth man from Adams County, Pennsylvania to die during the Korean War. He was initially listed as missing in action (MIA).

Edgar Kaufmann was initially buried at the United Nations Military Cemetery in Miryang, Korea. A report from the American Graves Registration Service confirmed his death. Edgar’s remains had several identifying factors. His dog tags, dental records, and skeletal chart confirmed his identity.

On December 8, 1950, Edgar’s mother received a notice from the U.S. Army that Edgar had been killed in action in Korea. In the notice, Edgard’s actions were described as “heroic service.” Soon, local newspapers ran stories about Edgar’s death, noting, “Adams Countian Killed in Korea.”

The Kauffman family decided to have Edgar’s remains brought home to the United States. They selected Gettysburg National Cemetery as his final resting place. According to a Report of Grave Site Reservation, the family made reservations for a burial on August 6, 1951. PFC Edgar Kauffman was interred in Gettysburg several weeks later on August 28, 1951, at Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Edgar had served for one year and nine months in the U.S. Army prior to his death. He was only nineteen years old. Today, his final resting place is the peaceful and historic town of Gettysburg, which was close to home.