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CAPTAIN <em>HAROLD J. KAUFMAN </em>was killed in action in Vietnam on 20 November 1967. He met his death during the battle of Hill 875 while serving as Company Commander of C Company, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment. No tribute to him can adequately reflect the loss to those of us who knew him.</p>
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Hal’s home was in Spring Valley, New York, where he was born on 17 October 1941. He attended local schools until his junior year of high school when he transferred to Valley Forge Military Academy. He graduated from there in 1959.</p>
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While at West Point, Hal’s principal activity was the Skydiving Club. He joined it as a Plebe, and during first class year, as its president, he helped it achieve the prominence which it enjoys today. At the time of his death, Hal had close to 300 jumps.</p>
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This same adventurous spirit caused him to choose the Infantry as his branch. After successful completion of airborne and ranger training, he went to Korea in December 1964. There he served with the 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry. At the earliest opportunity, he volunteered for duty in Vietnam. Returning home from Korea in December 1965, he attended the advisors training course and then took twelve weeks of Vietnamese language instruction at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.</p>
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Hal arrived in Vietnam in May 1966. He served a full year as assistant battalion advisor to the 5th Vietnamese Airborne Battalion. He volunteered for and received an extension of duty in Vietnam. After a month of leave, he returned to Vietnam for his last assignment, one that he had always wanted, as a company commander in combat.</p>
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His desire to lead men in combat was not just a result of what an Infantry officer is supposed to want: it was a true reflection of Harold Kaufman. Many men aspire to the life of a true adventurer; Hal was one. From his first jump to the last time he went up Hill 875, he sought and thrived on a life of action. In so doing he was a noble example of devotion to duty and to country. He died leading the life he loved: being a good soldier. We will miss him.</p>
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<em>-Adelaide Kaufman</em><br />
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