Kaufman was a hero from the start distinguishing himself for actions during a gas attack and later for the capture of a machine gun in the Argonne Forest on Oct. 4, 1918 that gave him his Medal of Honor. His citation reads, "He took out a patrol for the purpose of attacking an enemy machinegun which had checked the advance of his company. Before reaching the gun he became separated from his patrol and a machinegun bullet shattered his right arm. Without hesitation he advanced on the gun alone, throwing grenades with his left hand and charging with an empty pistol, taking one prisoner and scattering the crew, bringing the gun and prisoner back to the first-aid station."