World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Private First Class in the United States Army in Company K, 30th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 23, 1944 near Ponte Rotto, Italy. His citation reads in part "Although two machine guns concentrated their fire directly on him and shells exploded within 10 yards, bowling him over, Pfc. Kessler crawled 75 yards, passing through an antipersonnel minefield to a point within 50 yards of the enemy and engaged the machine guns in a duel. When an artillery shell burst within a few feet of him, he left the cover of the ditch and advanced upon the position in a slow walk, firing his BAR from the hip. Although the enemy poured heavy machine-gun and small-arms fire at him, Pfc. Kessler succeded in reaching the edge of their position, killed the gunner, and captured 13 Germans. Then, despite continuous shelling, he started to the rear. After going 25 yards, Pfc. Kessler was fired upon by two snipers only 100 yards away. Several of his prisoners took advantage of this opportunity and attempted to escape; however, Pfc. Kessler hit the ground, fired on either flank of his prisoners, forcing them to cover, and then engaged the two snipers in a firefight and captured them. With this last threat removed, Company K continued its advance, capturing its objective without further opposition. Pfc. Kessler was killed in a subsequent action." His grave has two markers: An upright cross with a base and a flat military marker.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Private First Class in the United States Army in Company K, 30th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 23, 1944 near Ponte Rotto, Italy. His citation reads in part "Although two machine guns concentrated their fire directly on him and shells exploded within 10 yards, bowling him over, Pfc. Kessler crawled 75 yards, passing through an antipersonnel minefield to a point within 50 yards of the enemy and engaged the machine guns in a duel. When an artillery shell burst within a few feet of him, he left the cover of the ditch and advanced upon the position in a slow walk, firing his BAR from the hip. Although the enemy poured heavy machine-gun and small-arms fire at him, Pfc. Kessler succeded in reaching the edge of their position, killed the gunner, and captured 13 Germans. Then, despite continuous shelling, he started to the rear. After going 25 yards, Pfc. Kessler was fired upon by two snipers only 100 yards away. Several of his prisoners took advantage of this opportunity and attempted to escape; however, Pfc. Kessler hit the ground, fired on either flank of his prisoners, forcing them to cover, and then engaged the two snipers in a firefight and captured them. With this last threat removed, Company K continued its advance, capturing its objective without further opposition. Pfc. Kessler was killed in a subsequent action." His grave has two markers: An upright cross with a base and a flat military marker.
Bio by: Don Morfe
Inscription
(On base of cross)
PFC CO K 30 INF
(Military Marker)
MEDAL OF HONOR
PFC US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
CO K 30 INF
3RD INF DIVISION
Family Members
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