Career
Kessler joined the Army from his birthplace of Middletown, Ohio in September 1942, and by May 23, 1944 was serving as a private first class in Company K, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On that day, near Ponte Rotto, Italy, he single-handedly charged two German positions, a machine gun nest and a strongpoint, and captured sixteen German soldiers, including two snipers. Kessler, aged 22 at his death, was buried at Woodside Cemetery in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio.
Turning his prisoner over to another man, Although 2 machineguns concentrated their fire directly on him and shells exploded within 10 yards (91 m), bowling him over, Although the enemy poured heavy machinegun and small arms fire at him, After going 25 yards (23 m), Several of his prisoners took advantage of this opportunity and attempted to escape.