The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CAVALLA (SS-244), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the Java and South China Seas, from 14 November 1944 to 13 January 1945. On the night of 25 November, Commander Kossler launched a well-planned night surface attack in shallow water against two fast enemy warships and, completely destroying a large destroyer with four hits, successfully evaded the depth charges dropped by the accompanying vessel. When an enemy escort attempted to ram his vessel on 2 December, he skillfully retired on the surface despite fire from the remaining ships. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Kossler and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
-
Navy Cross
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)Action Date:
August 6 – September 15, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive and Assistant Approach Officer aboard the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the aggressive and successful FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 6 August to 15 September 1942. By rendering invaluable assistance in fire control, Lieutenant Kossler, through his keen judgment and coolness under fire, contributed to the sinking of 51,005 tons of enemy shipping. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)Action Date:
September 30, 1942 – February 15, 1943
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 00584 (June 7, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer aboard the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the SECOND and THIRD War Patrols of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 30 September 1942 to 15 February 1943. Performing his duties with skill and daring, Lieutenant Commander Kossler enabled his ship to operate effectively under extremely difficult conditions in close proximity to enemy shores, and was largely responsible for the sinking of 26,000 tons of hostile shipping and the damaging of 8,000 tons. His great courage in the face of danger and his indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Cavalla (SS-244)Action Date:
May 31 – August 3, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 78 (December 24, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CAVALLA (SS-244), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 31 May 1944 to 3 August 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship top penetrate strong enemy escort screens, Commander Kossler launched bold, aggressive torpedo attacks against an enemy Task Force which resulted in the sinking of a carrier totaling over 29,000 tons. Although severe enemy counter-attacks, during which approximately one hundred six depth charges were dropped over a period of three hours, prevented him from delivering further attacks, he avoided severe damage to his ship by employing deep submergence and evasive tactics. After escaping from the vicinity, he sent out contact reports of this Task Force and of another that was contacted later which proved of value to United States Forces attacking Saipan. In addition, a well executed gun attack resulted in the sinking of a 100-ton enemy sampan. His initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 28 – September 13, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving in a temporary additional duty capacity as Commander Mine Warfare Force, U.S. Navy, from 28 April 1972 to 13 September 1972. Responsible for the planning, procurement and effectiveness of mining operations against enemy shipping in North Vietnam harbors and ports, Rear Admiral Kossler efficiently and effectively prepared his command for full-scale mining operations. As a result of his brilliant leadership, professional skill and detailed knowledge of naval mining operations, mines were strategically placed to control waters leading to the harbors and ports of every major North Vietnamese shipping facility, trapping shipping therein and resulting in 100 per cent effectiveness. By his courageous devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Kossler rendered invaluable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the present continued success of the North Vietnam mining campaign, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Herman Joseph Kossler (NSN: 0-73525), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.