The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Captain William J. Kossler, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Chief of the Aeronautical Engineering Division and as Special Representative of the Engineer-in-Chief, United States Coast Guard, from May 1940 until March 1945. Captain Kossler demonstrated exceptional vision, extraordinary insight, and inspired leadership in advocating the adoption and development of rotary wing aircraft by the Coast Guard and Navy in both rescue and military roles. Captain Kossler actively championed the helicopter, a new and untried invention, as the preeminent search and rescue tool of the Coast guard successfully. He was also instrumental in establishing an effective helicopter training program at Coast Guard Air Station, Brooklyn, New York, for all of the United States and United Kingdom’s military services. Captain Kossler himself underwent the training program and qualified as Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot number 25. Undoubtedly the shape and character of the Coast guard’s aviation program today is in no small measure due to the tireless efforts of Captain Kossler. Captain Kossler’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.