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Alfred Kessler graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1922. He retired in 1955 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Alfred Kessler, Jr. (AFSN: 216A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while commanding the 95 Bombardment Group and later the 13th Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1947

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Alfred Kessler, Jr. (AFSN: 216A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster 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 as Military AttachŽ to Sweden, from 1944 to 1947. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kessler and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Alfred Kessler, Jr. (AFSN: 216A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while commanding the 95 Bombardment Group and later the 13th Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kessler and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    95th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 85 (June 27, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Alfred August Kessler, Jr. (AFSN: 216A/0-14903), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Kessler, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1952 – 1955

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 15 (February 11, 1955)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Alfred August Kessler, Jr. (AFSN: 216A/0-14903), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, culminating as Commander of the FOURTH Air Force at Hamilton Air Force Base, California, from 1952 to 1955. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Kessler culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.