Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert Harry Pressler (ASN: RA-33114359), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 8066th Mechanized Reconnaissance Platoon attached to the 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Pressler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chinju, Korea, on 11 August 1950. Sergeant Pressler was assigned duty as the driver of a gasoline truck refueling tanks for the 89th Medium Tank Battalion in the front lines. On arriving at the front lines, Sergeant Pressler learned of a tank which had ran out of gas behind enemy lines and, accompanied by a small squad of infantry in a truck, went forward into enemy territory. During the advance the small convoy was ambushed by two hundred enemy. During the firefight which followed, Sergeant Pressler ordered the rest of the men to leave and remained in his position, placing accurate fire on the enemy, which delayed their advance, enabling the rest of the men to withdraw. During this action Sergeant Pressler was killed. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Pressler on this occasion reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received