The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Stuart R. Kessler, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 8 December 1943. Private First Class Kessler was an acting corporal of his Infantry Company, which was attacking enemy defensive positions. When the company came under intense artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire, which caused many casualties, the main body was stopped. The forward elements entered a mine field and two soldiers had their feet blown off. The seriously wounded Infantrymen were lying about 50 yards forward of the company positions, exposed to enemy fire. Private First Class Kessler and another soldier crawled through the mine field under fire and dragged the wounded men back to a point where they could be evacuated. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.