Kessler, aged 22 at his death, was buried at Woodside Cemetery in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio.

Private First Class Kessler's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Reaching a spot within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the emplacement he stood over it and killed both the gunner and his assistant, jumped into the gun position, overpowered and captured a third German after a short struggle.

When an artillery shell burst within a few feet of him, he left the cover of a ditch and advanced upon the position in a slow walk, firing his BAR from the hip.

Kessler succeeded in reaching the edge of their position, killed the gunners, and captured 13 Germans.