Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company G, 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division "Golden Acorn", U.S. Army (Company G, 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division "Golden Acorn", U.S. Army)

First Lieutenant Ralph W. Kestler (ASN: 0-354663), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 January 1945.
When his platoon was held up by fire from an enemy machine gun and Tiger tank, Lieutenant Kestler, with utter disregard for his personal safety, started forward, alone, armed with a bazooka. Crossing a stream and crawling 150 yards across an open field, despite enemy fire, Lieutenant Kestler took position in a nearby building and fired one round from his bazooka striking the Tiger tank in the tread. The tank turned immediately and fired into the building, then withdrew, permitting the platoon to destroy the machine gun and take its objective. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Lieutenant Kestler reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 296 (1945).