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Kossler, Herman Joseph

    Date of birth:
    December 8th, 1911 (Norfolk/Virginia, United States)
    Date of death:
    July 1st, 1988 (Charleston/South Carolina, United States)
    Service number:
    0-73525
    Nationality:
    American (1776 - present, Republic)

    Biography

    Herman Kossler was born on December 8th, 1911 in Norfolk Virginia. He attended the Naval Academy and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral over his 43 year career in the navy. During the Second World War he served in the Pacific. Among his commands were: Commander of Naval Forces in the Philippine Islands during the Vietnam War as well as Commander of the Sixth Naval District stationed in Charleston, South Carolina.

    Admiral Kossler died in July of 1988 leaving behind his wife (Ursula Breher Kossler), 6 children and 21 grandchildren.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217), U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    1942
    Citation:
    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive and Assistant Approach Officer aboard the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the aggressive and successful FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 6 August to 15 September 1942. By rendering invaluable assistance in fire control, Lieutenant Kossler, through his keen judgment and coolness under fire, contributed to the sinking of 51,005 tons of enemy shipping. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217), U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    June 7th, 1943
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    Citation:
    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer aboard the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the SECOND and THIRD War Patrols of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 30 September 1942 to 15 February 1943. Performing his duties with skill and daring, Lieutenant Commander Kossler enabled his ship to operate effectively under extremely difficult conditions in close proximity to enemy shores, and was largely responsible for the sinking of 26,000 tons of hostile shipping and the damaging of 8,000 tons. His great courage in the face of danger and his indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

    Second SSM, awarded in the form of a gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first SSM.
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 00584.
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Cavalla (SS-244), U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    December 24th, 1944
    Navy Cross
    Citation:
    "For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CAVALLA (SS-244), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 31 May 1944 to 3 August 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship top penetrate strong enemy escort screens, Commander Kossler launched bold, aggressive torpedo attacks against an enemy Task Force which resulted in the sinking of a carrier totaling over 29,000 tons. Although severe enemy counter-attacks, during which approximately one hundred six depth charges were dropped over a period of three hours, prevented him from delivering further attacks, he avoided severe damage to his ship by employing deep submergence and evasive tactics. After escaping from the vicinity, he sent out contact reports of this Task Force and of another that was contacted later which proved of value to United States Forces attacking Saipan. In addition, a well executed gun attack resulted in the sinking of a 100-ton enemy sampan. His initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

    At the time of the action he still held the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 78.
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Cavalla (SS-244), U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    April 5th, 1945
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    Citation:
    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CAVALLA (SS-244), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the Java and South China Seas, from 14 November 1944 to 13 January 1945. On the night of 25 November, Commander Kossler launched a well-planned night surface attack in shallow water against two fast enemy warships and, completely destroying a large destroyer with four hits, successfully evaded the depth charges dropped by the accompanying vessel. When an enemy escort attempted to ram his vessel on 2 December, he skillfully retired on the surface despite fire from the remaining ships. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Kossler and the United States Naval Service."

    Third SSM, awarded in the form of a second gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first SSM.
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01215.
    Period:
    Vietnam War (1955-1975)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Mine Warfare Force, U.S. Navy
    Citation:
    "For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving in a temporary additional duty capacity as Commander Mine Warfare Force, U.S. Navy, from 28 April 1972 to 13 September 1972. Responsible for the planning, procurement and effectiveness of mining operations against enemy shipping in North Vietnam harbors and ports, Rear Admiral Kossler efficiently and effectively prepared his command for full-scale mining operations. As a result of his brilliant leadership, professional skill and detailed knowledge of naval mining operations, mines were strategically placed to control waters leading to the harbors and ports of every major North Vietnamese shipping facility, trapping shipping therein and resulting in 100 per cent effectiveness. By his courageous devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Kossler rendered invaluable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the present continued success of the North Vietnam mining campaign, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
    Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
    Period:
    After War Period (1945-now)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Received for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
    Legion of Merit - US Military
    Period:
    After War Period (1945-now)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Received for for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

    Second LoM, awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first LoM.
    Legion of Merit - US Military

    Sources

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