Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Patrol-Bombing Squadron 102 (VPB-102), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

July 12th, 1945

Synopsis:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane and Commanding Officer of Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO (VPB-102), in action against enemy forces on Japanese-held Marcus Island on 9 May 1945. Flying through extremely hazardous weather to participate in a strike against this enemy stronghold, Lieutenant Commander Pressler succeeded in destroying three enemy planes that were preparing for takeoff, and then damaged the enemy air strip with a string of accurately-placed bombs along the length of the runway. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane and Commanding Officer of Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO (VPB-102), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Marcus Island on 9 May 1945. In the face of fully alerted hostile defenses and intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Pressler carried out a determined bombing attack against an enemy airfield and, pressing his attack to point-blank range, destroyed three planes on the ground preparing to take off in addition to dropping a number of bombs along the runways. His airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Serial 6783, Commander Marianas (July 12, 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Bombing Squadron 102 (VPB-102), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Izu Islands, on March 7, 1945. Launching a daring low-level attack on hostile targets near an enemy base. Lieutenant Commander Pressler scored hits to inflict heavy damage on an enemy destroyer escort. In addition, he strafed seven hostile planes on the ground, bomb a radio station and obtained vital information concerning Japanese airfields.
His aggressive airmanship and skill in the face of hostile antiaircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Bombing Squadron 102 (VPB-102), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, April 10, 1945. Carrying out a search mission 800 miles from base, Lieutenant Commander Pressler sank a hostile merchant ship , effectively bombed a radio station and, in a daring low-level attack, inflicted serious damage on intallations on an enemy airstrip. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Seocnd DFC awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Bombing Squadron 102 (VPB-102), U.S. Navy

Citation:
""For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Plane Commander of a PB4Y-1 Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from February 23 to July 3, 1945. Completing his twentieth combat search flight during this period, Lieutenant Commander Pressler contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty in the face of hostile antiaircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third DFC awarded in the form of a second gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Bombing Squadron 102 (VPB-102), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commander of a Patrol Plane in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in Truk Lagoon, April 29, 1945. Teaming with another plane, Lieutenant Commander Pressler braved intense antiaircraft fire to press home a vigorous attack and assist in seriously damaging a floating dry dock moored close to shore and in sinking an enemy merchant vessel. His expert airmenship, courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Fourth DFC awarded in the form of a third gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Awarded on:

December 29th, 1947

Seventh Air Medal awarded in the form of a sixth golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Air Medal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)