Sam Kessler was born on October 22, 1923, in the border region between Poland and Germany. He was married to Miriam S. "Mimi" Kessler. He attended Brooklyn College for two years before enrolling in the Army’s Engineering, Science, Management Defense Training Program. He served in the 786th Bomber Squadron, 466th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Operator of B-24H #42-50336, nicknamed “Pale Ale,” during World War II.

On February 20, 1945, the “Pale Ale” departed RAF Attlebridge on a bombing mission against Nuremberg, Germany. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the mission was recalled while the formation was over Belgium, and the bombers turned back toward England. During the return flight, “Pale Ale” suffered a catastrophic control failure when its control cables reportedly snapped, causing the aircraft to enter a steep and uncontrollable spin. Realizing that the bomber could not be saved, the pilot ordered the crew to bail out. Most of the crew successfully abandoned the aircraft, but two crewmen remained trapped in the forward section. Although the pilot had an opportunity to escape, he remained aboard and attempted to regain control of the Liberator long enough for the trapped men to get out. His efforts were unsuccessful, and the aircraft, still carrying its bomb load, crashed near Dergneau, Belgium, and exploded on impact. The pilot and the two trapped crewmen were killed, while the crewmen who successfully bailed out survived the crash.

SSgt Kessler successfully bailed out over Belgium and survived, reportedly becoming caught on a church spire by his parachute before receiving assistance from a resident. After the war, Kessler entered the luggage business in Summit, New Jersey. In addition to becoming a successful businessman, he was an accomplished athlete who participated in golf, bowling, and table tennis. He died on October 15, 2024, and is now buried in the Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, County, Florida, USA.

Sources of information: americanarchive.iwm.org.uk, www.fieldsofhonor-database.com