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1st Lt John T. Resler attended the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, Oklahoma and graduated in 1940. He then attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma, but while in the senior year, enlisted into the Army at Claremore, Oklahoma on 25 February 1942.

Lt Resler was killed in action by a sniper while trying to rescue one of his wounded men. He received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star of Valor for the action that cost him his life. The citation reads in part: For heroic action against the enemy in Germany on 17 April, 1945. First Lieutenant Resler in command of a platoon took part in the attack on the town of Thurland, Germany and in the assault one of his tank crew dismounted to procure more ammunition from a nearby ammunition carrier. The man was shot in the arm and fell to the ground. Lt Resler with utter disregard for his own personal safety went to his aid in spite of heavy small arms and bazooka fire. As he reached his side he was fired upon by several snipers and mortally wounded. Lieutenant Resler’s courage which resulted in the sacrifice of his own life and his high sense of duty reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the armed forces”
He is remembered at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.