Frederick Kroesen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Kroesen Jr.
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Kroesen as commander of NATO Central Army Group
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| Born | February 11, 1923 Phillipsburg, New Jersey |
| Died | April 30, 2020 (aged 97) Alexandria, Virginia |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1983 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | NATO Central Army Group United States Army Europe United States Seventh Army Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army United States Army Forces Command VII Corps 82nd Airborne Division 23rd Infantry Division 196th Light Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal with "V" (3) |
| Other work | Chairman, Military Professional Resources Inc |
Frederick James Kroesen Jr. (born February 11, 1923 – died April 30, 2020) was a four-star general in the United States Army. He was a very important leader in the army for many years. He served as the top commander for the Seventh United States Army and the NATO Central Army Group from 1979 to 1983. Before that, he led the United States Army Forces Command from 1976 to 1978. He also held the role of Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1978 to 1979.
General Kroesen fought in three major wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Because of his combat experience in all three, he was one of the few soldiers to earn the Combat Infantryman Badge with two stars. This special badge shows he was in active combat in three different conflicts.
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Early Life and Education
Frederick Kroesen was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. His father worked for the New Jersey state government. When he was a child, his family moved to Lawrenceville. He went to Trenton Central High School.
He later attended Rutgers University and graduated in 1944 with a degree in Agriculture. He continued his studies at George Washington University, where he earned two more degrees in International Affairs.
Military Service and Leadership
General Kroesen had a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, serving for 40 years.
World War II Heroism
In 1944, Kroesen became an officer after finishing Infantry Officer Candidate School. He then joined the fighting in World War II with the 63rd Infantry Division. He led groups of soldiers as a platoon leader and company commander. He was involved in tough battles, including the fighting in the Colmar Pocket in France and later in Germany.
Korean War Service
During the Korean War, Kroesen served in Korea. He was part of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.
Vietnam War Leadership
Kroesen played a key role in the Vietnam War. In 1968, he commanded the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He also advised top military leaders in Vietnam. Later, he became the commander of the 23rd Infantry Division. He held several other important leadership positions during the war.
Leading After Vietnam
After the Vietnam War, Kroesen continued to rise through the ranks. He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division from 1972 to 1974. He also led the VII Corps from 1975 to 1976.
In 1976, Frederick Kroesen was promoted to a four-star general. This was a big achievement because he was the first officer who came from Officer Candidate School (OCS) to reach this high rank. He then became the Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command and later the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
Attack in Germany
From 1979 to 1983, General Kroesen was the commander of United States Army Europe. This meant he was in charge of all U.S. Army forces in Europe. On September 15, 1981, while in Heidelberg, Germany, his armored car was attacked with a rocket. General Kroesen was injured in the attack.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the army in 1983, General Kroesen became a businessman. He led a company called Military Professional Resources Inc.. He also worked with the Association of the United States Army, helping to share his knowledge about military matters. He was also a Vice-President of the American Security Council Foundation.
General Kroesen passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 30, 2020, at the age of 97. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Awards and Honors
General Kroesen received many awards and honors for his bravery and service:
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Combat Infantryman Badge, third award (showing combat in three wars) |
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Master Parachutist Badge (for many parachute jumps) |
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Silver German Parachutist Badge |
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Army Staff Identification Badge |
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Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal |
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Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster (for bravery in combat) |
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Legion of Merit, with two oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Flying Cross (for bravery in flight) |
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Bronze Star, with v device & two oak leaf clusters (for heroic or brave actions) |
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Air Medal, with bronze award numeral 29 |
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Army Commendation Medal, with two oak leaf clusters |
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Purple Heart, with one oak leaf cluster (for being wounded in combat) |
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Army Presidential Unit Citation, with two oak leaf clusters |
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Army Good Conduct Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, with three service stars |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Korean Service Medal, with one service star |
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Vietnam Service Medal, with eight service stars |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon, with award numeral 3 |
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French Legion of Honour (Officer) |
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National Order of Vietnam (Officer) |
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National Order of Vietnam (Knight) |
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Vietnam Military Merit Medal |
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Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm (four awards) |
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Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight Commander's Cross) |
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Korean Presidential Unit Citation |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation |
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United Nations Korea Medal |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
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Korean War Service Medal |
Other Recognitions
- He received the Association of the United States Army Abrams Award in 2005.
- In 2007, he was given the Sylvanus Thayer Award by the West Point Association of Graduates.
- The American Veterans Center honored him with the Audie Murphy Award in 2013.
- He was named an Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army in 2017.
- An award, the General Frederick Kroesen Leadership Award, is named after him.
Images for kids
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General Kroesen in 2005.
