Kruse, Ernst Gustav (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3)

Date of birth:: October 1st, 1915 (Egeln/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: October 5th, 1944 (Ozbanice/Serock, Poland)
Buried on:: German War Cemetery Mlawka
Plot: G. Row: 6. Grave: 425.
Nationality:: German

Biography

Several sources state as the date of death October 15th, 1944. The Volksbund gives as the date of death Ocotber 5th, 1944.

Promotions:
1935: Soldat;
1937: Unteroffizier;
March 1938: Feldwebel;
1941: Oberfeldwebel;
1943: Fähnrich;
1944: Oberfähnrich.

Career:
1935: Schützen-Regiment 3;
?: Zugführer 7. Kompanie, Schützen-Regiment 3;
?: Zugführer 7. Kompanie, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3;
September 23rd, 1944: Offiziersanwärter/Ordonnanzoffizier II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3.

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: October 28th, 1939

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: July 26th, 1940

Panzerkampfabzeichen (ohne Zahl)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

in bronze

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)
Unit:: 7. Schwadron, Schützen-Regiment 3, 3. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:: January 19th, 1942

Award 59/64

Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 20th, 1942

213th Award.

Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: September 1st, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:: Zugführer, 7. Kompanie, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3, 3. Panzer-Division, XXXX. Panzer-Korps, 1. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe A
Awarded on:: October 6th, 1942

On the 29.07.1942 soldiers of the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 stormed the city of Proletarskaja. In this fight Oberfeldwebel Kruse and his Zug particularly distinguished themselves. Kruse stormed with his men far ahead and enabled a rapid advance of his Bataillon into the city. For this act he would receive the Knight’s Cross.

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:: Zugführer, 7. Kompanie, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3, 3. Panzer-Division, III. Panzer-Korps, 1. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe Süd
Awarded on:: May 17th, 1943

At the beginning of 1942 Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 was in positions along the Kura stream near Aga Batyr. On the night before New Year’s Day the German retreat from this area began, however during the following morning the Soviets commenced their own attack through the thick morning mist. Tanks overran the foremost defensive line of the Regiment, with the aim of advancing even farther to the west. In response Oberfeldwebel Kruse launched a counterattack with his Zug despite lacking artillery support. They were able to eliminate several tanks in close combat and seal off the Soviet penetration. As a result the Division was able to withdraw as planned, and in recognition of his decisive action Kruse would be decorated with the Oakleaves.

245th Award.