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Kruse, Gerhard (Grenadier-Regiment 48)

    Date of birth:
    December 1st, 1918 (Dudendorf, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany)
    Date of death:
    April 11th, 1945 (Ruhr region)
    Buried on:
    Zentralfriedhof Einbeck
    Plot: Salzderhel. Row: 1. Grave: 6.
    Nationality:
    German

    Biography

    August 1st., 1944, Gerhard Kruse was promoted to Major of the Reserve and Commander of II Batallion/Grenadier-Regiment 48
    with which he took part in the Ardennes offensive. As of april 1945, Gerhard Kruse is listed as missing in action during the encirclement of the Ruhr area.

    Promotions:
    April 1st, 1942: Oberleutnant d.R.;
    March 1st, 1943: Hauptmann d.R.;
    August 1st, 1944: Major d.R.

    Career:
    November 15th, 1944: Kdr. II./Gren.Rgt. 48;
    January 15th, 1945: Führer-Reserve OKH.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    October 6th, 1939
    Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    June 10th, 1940
    Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    September 3rd, 1941
    Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    August 3rd, 1942
    Medaille
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    September 23rd, 1942
    Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
    Unit:
    Chef, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 48, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer
    Awarded on:
    June 10th, 1943

    According to the Karteikarte awarded on 11-6-1943.
    According to Patzwall / Scherzer awarded as Oberleutnant.
    Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
    Unit:
    Führer, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 48, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer
    Awarded on:
    February 23rd, 1944
    Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
    Awarded for distinguishing himself during the fighting around Vitebsk in January-February 1944.

    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    February 29th, 1944
    Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
    Unit:
    Führer, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 48, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer
    Awarded on:
    July 27th, 1944
    Awarded for further brave actions during Operation Bagration.

    534th award.
    Award personally bestowed by Hitler.
    Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)
    Unit:
    Führer, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 48, 12. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer
    Awarded on:
    March 5th, 1945
    Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS

    Sources

    Photo