Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 22nd, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 22nd, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2, 7. Flieger-Division, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

August 21st, 1941

Awarded for the leadership of his Bataillon in the area around the Rethymnon airfield during the Battle of Crete. On the first day of the attack (20.05.1941) his Bataillon (reinforced by the 2./Fallschirm-MG-Bataillon, a Zug from the 2./FlaMG-Bataillon 7 and a Zug from both the 13. and 14./Fallschirm-Jäger-Regiment 2) landed near the airfield. Although they took heavy losses, Kroh’s troops were able to take the Weinberg hill and reach the centre of the airfield. But on the following day the Allies launched a counterattack that the Germans could not withstand.

Kampfgruppe Kroh took up all-round defensive positions at an olive oil factory about 1800 metres east of the airfield, near the village of Stavromanos. 56 Fallschirmjäger were rescued by a shock troop that raided the beach. The situation had however become critical by the 24.05.1942. Kampfgruppe Kroh was totally exhausted, yet 3. Kompanie was still able to storm the village of Kimari. The next day Ju-52s brought food and ammunition, as well as a Korps order to break out to Heraklion.

The following night the Kampfgruppe slipped away unnoticed by the Allies. Their new orders were to take up positions and tie down the foe. Kampfgruppe Kroh reached its designated area on the 27.05.1941, taking the Hills 156 and 217 as well as the village of Prinos. The next day Major Kroh once again attacked towards the Rethymnon airfield. During an attack on the oil factory they encountered the first elements of the Kradschützen-Bataillon 55 and Gebirgsjäger.

In 10 days of heavy fighting Kroh and his troops were able to tie down considerable Allied forces before finally being relieved. Kroh would receive the Knight’s Cross for calmly leading his forces through the difficult circumstances.

291st Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 9th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer I. / Luftwaffen-Jäger-Brigade 1

Awarded on:

December 24th, 1942

Award 2/145.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant

Unit:

Kommandeur Fallschirm-Jäger-Regiment 2 / 2.Fallschirm-Jäger-Division / LII.Armee-Korps / 8.Armee / Heeresgruppe Süd

Awarded on:

April 6th, 1944

Awarded for preventing the breakthrough of two Soviet Corps towards Kirovograd while defending Nowo Andrejewka on the 05.01.1944 and the following days.


443rd Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Group Captain)

Unit:

Führer 2.Fallschirm-Jäger-Division / XVII.Armee-Korps / 6.Armee / Heeresgruppe Südukraine

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1944

Awarded for…

I. Participating in Operation “Bollwerk” (conducted by the LII. Armee-Korps), which had the aim of crushing the Soviet bridgehead over the Dniester at Butor. Kroh led his Kampfgruppe 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division during the assault, which took place on the 10.05.1944. Here his men broke through three hostile defensive lines near Balabauesti and thus eliminated the Soviet bridgehead as planned.

II. His contributions during the defense of Brest in summer 1944. Specifically that of the western front of the St. Pierre district, north of the U-Boat bunkers at the city.

96th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)