Krause, Edward C. "Cannonball"

Date of birth:: August 17th, 1916 (La Crosse/Wisconsin, United States)
Date of death:: July 4th, 1970 (Mobile/Alabama, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Servicenumber 0-375296.

Burial: Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama, USA, Plot: Sec 28.

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 and 7 June 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel Krause shortly after landing on D Day, assembled a composite group of parachutists and led a night assault on the town of Ste.-Mère-Eglise and successfully destroyed the immediate enemy resistance. However, the enemy immediately counterattacked with numerically superior numbers supported by tanks and artillery. In these early counterattacks Lieutenant Colonel Krause, continually disregarding his own safety, moved from point to point directing the defense. He later received a severe wound in the leg, but again insisted on remaining with his troops and continued to direct the defense through his subordinate officers. The inspiring courage, dauntlessness, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Krause reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered military service from Wisconsin."