Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Awarded on:

August 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer, 10. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer", 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"

Awarded on:

June 24th, 1944

Krüger’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 01.08.1943 the III.(gep)/SS ‘DF’ commenced an assault against the strongly fortified Russian defenses on Hill 223.7 (west of Stepanowka) with a Panzer-Kompanie in support. It was only possible to seize this deeply echeloned defensive network in close combat.

Here the 10.(gep)./SS ‘DF’ under the leadership of SS-Untersturmführer Krüger particularly distinguished itself. Showing heroic devotion to duty and boldness, Krüger repeatedly led his Kompanie forwards amid the strongest enemy fire. Through outstanding tactical leadership he succeeded in capturing his attack objective within the enemy positions without notable friendly losses.

Then, on his own initiative, Krüger sent his Kompanie into attack against an additional fortress-like enemy position, taking control of it after bitter close combat. Thereafter he again stormed forwards with his Kompanie, achieving truly incredible things with his men. The occupation of these heights was of extreme importance for the further progress of both the Bataillon as well as the units immediately on the left and right of it. Hitherto the Russians had used these fortress-like hills as their key positions, from which the entire area west of Miranowka and Stepanowka could be observed and dominated.

The subsequent capture of the villages of Stepanowka and Marinowka would trigger the recapture of the entire Mius position. The attack was mostly done in close combat and under strong enemy fire from artillery, mortars, infantry weapons and ground-attack aircraft.

Krüger’s Kompanie captured the following during the attack:

18 anti-tank rifles
16 heavy machine-guns
27 light machine-guns
9 heavy mortars
38 machine-pistols
1 Pak (4.7 cm)
120 rifles
1 T-34 (destroyed in close combat)
200 prisoners

180 enemy dead were also counted in the attack sector of Krüger’s Kompanie.

The Bataillon requests that this young and distinguished SS leader, who always demonstrates excellent leadership qualities, be awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for his outstanding feat-of-arms.”

Awarded posthumously.