Hans Kroh German officer, participant in World War II, major general Date of Birth: 13.05.1907 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Hans Kroh
2. Early Military Career
3. War Efforts and Promotions
4. Service in Africa and Later Years

Biography of Hans Kroh

Hans Kroh was a German officer and participant in World War II. He held the rank of Major General and was a recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. He began his military career in April 1926, serving in the police force. By 1933, he had attained the rank of Senior Lieutenant in the police.

Early Military Career

In October 1935, Kroh joined the military and served in the airborne forces as a company commander with the rank of Senior Lieutenant. At the start of World War II, he was stationed at the headquarters of the 7th Airborne Division as a Captain. In May 1940, he took part in the invasion of the Netherlands and was awarded the Iron Cross of both classes.

War Efforts and Promotions

From August 1940, Kroh served as the commander of a parachute battalion and was promoted to the rank of Major in April 1941. He participated in the conquest of Greece in April 1941 and the assault on the island of Crete in May 1941, earning him the Knight's Cross. From November 1941, he served on the southern sector of the Eastern Front, participating in battles near Stalino and the River Mius. In April 1942, he was transferred to the Leningrad Front.

Service in Africa and Later Years

In July 1942, Kroh fought in Africa as part of the Ramcke Brigade. In December 1942, he was awarded the Gold German Cross. In January 1943, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and became the commander of a parachute regiment in March 1943. From January to April 1944, he fought in Ukraine and was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross and promoted to the rank of Colonel in April 1944.

In May 1944, Kroh assumed command of the 2nd Parachute Division during the Normandy campaign. In August 1944, he participated in the defense of Brest in France. In September 1944, he was awarded the Swords to the Knight's Cross and promoted to the rank of Major General. However, on September 18, 1944, he was captured by the Americans and remained a prisoner until his release in 1948.

In January 1956, Kroh returned to military service in the Bundeswehr. He commanded the 1st Airborne Division and retired in April 1962.