Background
Kroesen, Frederick James was born on February 11, 1923 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, United States. Son of Frederick James K. and Jean Ursula (Shillinger) Kroesen.
Kroesen, Frederick James was born on February 11, 1923 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, United States. Son of Frederick James K. and Jean Ursula (Shillinger) Kroesen.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Rutgers University, 1944. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Rutgers University, 1983. Bachelor in International Affairs, George Washington University, 1962.
Master of Arts in International Affairs, George Washington University, 1966.
He commanded troops in World World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, enabling him to be one of the very small number who ever was entitled to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge with two Stars, denoting active combat in three wars. He earned Bachelor of Arts (1962) and Master of Arts (1966) degrees in International Affairs at George Washington University. World World War II General Kroesen fought in World World War II with the 254th Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division.
He was a company grade officer, serving as platoon leader and company commander, in the fighting in the Colmar Pocket and into Germany.
He participated in the particularly tough fighting in Jebsheim. Baader-Meinhof gang attack General Kroesen was injured in Heidelberg on September 15, 1981, when his armoured Mercedes was targeted with an RPG-7 anti-tank rocket.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the "Kommando Gudrun Ensslin" of the Red Army Faction (aka Baader-Meinhof Gang). In 1991, West German prosecutors announced that former East German secret police leader Erich Mielke had been indicted for collusion with the attack.
Later life After retiring from the Army in 1983, Kroesen became a businessman.
He is currently chairman of the board of Military Professional Resources Incorporated. and a senior fellow at the Institute of Land Warfare of the Association of the United States Army. He is additionally the Vice-President of the American Security Council Foundation. Commanding Officer, 196th Light Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division Deputy Commander, XXIV Corps Commanding General, First Regional Assistance Command Commanding General, 23rd Infantry Division Commanding General, 82nd Airborne Division Commanding General, VII Corps Commanding General, Seventh United States Army Commanding General, United States Army Europe Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command Commanding General, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Central Army Group.
Fellow Institute Land Warfare (senior ), Association United States Army (Creighton W. Abrams medal 2004). Member United States Army War College Alumni Association (former president), United States Army War College Foundation (past board directors), 63d Division Association, 82d Airborne Division Association, Amcl Division Veterans Association, Rakkasan Association, Society French Legion of Honor, Society Rhin et Danube, Rutgers Cap & Skull, Delta Upsilon.
Married Rowene Wilder McCray, March 4, 1944. Children: Karen McCray Kroesen Klare, Frederick J. III, Gretchen McCray Kroesen Tackaberry.
