Citation EK 2 – 59. Infanterie Division Market Garden Holland 1944

EK 2 citation to Unteroffizier Rudolf Kroger who was a member of 1./Artillerie Regiment 159 of the 59. Infanterie Division.

The division was initially assigned to the 15th Army and posted to the Dunkirk area around August 20, 1944.

After the 15th Army was cut off along the English Channel coast by the capture of Antwerp by Allied forces behind them, the Germans left behind garrisons in the coastal ports as "fortresses" to be defended to the end. On August 30, the division contributed Lieutenant Colonel Ludwig Schroeder to command the Calais fortress, and possibly additional troops, as it and the rest of 15th Army withdrew from the coast.

The division was evacuated across the Scheldt estuary, via Walcheren to Brabant in the southern Netherlands.

On September 17, the division was located around Boxtel and its strength was reported at approximately 1,000 infantry with some artillery and anti-tank support.

During this retreat, it was fortuitously situated close to the initial airborne landings of Operation Market Garden and immediately committed to defend against it. The division mainly fought the American 101st Airborne Division in the area immediately north of Eindhoven between Son and Schijndel and near Heeswijk-Dinther.
Battlegroup of the 59. Infanterie Division had to attack the Allies and cut-off the road towards Arnhem. This part of the road became known as “Hells highway” by the Allies.

Most probarly for giving fire support to the attacking German troops towards Schijndel, Sint Oedenrode, Eerde, Veghel and the corridor he must have shown bravery and was awarded the EK 2.

Signed (a bit foggy) by the Divisional commander Walter Poppe.

After the war Walter Poppe was credited as military advisor for the movie “ A Bridge To Far”.

Big size a4 award document!

Used condition, has been folded and has punch holes.

code: B24253