2007 SYLVANUS THAYER AWARD
CITATION
FREDERICK J. KROESEN, JR
A dedicated soldier who served his nation through four wars (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War) and was wounded in each of them, General Frederick J. Kroesen, Jr., U.S. Army (Retired) has performed with distinction in every facet of an active-duty career spanning 41 years. He wears the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with two stars awarded for leading troops in combat as a company commander in France during World War II, as a battalion commander in Korea, and as a brigade commander in Vietnam.
He later commanded two divisions—the 23d(Americal) in Vietnam and the 82d Airborne in the United States—as well as VII Corps in Germany. While wearing four stars, he commanded the U.S. Army Forces Command, served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and completed his active service as the senior commander of the Army’s forces in Europe during four years of the Cold War.
Since his retirement, General Kroesen has produced a substantial body of thought-provoking articles and essays that reflect his deep and abiding concern for the future of America’s Army and the nation it serves. He continues to share his strength, knowledge, experience, patriotism and love for the Army through his writing, speeches, and advice to agencies throughout the defense community.
His selfless devotion to his soldiers and his lifelong determination to accomplish the mission richly exemplify the values in the motto of the United States Military Academy “Duty, Honor, Country.”
As the United States struggles to defeat a determined terrorist enemy, models of steadfast soldiering are sorely needed to stir the desires of young men and women for lives of military service and achievement. General Frederick J. Kroesen, Jr. is just such a model. Accordingly, the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy takes great pleasure in presenting to him the 2007 West Point Sylvanus Thayer Award.