Sept. 15, 1981
2nd of June Movement , Red Army Faction
Heidelberg
Federal Republic of Germany
Western Europe
Military
Bombing
No
Explosives
0
2
Yes
0
2
Yes
No
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. Terrorists hidden on a wooded hill fired Soviet-made RPG-7 rocket grenades at the armorplated car of the commander of U.S. forces in Europe, General Frederick J. Kroesen. The General's wife and two others were traveling with him to U.S. headquarters in Heidelberg. General Kroesen and his wife sustained only minor injuries and a slight loss of hearing. The armorplating probably saved their lives--the first grenade caved in the trunk and caused the back window to shatter, causing some minor injuries to the occupants from the flying glass. The U.S. military escort vehicle pulled up and the police searched the area. The assailants escaped immediately after the attack. Police discovered a Soviet-made bazooka, a small tent, sleeping bags and provisions as well as wireless radio equipment. The Red Army Faction claimed responsibility for the attempted assassination. The letter claimed credit for the Gudrun Ensslin Commando stating that the general "is the one who orders devastation by conventional weapons and decides when and where neutron warheads will be fired...." Later in September, investigating authorities announced that through fingerprint analysis it had been determined that Brigitte Mohnhaupt, currently being sought as a terrorist member of the June 2nd Movement, was involved in the attack on the general.
Chronology Data 1968-1997
04/03/2001
RAND Corporation |
