Marco Kroon

{{Short description|Member of the Military Order of William}} {{distinguish|Marc Kroon}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Infobox military person | name = Marco Kroon | honorific_suffix = [[Military Order of William|RMWO]] | birth_name = Marinus Johannes Kroon | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|7|15|df=y}} | birth_place = [['s-Hertogenbosch]], Netherlands | death_date = | death_place = | burial_place = | image = Marco Kroon als RMWO.jpg | caption = Kroon in 2009 | nickname = | allegiance = {{Flag|Netherlands}} | branch = {{Army|Netherlands}} | service_years = 1989–present | rank = [[File:Nl-landmacht-majoor.svg|25px]] [[Major (rank)|Major]] | commands = | unit = [[Korps Commandotroepen]] [[Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene]] | battles = [[Operation Provide Comfort]]<br/>[[Bosnian War]]<br/>[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] | awards = [[File:NLD Military Order of William - Knight 4th class BAR.svg|25px]] [[Military William Order]], Knight 4th class | relations = | other_work = }}

'''Marinus Johannes "Marco" Kroon''' (born 15 July 1970), is a Dutch military officer serving with the [[Korps Commandotroepen]]. Kroon is one of only three living knights of the [[Military Order of William]] and the first new member appointed to this Dutch Order in over half a century.<ref name="defensie" /><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.defensie.nl/missies/nieuws/isaf/2009/02/10/46127423/Eerste_Militaire_Willems_Orde_in_50_jaar Eerste Militaire Willems-Orde in 50 jaar]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Ministerie van Defensie, 10 February 2009</ref> The Military William Order is the highest [[Orders of knighthood in the Netherlands|honour]] in the Netherlands, bestowed for "performing excellent acts of Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty in battle".<ref>[http://www.lintjes.nl/_en/militaire_willemsorde/index.html Military order of William – Official website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716063059/http://www.lintjes.nl/_en/militaire_willemsorde/index.html |date=16 July 2011 }}. Lintjes.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

==Personal life== Marinus Johannes Kroon was born on 15 July 1970 in [[Den Bosch]] in the Netherlands. He graduated the {{ill|Sint-Janslyceum|nl}}, high school, in 1989. He still lives in Den Bosch with his girlfriend who runs a café. Besides his full-time job in the military, Kroon often helps her with her work.

Kroon also graduated from the [[Koninklijke Militaire School]] (''Royal Military School'', which trains [[non-commissioned officer|NCO]]'s) in [[Weert]], and from the [[Koninklijke Militaire Academie]] (''Royal Military Academy'', which trains [[Military officer|officers]]) in [[Breda]].

==Military career==

===Marines=== After graduating from high school in 1989, Kroon started his military career as a [[Marine (military)|Marine]] in the [[Royal Netherlands Marine Corps]]. In 1991 he was dispatched for [[Operation Provide Comfort]], a humanitarian operation for [[Kurds]] in northern [[Iraq]]. After this he was transferred for a year to the [[Marine Barracks Savaneta]] in [[Aruba]]. In 1993 he was sent out a second time as assistant section leader in a Marine platoon for the [[United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia]] (UNTAC) in [[Cambodia]].

===Army=== After this mission in Cambodia he transferred to the Army where he started training for a position as an [[Non-commissioned officer|NCO]] at the Koninklijke Militaire School in [[Weert]]. After graduating he became [[Squad|squad leader]] at the 17th Armoured Infantry Battalion in [[Oirschot]]. With this unit he left for a mission in [[Bosnia]] for six months leading an infantry group.

In 1998 he transferred to the [[Korps Commandotroepen]] (''Corps of Commando Troops'') in [[Roosendaal]]. After successfully earning his [[Green beret|Green Beret]] he fulfilled a management position in the corps. In 2000 he once again left for Bosnia, this time as a member of the [[Joint Commissioned Observer]] mission. After this mission he left again for the [[Koninklijke Militaire Academie]] (''Royal Military Academy'') in Breda, to become an officer. After graduation he returned to his unit, the 17th Armoured Infantry Battalion, and left for Bosnia for the third time, now as [[platoon commander]], in the [[Stabilization Force]] (SFOR) mission.

In 2004 he returned to the Special Forces in Roosendaal as platoon commander at the 108th Commando Company. Here he had several management positions and was dispatched once again to Iraq in 2004 for mission [[Multinational force in Iraq|Stabilisation Force Iraq]] and three times to Afghanistan (2005, 2006 en 2007).

After that Kroon became a staff officer at the intelligence centre of the special forces, training other commandos, testing equipment and tactical procedures.

On 12 July 2012, Kroon received a new command as [[company commander]] of the Charley Company of the 17th [[Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene|Mechanized Infantry Battalion 'Prinses Irene' Fusilier Guards Regiment]] based in Oirschot.<ref name="cmd_17mib_nunl">{{cite web |url=http://www.nu.nl/binnenland/2854752/marco-kroon-krijgt-nieuwe-functie-binnen-defensie.html |title=Marco Kroon krijgt nieuwe functie binnen Defensie |author=Nu.nl editors |date=9 July 2012 |publisher=Nu.nl |accessdate=14 July 2012|language=nl}}</ref><ref name="cmd_17mib_bndestem">{{cite web |url=http://www.bndestem.nl/algemeen/brabant/11374750/Marco-Kroon-neemt-commando-beren-bataljon-over.ece |title=Marco Kroon neemt commando 'beren-bataljon' over |date=12 July 2012 |work=BN De Stem |accessdate=14 July 2012|language=nl}}</ref>

On 4 November 2013, Kroon returned to the [[Korps Commandotroepen]] (''Corps of Commando Troops'') in [[Roosendaal]].

On 24 February the Telegraaf newspaper published an article about Kroon. It claimed that Captain Kroon would be joining the Dutch mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Based in Gao, in a staff function as a planner for the 105th Commando Troop Compagny, his job will be mainly planning long range reconnaissance missions. This news was confirmed by the commander of the Korps Commando Troepen, Colonel Jan Swillens.<ref name="Kroon Mali1">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22327285/__Ridder_Kroon_voorop_in_Mali__.html |title=Ridder Kroon voorop in Mali |date=12 July 2012 |work=De Telegraaf |accessdate=2014-06-25}}</ref>

In November 2014 Kroon was promoted to major and assigned to the Land Training Centre in [[Amersfoort]].

===Military William Order=== [[File:Marco Kroon Queen Beatrix.jpg|thumb|Kroon being awarded by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands]]

From March 2006, to August 2006, Kroon, then a [[lieutenant]], was dispatched to the Afghan province of [[Uruzgan]]. His job, as [[platoon commander]] of the Dutch [[Korps Commandotroepen|special forces]] unit "Viper", was to [[reconnaissance|reconnoiter]] and to map the area so that [[Task Force Uruzgan]] could be established.<ref name="defensie">{{cite web|title=Presentation of the Military Order of William to Captain Marco Kroon – The Hague, 29 May 2009|url=http://vorige.nrc.nl/multimedia/archive/00227/Pdf_Militaire-Wille_227512a.pdf|website=vorige.nrc.nl|publisher=defensie.nl|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111235318/http://vorige.nrc.nl/multimedia/archive/00227/Pdf_Militaire-Wille_227512a.pdf|archive-date=11 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In this period he distinguished himself by exceptional deeds during six extremely dangerous actions which broke out during [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] patrols by "Viper" and a platoon of the [[Australian Special Air Service Regiment]].<ref name="defensie" />

[[File:MWO Ridder.JPG|thumb|Previously knighted members of the Military William Order attending the presentation ceremony on 29 May 2009.]]

One of these actions was Operation Chitag (13–14 July 2006). During the patrol, Kroon encountered a group of [[Taliban]] fighters. In the ensuing battle, while the Dutch troops were heavily outnumbered, Kroon was forced to request [[final protective fire|air support on his own position]] by a [[Lockheed AC-130|Lockheed AC-130 gunship]]; he ordered his men to take cover and with his Forward Air Controller (FAC) guided the American air attack. At such close quarters, however, it was a harrowing experience for Kroon and his FAC. Later, his platoon was forced to take cover in an Afghan house, whence they repulsed repeated attacks during the night. No men fell under Kroon's command, but the resulting Taliban losses were severe.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.nov-officieren.nl/Oudesite/Carre/Carre%202009/Januari/Ca200901021.pdf Leiderschap onder extreme omstandigheden],{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} F.A. Ebbelaar, Carré, 2009, nr. 1, pp. 24–25 (Dutch)</ref> After the dawn, Kroon and his men emerged to retrieve intelligence from the dead Taliban to establish their identity. Kroon disciplined his men after noticing their agitation and inclination toward unprofessional behaviour (he later said that he understood the behaviour of his men but, as their leader, felt himself responsible for ensuring that the platoon acted professionally); he then ordered the wounded to be treated and the enemy dead to be covered. Kroon's superior officers later commended his leadership and ability to correct a battle-hardened group of commandoes.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.nrc.nl/binnenland/article2149132.ece/Ridder_na_strijd_in_vallei_tegen_Talibaan Ridder na strijd in vallei tegen Talibaan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714184817/http://www.nrc.nl/binnenland/article2149132.ece/Ridder_na_strijd_in_vallei_tegen_Talibaan |date=14 July 2009 }}. Nrc.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

These actions and his general behaviour as a leader were the reason both his subordinates and his superiors nominated Kroon for bestowal of the Military Order. The [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Ministry of Defence]], after three years' research, recommended to Queen [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]] that Kroon be awarded the [[Military William Order]] for bravery shown during commando actions in Uruzgan.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6166200/Onderzoek-Kroon-voor-de-Willemsorde.ece "Onderzoek Kroon voor de Willemsorde"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (31 January 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> Queen Beatrix made Kroon a Knight (fourth class) of the Military William Order on 29 May 2009: the first time in 54 years that the honour had been given to an individual.<ref>[http://www.nrc.nl/international/article2255721.ece/Dutch_queen_presents_commando_highest_medal "Dutch queen presents commando highest medal"]. Nrc.nl (29 May 2009). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

=== Killing incident === Early 2018 it became public that the public prosecutor (OM) had started an investigation regarding an incident from 2007 in Afghanistan, where Kroon was involved.<ref>[https://nos.nl/artikel/2212334-om-onderzoekt-gebruik-geweld-marco-kroon-in-afghanistan.html OM onderzoekt gebruik geweld Marco Kroon in Afghanistan], 17 January 2018</ref>

Kroon stated that he had killed an enemy, who during an earlier secret operation, had captured him and had subjected him to brutal interrogations, mistreatment and humiliation. In November 2018, Kroon stated for the first time that he had also been [[rape]]d.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2260288-marco-kroon-ook-verkracht-in-afghanistan.html |title=Marco Kroon: 'Ook verkracht in Afghanistan' |work=NOS |date=22 November 2018 |accessdate=22 November 2018}}</ref> After he was released for reasons unclear to Kroon, he wanted to take the man prisoner in turn. When he coincidentally encountered the man again, the man reached for a firearm, upon which Kroon shot and killed the man. Kroon kept the incident to himself due to the secrecy of the operation. He only reported the incident to the DoD early 2017, which informed the public prosecutor in January 2018.<ref>[https://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/marco-kroon-over-dodelijke-confrontatie-in-afghanistan-met-man-die-hem-gevangen-hield-het-was-hij-of-ik~a4567394/ Marco Kroon over dodelijke confrontatie in Afghanistan met man die hem gevangen hield: 'Het was hij of ik'], de Volkskrant, 8 February 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/het-was-op-dat-moment-hij-of-ik~a7445621 Verklaring Marco Kroon]</ref>

In reaction to the publication by Kroon the TV programme Nieuwsuur started an investigation. The uncovered facts were to be published 24 February. The findings were presented to the DoD for comment. Upon this minister Bijleveld has strongly urged the editor of the show not to publish as some facts and details could endanger people's lives.<ref>[https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/artikel/2219117-onrust-bij-korps-commandotroepen-na-uitlatingen-marco-kroon.html Onrust bij Korps Commandotroepen na uitlatingen Marco Kroon]</ref> In 2007, Kroon was on an intelligence gathering mission in the Afghan capital Kabul.<ref>[https://nos.nl/artikel/2219170-marco-kroon-was-spion-in-kabul.html 'Marco Kroon was spion in Kabul']</ref>

==Criminal investigation and conviction== In January 2010, Kroon and his girlfriend (aged 34) were named in a drugs case in The Netherlands.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [https://www.bd.nl/gilze-en-rijen/militaire-ridder-marco-kroon-verdachte-op-politiebureau~adec0b48/ "Militaire ridder Marco Kroon verdachte op politiebureau"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (26 September 2011). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> According to publications he was suspected of possession of drugs and of violating the [[gun law]]. A police investigation, which was sustained after two interrogations, was said to be focusing on the café named ''café Vinny's'' that he was running in the city of [['s-Hertogenbosch|Den Bosch]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6175046/Kroon-na-nieuw-verhoor-nog-verdacht.ece "Kroon na nieuw verhoor nog verdacht"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (23 February 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6175022/Een-feestcafe-met-rinkelende-glazen.ece "Een feestcafé met rinkelende glazen"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> The patrons were suspected of using [[cocaine]] in the café.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257346/Defensie-stuurt-kapitein-Kroon-met-buitengewoon-verlof.htm "Defensie stuurt kapitein Kroon met buitengewoon verlof"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611231405/http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257346/Defensie-stuurt-kapitein-Kroon-met-buitengewoon-verlof.htm |date=11 June 2011 }}. ''Elsevier''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> The ''[[Royal Marechaussee|Koninklijke Marechaussee]]'' (Dutch military police) and the Public Prosecutor confirmed the suspicion.<ref>[http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/afghan-war-hero-involved-in-drugs-case_21964.html "Afghan war hero involved in drugs case"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221234058/http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/afghan-war-hero-involved-in-drugs-case_21964.html |date=21 February 2014 }}. Expatica.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.nrc.nl/binnenland/article2471970.ece/Justitie_verdenkt_oorlogsheld_Kroon "Justitie verdenkt oorlogsheld Kroon"]. Nrc.nl (30 January 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257055/Oorlogsheld-Uruzgan-nu-verdachte-in-drugszaak.htm "Oorlogsheld Uruzgan nu verdachte in drugszaak"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611231237/http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257055/Oorlogsheld-Uruzgan-nu-verdachte-in-drugszaak.htm |date=11 June 2011 }}. ''Elsevier''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> The investigations in the case started in October 2009 and in December 2009, four other suspects had been arrested.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6166196/Al-twintig-verhoren.ece "'Al twintig verhoren'"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (31 January 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6175023/Eerder-in-zaak-rond-Kroon-al-aanhoudingen.ece "Eerder in zaak rond Kroon al aanhoudingen"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

Kroon and his lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops denied all accusations and announced their own investigation.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6170890/Kroon-weerspreekt-beschuldigingen.ece "'Kroon weerspreekt beschuldigingen'"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (23 February 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257142/Kroon-ontkent-drugsgebruik-Ik-werd-bedreigd.htm "Kroon ontkent drugsgebruik: Ik werd bedreigd"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611231628/http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257142/Kroon-ontkent-drugsgebruik-Ik-werd-bedreigd.htm |date=11 June 2011 }}. ''Elsevier''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6177490/Eigen-onderzoek-advocaat-Kroon.ece "Eigen onderzoek advocaat Kroon"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1012/Binnenland/article/detail/460655/2010/02/01/Advocaat-Marco-Kroon-doet-eigen-onderzoek.dhtml "Advocaat Marco Kroon doet eigen onderzoek"]. Ad.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257234/Onderzoek-advocaat-Marco-Kroon-naar-aantijgingen.htm "Onderzoek advocaat Marco Kroon naar aantijgingen"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611231450/http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257234/Onderzoek-advocaat-Marco-Kroon-naar-aantijgingen.htm |date=11 June 2011 }}. ''Elsevier''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> According to Kroon, he is the victim of defamation. He points out that he received several anonymous mails with threats, one of them saying: "From hero to zero".<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/algemeen/bdbinnenland/6173188/Kapitein-Kroon-ontving-bedreigingen.ece "Kapitein Kroon ontving bedreigingen"]. ''Brabants Dagblad'' (26 September 2011). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article1343926.ece/Marco_Kroon_ontkent_beschuldigingen "Marco Kroon ontkent beschuldigingen"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203094605/http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article1343926.ece/Marco_Kroon_ontkent_beschuldigingen |date=3 February 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/5925865/__Marco_Kroon_vecht_terug__.html "Marco Kroon vecht terug"]. ''Telegraaf''. (31 January 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/war-hero-claims-he-received-threats "War hero claims he received threats"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204205219/http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/war-hero-claims-he-received-threats |date=4 February 2010 }}. Rnw.nl (1 February 2010). Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://ad.nl/ad/nl/1000/Nieuws/article/detail/460275/2010/01/30/Kroon-weerlegt-beschuldigingen-drugshandel.dhtml "'Kroon weerlegt beschuldigingen drugshandel'"]. Ad.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

According to two sources, the Dutch [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Ministry of Defence]] was aware of the alleged reputation of Kroon's pub before he received his award for bravery in Afghanistan.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://ad.nl/ad/nl/1012/Binnenland/article/detail/461637/2010/02/06/Defensie-wist-van-foute-kroeg-Marco-Kroon.dhtml "Defensie wist van 'foute' kroeg Marco Kroon"]. Ad.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/257652/Defensie-wist-van-drugsgebruik-in-cafe-kapitein-Kroon.htm "Defensie wist van drugsgebruik in café kapitein Kroon"]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. ''Elsevier''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref> The source of the accusations was believed to be an unmentioned police [[informant|informer]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6178970/Kroon-zal-nooit-weten-wie-tip-gaf.ece "Kroon zal nooit weten wie tip gaf"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

The publications on the suspicion of Kroon not only led to comments on the legitimacy of his award and speculations as to his professional position, but also to criticism directed at the mentioning of his full name by the press, which is uncommon in The Netherlands in crime reporting as it is considered to be an infringement of a suspect's personal [[privacy]], related to the [[presumption of innocence]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6175021/Je-kunt-niet-en-schoffie-en-held-zijn.ece "'Je kunt niet én schoffie én held zijn'"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6175020/Ontslag-voor-gebruik-en-handel-in-drugs.ece "Ontslag voor gebruik en handel in drugs"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.brabantsdagblad.nl/regios/denbosch/kroon/6178972/Vakbond-schending-privacy.ece "Vakbond: schending privacy"]. ''Brabants Dagblad''. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Kroon's lawyer told a Dutch television programme that Kroon actually wanted his bar to be drugs-free and that he had thrown customers out who did not respect this policy.<ref>[http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/dutch-afghan-war-hero-faces-drugs-charges_34462.html "Dutch Afghan war hero faces drugs charges"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910045646/http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-rss-news/dutch-afghan-war-hero-faces-drugs-charges_34462.html |date=10 September 2012 }}. Expatica.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.</ref>

On 20 September 2010, the [[attorney general|Office of the Attorney General]] officially announced that Kroon would be prosecuted and was suspected of 'possession and provision of some (in the Netherlands illegal) [[electroshock weapon]]s and possession of small quantities of [[hard drugs]] for personal use'.

The trial was held before the military panel of the Arnhem court, which consists of two professional judges of the Arnhem court of which one presides the panel, and one [[general officer]] who does not belong to the [[judiciary]]. It started on 29 November 2010.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article1420922.ece/OM_Kroon_op_29_november_voor_de_rechter OM: Kroon op 29 November voor de rechter], [[De Volkskrant]], 20 September 2010</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.st-ab.nl/wetten/0617_Wet_militaire_strafrechtspraak_WMSR.htm WET MILITAIRE STRAFRECHTSPRAAK (WMSR)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010116/http://www.st-ab.nl/wetten/0617_Wet_militaire_strafrechtspraak_WMSR.htm |date=13 December 2017 }}, www.st-ab.nl, 19 July 2000</ref> Court hearings were held on 4, 5, 11 and 12 April 2011 in [[Arnhem]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/1869983/2011/04/04/Zaak-tegen-militair-Marco-Kroon-begonnen.dhtml Zaak tegen militair Marco Kroon begonnen], [[De Volkskrant]], 4 April 2011</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/1869955/2011/04/04/Marco-Kroon-geeft-bezit-taser-toe.dhtml Marco Kroon wees schikking met OM af], [[De Volkskrant]], 4 April 2011</ref> The [[verdict]] of the military panel of the Arnhem court was on 22 April 2011.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie/Rechtbanken/Arnhem/Nieuws/Pages/Uitspraakzaakmarcokroon.aspx Uitspraak zaak Marco Kroon a.s vrijdag 22 April 09.00 uur ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001033826/http://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie/Rechtbanken/Arnhem/Nieuws/Pages/Uitspraakzaakmarcokroon.aspx |date=1 October 2011 }}, www.rechtspraak.nl, 20 April 2011</ref> Kroon was [[Sentence (law)|sentenced]] a EUR 750 [[Fine (penalty)|fine]] and a conditional 80 hours of [[Community sentence|community service]] for possession and provision of electroshock weapons. Kroon was [[acquitted]] on the drugs related charges.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie/Rechtbanken/Arnhem/Nieuws/Pages/MarcoKroon22042011.aspx Vrijspraak drugsbezit Marco Kroon, veroordeling voor wapenbezit ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429031747/http://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie/Rechtbanken/Arnhem/Nieuws/Pages/MarcoKroon22042011.aspx |date=29 April 2011 }}, www.rechtspraak.nl, 22 April 2011</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://zoeken.rechtspraak.nl/detailpage.aspx?ljn=BQ2163&u_ljn=BQ2163 Verdict of the military panel of the Arnhem court LJN: BQ2163, Rechtbank Arnhem, 05/800780-10] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323010531/http://zoeken.rechtspraak.nl/detailpage.aspx?ljn=BQ2163&u_ljn=BQ2163 |date=23 March 2012 }}, www.rechtspraak.nl, 22 April 2011</ref> Kroon will not be dismissed from the military (this would be the case if he had been convicted for using hard drugs; the [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch Ministry of Defence]] has a strict no-drugs policy).<ref name="NOSKroonGeenDrugs"/> Furthermore, Kroon will keep his knighthood; revocation only occurs if sentenced to prison for more than one year.<ref name="NOSKroonGeenDrugs">{{cite news |title=Advocaat: Kroon gebruikte geen drugs |newspaper=NOS |date=20 September 2010 |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/186214-advocaat-kroon-gebruikte-geen-drugs.html |accessdate=21 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ridder Kroon voor bezit wapens en drugs vervolgd |newspaper=[[NRC Handelsblad]] |date=20 September 2010 |url=http://www.nrc.nl/binnenland/article2621135.ece/OM_Marco_Kroon_staat_eind_november_terecht |accessdate=21 September 2010|language=nl}}</ref> The Dutch Ministry of Defence reported that it perused the verdict and will wait out the period in which the Office of the Attorney General or Kroon can appeal the verdict.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/22/46181756/Kroon_vrijgesproken_van_drugsbezit Kroon vrijgesproken van drugsbezit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807071521/http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/22/46181756/Kroon_vrijgesproken_van_drugsbezit |date=7 August 2011 }}, www.defensie.nl, 22 April 2011</ref> Kroon announced that he would voluntarily resign his knighthood if he was [[conviction|convicted]] for drugs related charges by the [[appellate court]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/1870792/2011/04/05/Kroon-levert-Willemsorde-in-bij-veroordeling.dhtml Kroon levert Willemsorde in bij veroordeling], [[De Volkskrant]], 5 April 2011</ref> On 2 May 2011 the Office of the Attorney General refrained to seek an appeal.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.omroepbrabant.nl/?news/1545751083/Geen+hoger+beroep+OM+tegen+Marco+Kroon.aspx Geen hoger beroep OM tegen Marco Kroon], Omroep Brabant, 2 May 2011</ref> Immediately after the legal procedure ending the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced they will consult Kroon in the near future regarding his career wishes and possibilities. Such consultations and consequent posting changes are normal procedure for all Dutch military personnel. According to his lawyer, Kroon aspires a new military mission, this after his current administrative posting.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/1883532/2011/05/02/Defensie-alle-opties-open-voor-Kroon.dhtml Defensie: alle opties open voor Kroon], [[De Volkskrant]], 2 May 2011</ref>

==Continued legal action== On 13 July 2012, Geert-Jan Knoops (Kroon's lawyer) announced that Kroon will seek compensatory damages from the Dutch government after being prosecuted by the attorney-general of the Netherlands for possession of drugs. Knoops indicated that Kroon primarily wants an apology from the AG Office and that he had been negotiating with them for a year over this, but that a voluntary apology was not forthcoming. In lieu of this apology, Kroon has instructed Knoops to file a suit for unjust prosecution and is seeking compensatory damages for damage done to his reputation as well as for the loss of his cafe (which Kroon claims he had to sell at a loss because the public trial drove customers away).<ref name="annc_compdamsuit_bndestem">{{cite web |url=http://www.bndestem.nl/nieuws/algemeen/binnenland/11376970/Militair-Marco-Kroon-eist-vergoeding-van-de-Staat.ece |title=Militair Marco Kroon eist vergoeding van de Staat |author=BN De Stem |date=13 July 2012 |work=BN De Stem |accessdate=14 July 2012|language=nl}}</ref><ref name="annc_compdamsuit_nunl">{{cite web |url=http://www.nu.nl/binnenland/2857891/marco-kroon-dient-schadeclaim-in-staat.html |title=Marco Kroon dient schadeclaim in tegen staat |author=Nu.nl |date=13 July 2012 |work=BN De Stem |accessdate=14 July 2012|language=nl}}</ref><ref name="annc_compdamsuit_nos">{{cite web |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/394473-marco-kroon-wil-geld-van-de-staat.html |title=Marco Kroon wil geld van de staat |author=NOS |date=13 July 2012 |work=NOS Nieuws |accessdate=14 July 2012|language=nl}}</ref>

==Honours and medals== [[File:MWO Binnenhof Marco Kroon.JPG|thumb|upright|Marco Kroon taking the knighthood oath during the presentation ceremony of the Military William Order on 29 May 2009]] * Knight 4th class of the [[Military William Order]] (RMWO) * Commemorative Medal UN-Peacekeeping Operations, for participation [[UNTAC]] ([[Cambodia]]) * Commemorative Medal Multinational Peacekeeping Operations, for participation [[Operation Provide Comfort]] ([[Kurdistan]]) * Commemorative Medal Multinational Peacekeeping Operations, with 2 [[Medal bar|clasps]] for participation [[SFOR]] and [[Kosovo Force]] * Commemorative Medal Peacekeeping Operations, with 5 clasps * NCO Long Service Medal, in bronze (12 years service) * Army Foreign Service Medal * [[Cross for the Four Day Marches|Four Day Marches Cross]], 2nd participation  * Proficiency Medal of the Netherlands Sporting Federation, 2nd participation * [[United Nations Medal]] for participation [[UNTAC]] ([[Cambodia]]) * [[NATO Medal]], with clasp for [[Former Yugoslavia]] service, granted twice * NATO Medal, with clasp for [[Kosovo]] service * NATO Medal, with clasp for [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] service, granted twice

==See also== *[[Military William Order]] *[[Task Force Uruzgan]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Marco Kroon}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090714184817/http://www.nrc.nl/binnenland/article2149132.ece/Ridder_na_strijd_in_vallei_tegen_Talibaan NRC article Marco Kroon] *[http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2009/02_februari/12/verrijkingsonderdelen/0212_1545_Kroon_Willemsorde.xml Hoge onderscheiding voor bijzondere acties], [[RTL Nieuws]], 2 February 2009 *[http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=8886274 Marco Kroon in DWDD]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, De wereld draait door, 12 February 2009 *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719024803/http://www.korpscommandotroepen.nl/index.php?l=nl&p=13&year=2000&id=17&a=3 Kenniscentrum SO opgericht in 1997] *[http://www.defensie.nl/_system/handlers/generaldownloadHandler.ashx?filename=/media/Programma%20uitreikingsceremonie%20MWO_tcm46-131826.pdf Presentation of the Military Order of William to Captain Marco Kroon – The Hague, 29 May 2009] – www.defensie.nl, 29 May 2009 *[http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=9555210 Online Documentary about Kroon]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} – NOS, 29 May 2009

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kroon, Marco}} [[Category:1970 births]] [[Category:20th-century Dutch military personnel]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People convicted of battery]] [[Category:Royal Netherlands Army officers]] [[Category:Dutch military personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]] [[Category:Knights Fourth Class of the Military Order of William]] [[Category:People from 's-Hertogenbosch]] [[Category:Graduates of the Koninklijke Militaire Academie]]