Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant der Infanterie (Sergeant)

Unit:

x, Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger (KNIL)

Awarded on:

December 13th, 1947

Citation:
"Distinguished himself in combat with the enemy by performing courageous acts. When, on 24 February 1942, the troop commander in Balikpapan was forced to retreat with the remainder of his troops, the second lieutenant in charge of covering the retreat at Batoekampar asked for volunteers to carry out this task. Six soldiers volunteered, including Sergeant Dronkers. This small rearguard then engaged in a firefight with the advancing superior Japanese forces and managed to hold out long enough for the troops, which had not yet been reorganised, to break away from the enemy and retreat into the forest. They were then also able to retreat and report to the column commander the following morning. Dronkers died in captivity in Rangoon on 18 January 1943."

Posthumously awarded (Royal Decree no. 11)