Rank:

Res. kapitein (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

8e Regiment Infanterie, Wapen der Infanterie

Awarded on:

August 16th, 1950

Recommendation:
He has distinguished himself in combat against the enemy by exceptionally courageous and tacttful actions on May 12 and 13, 1940, as commander of a company of infantry with two additional sections of heavy machine guns, defending the section Maasstation in Rotterdam; having executed this defense in exemplary and encouraging fashion under continuous heavy and well aimed enemy fire from the southern bank of the Meuse, holding ground to the utmost until his company was relieved, consequently the own positions could be fully maintained, serious losses being inflicted on the enemy and his attempts at crossing thwarted.
In particular on May 12, 1940, after his troop had relieved another unit, when the Maasstation was subjected to an enemy aerial bombardment claiming many dead and wounded and panic breaking out, he encouraged his subordinates by his fearless conduct during this bombardment in which he was injured and afterwards by his calm personal intervention to hold their ground and even continuing to fire during the bombardment.

Royal Decree no. 15