Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Majoor der Infanterie

Unit:

1e Bataljon Infanterie, Wapen der Infanterie, Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger (KNIL)

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1947

Citation:
"While in German captivity, he organized escape attempts with extraordinary success, though this entailed considerable danger for himself. Through his ingenuity and organizational skills, a large number of officers managed to escape, a significant number of whom joined either the KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army) in the Pacific or their own troops in England.
Furthermore, after the end of the war and having returned to the Dutch East Indies, he acted with great courage as commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion. When a combat operation was to take place near Tagogapoe (West Java) on June 29, 1946, to clear and destroy several strong concentrations of terrorists that were regularly harassing the convoy route and the bivouac, he decided to establish his command post on Pr. Gede Hill. While approaching this high point, he, along with his command group and a platoon of supporting troops, encountered enemy resistance. Taking charge himself, he gave the order to attack and was the first to rush forward. Shortly thereafter, he was mortally wounded and died a hero's death on the spot. The attack he had launched was completed; the enemy, leaving behind a number of dead, was routed."

Posthumously awarded (Royal Decree no. 20)