Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Sergeant-majoor-verpleger

Unit:

A Compagnie, Nederlands Detachement Verenigde Naties (Korea)

Awarded on:

May 8th, 1951

Citation:
"Distinguished himself by his excellent conduct against the enemy on January 3, 1951, while assigned to A Company of the Dutch United Nations detachment in Korea, near CHAKYONNI, as a nurse sergeant-major, during a battle with overwhelming enemy forces, immediately and entirely voluntarily proceeded to the location of three wounded men, thereby having to cross a strip of terrain of approximately 200 meters which was under heavy and directed enemy automatic and rifle fire. Subsequently, while still under enemy fire, he administered first aid to the wounded without regard for his own life and safety until he was himself mortally wounded while assisting the third wounded man. By these actions he contributed greatly to the wounded being brought to safety and, although medical aid could not be provided for another eight hours, the adverse effects of their wounds were limited thanks to the first aid he administered."

Royal Decree Nr. 23, May 8th, 1951.
3233rd Award.
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Sergeant-majoor-verpleger

Unit:

A Compagnie, Nederlands Detachement Verenigde Naties (Korea)

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1952

Citation:
"On January 3, 1951, Sergeant Major A.A. Van Balkom's unit was attached to the 38th Infantry Regiment, Second Infantry Division of the United States. Sergeant Major Van Balkom was assigned to a company-sized patrol of troops from the Dutch detachment, which was surrounded by the enemy near Podong-Ni, Korea. While the patrol was trying to extricate itself from the trap, Sergeant Major Van Balkom volunteered to assist in the evacuation of a large number of his wounded comrades. Under heavy and well-directed enemy fire, he crawled to and through the enemy lines with complete disregard for his own safety and calmly and resolutely went from one wounded man to the next, administering first aid and assisting them in their removal to a place of safety. While carrying away the last of his comrades, Sergeant Major Van Balkom fell from the balcony, mortally wounded. His heroic behavior saved countless lives. It also served as an inspiration to his comrades to persevere and avoid falling into enemy hands."

Period:

Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949)

Rank:

Sergeant-Majoor Ziekenverpleger (Sergeant-Major Nurse)

Unit:

Geneeskundige Dienst, Koninklijk-Indisch Leger

Awarded on:

November 24th, 1949

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded with clasp.

Period:

Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949)

Awarded with clasp.

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Awarded with clasp