Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Landstorm-onderluitenant-titulair

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1949

Citation:
"Distinguished himself in the battle against the Japanese on 8 March 1942 at Blondo (east of Magelang) through courage and determination. After all weapons and ammunition had already been surrendered as a result of the capitulation of the KNIL on 8 March 1942, all weapons and ammunition had already been surrendered, further news was received during the course of that day that this surrender did not apply to the troops in Central Java, who were ordered to stop any side patrols of the Japanese advancing towards Malang, as the main Japanese force was not expected to arrive along the main road from Purworejo to Magelang until midnight.
With only about thirty volunteers, equipped with five machine guns and two mortars, Second Lieutenant Beringer immediately set off in lorries for Blondo, where he took up position along the west bank of the Kali Blondo, after first barricading the bridge and laying landmines. Upon the arrival of the Japanese shortly afterwards, he led the ensuing fierce firefight in an exemplary manner, destroying the leading Japanese assault vehicle and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. On his own side: no losses.
Although he refused to budge, when the Japanese crossed the Kali downstream and threatened to encircle them completely, he was forced to retreat to a more rearward position. During this manoeuvre, however, the order came from Magelang to cease fire, as capitulation was now a fait accompli. Until the very end, in addition to a high sense of duty and fearlessness, he also demonstrated great energy and outstanding leadership qualities."

Royal decree no. 3