Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Awarded on:

July 18th, 1947

On 21 Nov 44 during the advance to BLERICK in the area of MAASBREE (MR 825080) this NCO was commanding a troop of tanks leading the advance. The going was very bad indeed and in order to ensure that his tanks could get up to the infantry they were supporting, this NCO moved forward with the advancing infantry. On arrival on the objective this NCO recce'd positions for the tanks and then made his way back across opn ground in the middle of a counter-attack to lead his tanks forward. This he did successfully and the arrival of his tanks contributed very largely to the holding of this position as the infantry had suffered severe casualties and were surrounded on three sides by enemy infantry.
Previously at ST OEDENRODE during the battle of the NIJMEGEN corridor this NCO, although his tank was disabled and had no 75mm gun, held a cross-roads with his machine guns for a considerable period of time, knowing full wel that had an enemy tank come along he would have been helpless.
The above are examples of this NCO's constantly high standard of devotion to duty throughout the campaign."

Royal Decree no. 29, dd. 24-4-1946