Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 27th, 1947

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Vaandrig (Warrant Officer 1st Class)

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1953

Recommendation:
He has distinguished hinself in the face of the enemy by courageous and tactful conduct, serving the interests of the Kingdom as a member of a resistance group south of the Bergse Maas (North-Brabant). Early December 1944, he was selected to operate a transmitter in Sprang-Capelle which could communicate with a set in occupied territory north of the Bergse Maas. Through this channel, valuable information was gathered about troop movements in the Land of Heusden and Altena, culminating in an emergency message he received just before a V-1, out of control, hit the city hall causing him to be buried under the debris and breaking his leg. As soon as he was dug out, he forwarded the message to his chief who immediately informed the Allies about the imminent attack across the Bergse Maas. An army unit south of the Bergse Maas that had been sent to the Ardennes in connection with the offence that had been launched there, was recalled to the threatened spot immediately so the attack could be nipped in the bud. In the weeks prior to the liberation of this part of Northern-Brabant he sabotaged a vessel in the port of Waspik. By blocking the harbor, he prevented the Germans from taking away a few other vessels.


Royal Decree number 17