Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1949

"At great risk maintained an underground news service mainly for the benefit of the allied prisoners of war at the Kanchanaburi airfield camp. As a consequence of these activities Dr. Matheo was arrested by the Kempeitai and after much torture sentenced to death. The excution of this sentence could only be avoided by the effective intervention of the Siamese authorities which brought about his ultimate release. Many Netherlands officers think of Dr. Matheo with deep gratitude."

Royal decree no. 17