Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Burger (Civilian)

Unit:

Combat Command A, Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division "Hell On Wheels", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 12th, 1946

"Adrian Paulen, Dutch civilian, for exceptionally meritorious achievement which aided the United States in the prosecution of the war against the enemy in Continental Europe as interpreter and guide for Combat Command "A", Headquarters, 2d Armoured Division, from 16 September 1944 to 5 November 1944. His excellent knowledge of the German language, habits and military dispositions proved most essential on many occasios. Although subjected to enemy artillery, small arms fire, aerial bombing, and hardships of front line warfare, without thought of personal safety, he advanced on numerous occasions with leading elements on the assault upon German positions. His knowledge of the situation enabled both tanks and Infantry to choose the best avenues of approach, with the result that life, equipment and time were saved. Upon entering Germany, he extended most useful advice and aid to the Military Government officials in handling difficult problems arising concerning the hostile civilian population. His devotion to the task at hand are worthy of the highest praise and are a credit to his nation."

Royal decree no. 48

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Tijdelijk reserve-kolonel van Algemene Dienst. (Temporary res. Colonel)

Unit:

Koninklijke Nederlandse landmacht.

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1947

Recommendation:
For having distinguished himself by eminent acts acts of courage, tact and loyalty by penetrating enemy lines on September 16 1944, having been ordered to by the leadership of the resistance in LImburg, pushing towards the American 2nd Armored Division at Valkenburg and offering his services in giving advise and lending support in imminent operations. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of the mining region and the German dispostions and defensive installations, he promoted these operations in an eminent fashion, not on his own but taking part in them personally, frequently and voluntarily acting as guide in a courageous and most capable manner, under fire from enemy artillery and machinguns, either at the head of the assault tanks or with the leading elements of the infantry.
In this way he contributed to two rapid thrusts by the American 2nd Armored Division from Valkenburg to Geilenkirchen, forcing the enemy to make a hasty retreat towards the line Kerkrade - Geilenkirchen. With this and other measures, skillfully taken, he managed in a most tactful way to save the Dutch mines from destruction by the enemy and the population of this densely populated area from intense suffering.

Royal decree no.70

Rank:

Bestuurslid van het NOC

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1962

Rank:

Oud-President Internationale Amateur Atletiekfederatie

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1982

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)