Rijhiner, Hugo Desire

Date of birth:: March 8th, 1905 (Paramaribo, Surinam)
Date of death:: January 6th, 1991 (Utrecht, the Netherlands)
Nationality:: Dutch

Biography

Hugo Desire Rijhiner was born on 8th March 1905 in Paramaribo. He died on 6th January 1991 in the Militair Hospitaal in Utrecht.

Promotions:
24th June 1939: Onderluitenant der Infanterie KNIL;
25th January 1947: Buitengewoon Eerste Luitenant der infanterie KNIL;
16th October 1950: Reserve Kapitein ML;
1st January 1954: Honorable discharge.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Ridder vierde klasse der Militaire Willems Orde (MWO.4)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Onderluitenant der Infanterie
Unit:: Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger
Awarded on:: June 26th, 1946

Citation:
"Has awarded himself in battle by acts of courage, passion and loyalty by bravely, calme, tactfull and constantly advancing against the Germans on 13th May 1940 at Overschie with disregard of enemy fire.
He was able to inspire the few military entrusted to his command to inflict severe casualties upon the outnumbering and heavier armed enemy. He was able to inspire reïnforcements, send to him under the command of a Vaandrig (of which many had never seen action before) , when a part of these troops hesitated, to advance by setting a good exemple.
All this he did in spite of the pains on his legs by fatigue and a roched bullet. When later a part of the troops wanted to flee, he acted on command of his captain and was able to assemble the men."

Royal Decree Nr. 41, dated 26th June 1946.

Ridder vierde klasse der Militaire Willems Orde (MWO.4)

Sources

Photo 1: Joop Bosman
- Maalderink P.G.H., De Militaire Willemsorde sedert 1940, Sijthoff Pers, 1982, ISBN 90 70682 02 8
- The Dutch Medals Page