Goethem, van, Jean Jacques Paul

Date of birth:: February 7th, 1924 (Brussels, Belgium)
Date of death:: April 23rd, 1945 (Capelle, the Netherlands)
Nationality:: Belgian

Biography

As a young volunteer, he was part of a section of the Belgian "Liberation Brigade" designated for dangerous missions in enemy lines. Mortally injured during a night operation while crossing the Bergse Maas.

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Bronzen Kruis (BK)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Soldaat-Oorlogsvrijwilliger (Soldier Volunteer)
Unit:: 2nd motorized Company, Independent Belgian Brigade "Piron Brigade", Free Belgian Forces
Awarded on:: January 23rd, 1953

Aanbeveling:
He has distinguished himself by courageous conduct in combat against the enemy. In the evening of April 22 and the night of 22 to 23, he took part in an agressive reconnaissance by Bren carriers of enemy dispositions, deployment and armament along the north dyke of the Bergsche Maas. He and the first group crossed the river in an assault craft and penetrated the enemy lines. A fierce battle ensued which lasted five hours and resulted in very heavy casualties in death and wounded. He was mortally injured shortly after arriving on the enemy bank.

Awarded posthumously and registered by Royal Decree no.31.

Croix de Guerre 1940

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Soldaat-Oorlogsvrijwilliger (Soldier Volunteer)
Unit:: 2nd motorized Company, Independent Belgian Brigade "Piron Brigade", Free Belgian Forces

Sources

Photo 1: In memoriam card
- Dutch Knight orders and Decorations
- In memoriam card