Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Dienstplichtig Sergeant (Enlisted Sergeant)

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 19th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Royal decree no. 21 (revoked)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Tijdelijk Sergeant-majoor (Temporary Sergeant-Major)

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

May 12th, 1951

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

“Distinctly distinguished himself by performing exceptionally courageous and tactful acts in the battle against the enemy, after having reported entirely voluntarily in 1942 for assignment to a British so-called “Commando” or other unit, on 17 September 1944, assigned as an interpreter to the 1st British Airborne Division, after landing near WOLFHEZE by glider, acting in a very brave and daring manner for several days in a row, always under heavy enemy fire. In particular by going on patrol several times by jeep, crossing the Rhine several times to take up ties with Polish troops and taking part in the heavy fighting in OOSTERBEEK. Furthermore, by, still in the rank of soldier, as commander of three groups of 20 men, carrying out an attack on an enemy mortar position a few kilometres north of OOSTERBEEK, carrying out this task in a good manner, whereby, when the enemy had captured him in an ambush in the woods, he was able to be freed again.
Finally, by, when as a result of the enemy's actions the British troops at OOSTERBEEK had to withdraw across the Rhine, after he had already crossed this river, returning to OOSTERBEEK under heavy enemy fire, leading two sections of British troops to the Rhine and then, twice, again bringing British soldiers from OOSTERBEEK to the Rhine to finally cross the Rhine for good, still under heavy enemy fire, hanging outside on a boat."

Royal Decree No. 29.