Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Majoor-Instructeur (Sergant_major Instructor)

Unit:

Koninklijk Indisch Leger

Awarded on:

April 3rd, 1948

He has distinguished himself in combat against the enemy by exceptionally courageous and tactful deeds. In 1942, Sergeant Major Zindel was posted to the garrison battalion of the Westerafdeling on Borneo and had made his way to Poetoes Sibau with 3 others after the capitulation of the Dutch East Indies forces in the area. They intended to join an officer who had restored Dutch authority in the area of Upper-Kapua. The 4 rejected repeated demands to surrender. On May 2, 1942, they eventually walked into an ambush in Goenoeng Pantah near Kampong Kedang-Oeloe, some 18.6 miles east of Kuching (Serawak).
They defended themselves with great courage against a band of indigenous and armed accomplices of the Japanese in a fight lasting over 6 hours, during which they died a heroic death.

Royal Decree no. 51 dated 3 April, 1948.