Netherlands Awarded again for the first time in 50 years!

[Bob]

http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/3220411...nd__.html?p=3,2

Sorry - in Dutch!

A Dutch commando fighting in Afghanistan.

[Bob]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_William_Order

Currently (2009) only eight Knights of the Military William Order are still alive and all of them are over 75 years of age. Well, we have a youngster added soon!

And here's the official site:

http://www.lintjes.nl/_en/militaire_willemsorde/index.html

Edited February 10, 2009 by Bob

[Arthur R]

Thanks. I made a (very) rough translation of the newspaper article:

Platoon commander Captain Marco Kroon of the Korps Commandotroepen (KCT) will be appointed a Knight 4th Class of the Militaire Willemsorde on 29 May. Premier Jan Peter Balkenende told the troops in Tarin Kowt that Queen Beatrix is appointing Kroon for courage, leadership, and devotion.

Marco Kroon, a 38-year-old resident of Hertogenbosch, led a platoon of commandos in a mission from March to August 2006, during the period that Task Force Uruzgan was built up.. His subordinates and superiors have recommended him for a decoration for gallantry for his actions in Afghanistan.

During his six months posting, he led his platoon successfully through several heavy and sometimes lengthy actions, without loss of personnel. In addition, he took personal risks, for example to enable a coalition partner to evacuate a wounded soldier. On another occasion, he led his unit in a fight out of an ambush while the gunner of his vehicle was wounded.

The deeds described by his colleagues in the citation were such that defence minister Eimert van Middelkoop consulted the chancery of the Militaire Willemsorde for advice. On the basis thereof, the minister recommended Kroon to the queen for award of the order.

Kroon receives the decoration for many exceptional actions and his total conduct as a leader, a soldier, and a person. "We must be proud of heroes such as this captain," said premier Jan Peter Balkenende. Van Middelkoop also called Kroon "a hero" and praised his courage and loyalty.

From the Defence website (http://www.defensie.nl/missies/nieuws/isaf...Orde_in_50_jaar)

a further detail:

During another operation, he 'purified' a village, a mountain pass, and a valley of Taliban in nine days of continuous combat actions. Further details will be made known at the time of the presentation in May.

[Bob]

To be correct, it's the first time the order has been awarded to an INDIVIDUAL in 50 years. A few years ago a Polish unit was awarded the order (but this was a very, very belated awarding for WW2 efforts).

I read elsewhere that there's also 1 US recipient still alive and 2 British. Any body with details?

[Herr General]

More info on the Dutch Medal forum!

http://onderscheidingenforum.nl/viewtopic....&highlight=

[avel]

Captain Kroon deserves my utmost respect.