Major Marco Kroon

Major Marco Kroon was made a Knight in the Military Order of William by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix in 2009. It was the first time that the Order was bestowed not for heroic action in wartime, but for the part played in a complex peace mission. Kroon was nominated for this decoration by both his subordinates and his senior officers, for multiple acts of bravery in combat and for his acts of courage as a leader, as a soldier and as a human being in Afghanistan in 2006. As platoon commander he carried out a number of courageous deeds in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan. On 16 occasions this involved armed combat with Taliban fighters. Thanks to his professional, inventive and inspiring actions his platoon survived heavy fighting, controlling the situation without suffering any losses. He demonstrated great skill and instinct, made inspired choices and was willing to take enormous personal risks. He put the safety of others above his own.