King to knight military man for bravery

King Willem-Alexander will knight Major Gijs Tuinman later this year, making him a member of the Military Order of Willem fourth class, the office of the Dutch king announced today. The country’s highest honour will be given to Major Tuinman in a December 4 ceremony at the Binnenhof government complex in the Hague. He will receive the new title because of his heroism, discretion, and courageous actions while on duty in Afghanistan, a press release said. Major Tuinman was nominated for the title by Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert, the Minister of Defense, under advisement from the Order’s governing body. He served five tours of duty in Afghanistan, and on multiple occasions was ambushed by gunfire and improvised explosive devices, the Volkskrant said. Tuinman will be the youngest living recipient of the Military Order of Willem. The military hopes that he will be a shining example for new recruits. The last recipient is 43-year-old Marco Kroon, who was given the title by Queen Beatrix in May 2009. Since then, he has had legal troubles, including drug and weapons accusations. The Military Order was established by King Willem I in 1815, with the first award being given to Prince Willem Frederik of Oranje-Nassau for leading a military campaign against Napoleon.