WW1 Belgian Medal Group Of Five: Croix De Guerre 1914-18, Yser Medal 1914, Belgian Commemorative Medal of 1914-18 War, Allied Victory Medal and Military Decoration for gallantry (2nd class) with a silver palm all awarded to Pierre Raedemaeker who showed specific acts of bravery saving 35 wounded men in the face of the enemy at the age of just 16 (awarded the medals at the age of 17).
Heroic Act:
He was three months short of 17 when the war started (born on November 13th 1897), and within a week he found himself attached to the 1st Belgian Chasseus a Pied (Volunteer). He fought all through the German advance at Melle, Ghent, Nieuport, Dixmude, etc. On October 25th 1914, the chance came to distinguish himself in a special manner. At great personal risk he went forward and saved 35 wounded men, bringing them into the Belgian lines with strength and courage exampled in one so young and slight. Some he fetched from under the very noses of the Germans. For his gallantry he gained the Belgian medal, which is awarded in cases of particular acts of a bravery, and is also the Belgian decoration for long service. The French medal is for general good service. Pierre was wounded the day following his courageous deed (at Dixmude), receiving a gunshot wound in the thigh, a bone being damaged. He was transferred to the Base Hospital, Leicester, on October 28th and subsequent to his discharge from there he went to live with Mr G. E. Marfit becoming a chemists assistant. The youth (Pierre) is a native of Brussels, and belongs to a large family, being the seventh son. He continued his work at the chemist for 14 years, later becoming a manager of 2.
Including a collection of photos of Pierre, letters, award certificates, multiple newspaper articles about his heroic act, even including a picture and identity documents, Yser medal box, medal ribbon bars, and letter of recommendation from the chemists.
WW1 Belgian Medal Group Of 5 Awarded to a Belgian Hero
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