In Memory Of

PIETERSEN, JOHN PATRICK HAMILTON

Service Details
Age:
 41
Date of Birth:
 1937-08-08
Service No:
 W31425W
Rank:
 Sergeant
Regiment:
 South African Police
Date of Death:
 1979-06-18
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, Counter-insurgency duty in Ovamboland.
Commemoration
Cemetery:
 BELLVILLE (STIKLAND) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Western Cape
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Decorations:
 South African Police Star for Distinguished Service
Citations:
 18 March 1975 - "On 17 November 1974 while on duty in the Sea Point Charge Office, Sergeant Pietersen was informed of a rubber dinghy with three people that had capsized in the rough seas. Sergeant Pietersen put his own life in danger as he tried to rescue the three people by swimming out to them. With the help of bystanders, one man was rescued. Unfortunately the two women could not be rescued."
ref. Gallantry Awards of the South African Police 1913-1994