Commander of the 26th Artillery Regiment during the May 1940 campaign.
Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II (1947), Commander of the Order of Leopold (1940), Commander of the Order of the Crown (1939), War Cross 1914–1918 with Palms, War Cross 1940 with Silver Lion, Yser Cross, Fire Cross, Victory Medal, Commemorative Medal 1914–1918, Commemorative Medal 1940–1945 with crossed sabres, Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945, Cross for Combatants 1940–1945, Military Cross 1st Class, Government Medal of King Albert I.
Officer of the Order of St. Olav, Norway (1923), Knight of the Order of the Crown, Siam (1930), War Cross 1914–1918, France, with Star.
Citation for the French War Cross: "A very good officer, very courageous and very dedicated, at the front since the outbreak of hostilities. By his example, he inspires his men in all circumstances, maintaining high morale, a firm command and a cool head."
Citation for his 1940 War Cross with Silver Lion: "Distinguished himself particularly through his combat operations during the defence of Antwerp, at the Terneuzen Canal position and on the Lys Diversion Canal, despite the bombardments to which he was subjected."
Citation from the 5th Army Corps. "I hereby commend, in the 5th Army Corps' order of the day, the 26th Artillery Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Laffineur.
This regiment, having played a brilliant part in the defence of Antwerp, withdrew in perfect order, despite enemy bombardments, distinguished itself at the position on the Terneuzen Canal and subsequently took part in the battle on the Lys Diversion Canal, retaining, after two days of fighting during which it was subjected to bombardment by enemy artillery and aircraft, all its fighting spirit and cohesion despite the fatigue and losses suffered, thus setting a fine example of determination, endurance and discipline to all the artillery units." Signed Lieutenant-General Van den Bergen, Commander of the 5th Army Corps.
The Grand Officer’s breast star of the Order of Leopold II is unusual; the breast star he wears is based on the model used by the Congo Free State (until around 1910), with the centre featuring the correct Order of Leopold II.
