FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Dirk John Vlug ~ September 29, 2014

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

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~ Hall of Heroes ~
 

Dirk John Vlug
Info from here.

 

           

Dirk John Vlug (August 20, 1916 – June 25, 1996) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Vlug joined the Army from Grand Rapids, Michigan in April 1941, and by December 15, 1944 was serving as a private first class in the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, near Limon in the Philippine province of Leyte, Vlug single-handedly destroyed five enemy tanks. For his actions, he was issued the Medal of Honor a year and a half later, on June 26, 1946. He subsequently left the army and joined the Michigan National Guard in May 1949, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant in January 1951.

Vlug died at age 79 and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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Private First Class Vlug's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty when an American roadblock on the Ormoc Road was attacked by a group of enemy tanks. He left his covered position, and with a rocket launcher and 6 rounds of ammunition, advanced alone under intense machine gun and 37-mm. fire. Loading single-handedly, he destroyed the first tank, killing its occupants with a single round. As the crew of the second tank started to dismount and attack him, he killed 1 of the foe with his pistol, forcing the survivors to return to their vehicle, which he then destroyed with a second round. Three more hostile tanks moved up the road, so he flanked the first and eliminated it, and then, despite a hail of enemy fire, pressed forward again to destroy another. With his last round of ammunition he struck the remaining vehicle, causing it to crash down a steep embankment. Through his sustained heroism in the face of superior forces, Pfc. Vlug alone destroyed 5 enemy tanks and greatly facilitated successful accomplishment of his battalion's mission.

 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!  

[SkyDancer]

~ Hai Kathy! ~

~ Nice! ~

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!
((((HUGS))))

[yarddog]

Nearly a one man army.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Janey...((HUGS))...you were quick tonight.

Job prospects going well?

[BulletBobCo]

Hello Kathy!

[SkyDancer]

Was on the PC looking at results. Some look promising. Will have to review them tomorrow. Right now it’s a family night around the fire pit. Just jumped in to say Hai!

[left that other site]

A quintet today!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC.

Please thank StarCMC for today’s thread.

~ Hall of Heroes: Dirk John Vlug ~

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[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...a good day for you?

Harley time? A good service and great choir performance?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, yarddog....he sure was that!

[left that other site]

Both!

And I took myself out for sushi too!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, BulletBobCo...glad you joined in to read about this hero, Dirk Vlug.

[Kathy in Alaska]

United States Marine Corps Band ~ National Anthem

[luvie]

Thanks, Galz, for your diligence in finding new heroes for us to honor and admire!

[SandRat]

Salute to you John Vlug

[Soaring Feather]

Good evening, Kathy!

How was your day, busy I bet.

Gorgeous weather today, 80F, amazing. I sat on the porch a lot and enjoyed the warmth of the sun, chatter of the Chipmunk, loud squawking of Blue Jays,and the honking of Geese flying South.

Watching TV now.

[Tanniker Smith]

Good evening, Kathy. Good evening, all!

[SandRat]

[luvie]

Thank GOODNESS I’m off tomorrow! :)