United States of America
Headstone of Dirk J Vlug
Headstone of Dirk J Vlug
U.S. Army · United States United States

Dirk J Vlug

1916 – 1996
Medal of Honor - Army

Dirk J Vlug served the U.S. Army for 4 years. Dirk served in World War II. Dirk was 79 years old.

Keepsakes
Medal of Honor Recipient Dirk J. Vlug
Medal of Honor Recipient Dirk J. Vlug
Dirk J Vlug
Dirk J Vlug
Service Record
U.S. Army
1941 – 1945
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
15 December 1944 · Private First Class, U.S. Army, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. Place and date. Near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 15 December 1944.

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 machinegun 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, Private First Class Vlug alone destroyed 5 enemy tanks and greatly facilitated successful accomplishment of his battalion's mission.

60, 26 June 1946.
Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army December 15, 1944 · Private First Class, U.S. Army, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. Place and date. Near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 15 December 1944. 60, 26 June 1946.
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 machinegun 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, Private First Class Vlug alone destroyed 5 enemy tanks and greatly facilitated successful accomplishment of his battalion's mission.
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Record added August 8, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated September 19, 2026

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Dirk J Vlug
U.S. Army
1941 - 1945
Medal of Honor - Army

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