In the heart of the Philippines, Private First-Class Dirk J. Vlug was waging his war against Japanese tankers. Vlug’s buddies guarded a roadblock threatened by two enemy tanks.

Undeterred by the enemy armor, Vlug emerged from his fortified position with a rocket launcher and a mere six rounds of ammunition. Completely alone and exposed, the private advanced under a barrage of machine guns and 37-millimeter fire.

Swiftly, Vlug dispatched the first tank with a single round, turning it into a pile of rubble and fire. Undaunted, the private confronted the dismounting crew of the second tank, using his M1911 pistol to eliminate them, forcing the survivors to retreat to the safety of their tank, only to find themselves consumed by the explosion of a direct hit.

Taking a deep breath, Vlug reloaded his weapons and prepared for a more significant threat. Through the smoke and fire, the American GI sighted three more Japanese tanks.

Vlug grabbed his bazooka and turned toward his comrades, signaling them he would flank the enemy. One man. Six Rockets. Five tanks. Vlug grinned. The odds were even.


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