About Dirk J. Vlug
Lived 1916 – 1996 (aged 79). Dirk J. Vlug was an American military personnel.
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.
Personal photo taken by Dirk J. Vlug of destroyed Japanese tanks. Dirk J. Vlug is welcomed home during parade in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Biography Vlug joined the Army from Grand Rapids, Michigan in April 1941. On December 15, 1944, while serving as a private first class in the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, near Limon in the Philippine province of Leyte, Vlug single-handedly destroyed five enemy tanks. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 26, 1946. He 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 interred in Greenwood Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Dirk J. Vlug?
United States Army Medal of Honor recipient (1916–1996)
When was Dirk J. Vlug born?
Dirk J. Vlug was born on 20 August 1916 in Maple Lake.
When did Dirk J. Vlug die?
Dirk J. Vlug died on 25 June 1996 in Grand Rapids.
What was Dirk J. Vlug's occupation?
Dirk J. Vlug was a military personnel.
What nationality was Dirk J. Vlug?
Dirk J. Vlug was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dirk J. Vlug. https://biography.guide/dirk-j-vlug/
MLA: "Dirk J. Vlug." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dirk-j-vlug/.
Chicago: "Dirk J. Vlug." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dirk-j-vlug/.
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