Let it be known that Army Specialist Ezra Maes embodies the spirit of heroism in its truest form. During a deployment in Poland, this 21-year-old soldier faced an extraordinary challenge that tested his courage and quick thinking in the most dire of circumstances.

One fateful night, while participating in an overnight training exercise, Maes awoke with a start, realizing that the tank he was in was rolling down a hill uncontrollably. The intensity of the moment surged as he immediately shouted to the driver, urging him to apply the brakes. To his alarm, the driver responded that he was not in control of the situation. As the crew sprang into action, initiating their emergency procedures, they quickly understood that the situation was beyond their control. The tank continued its rapid descent, reaching speeds that soared close to 90 miles per hour.

In the face of impending disaster, Maes and his crew understood that there was little more they could do but brace themselves for impact. When the tank ultimately crashed into an embankment, chaos ensued, with Maes being violently thrown against the interior of the vehicle. In the aftermath of the crash, he found himself trapped, with his leg ensnared in the gear mechanism of the tank.

Perseverance and resilience 💪@USArmy Spc. Ezra Maes undergoes physical rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Read his inspiring story of determination and how he plans to keep moving forward: https://t.co/WtjP2B5MV6 #KnowYourMil pic.twitter.com/KJOi4wigsF

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) October 12, 2019

Even in such a precarious predicament, the thoughts racing through Maes’s mind were not about his own pain or fear; rather, he was consumed by concern for the safety of his fellow soldiers. With determination, he exerted every ounce of strength to extricate his leg, a moment that would define his bravery. “I pushed and pulled at my leg as hard as I could to get loose and felt a sharp tear,” he recalled. The pain was excruciating, but he persevered, only to discover the harsh reality that his leg had been severed. Despite the heavy bleeding and the shock of his injury, Maes’s instincts kicked in. He managed to crawl to the back of the tank, where he retrieved a tourniquet from the medical kit, fully aware that his actions could be the key to survival for everyone involved.

“Either I step up or we all die,” he reflected on that critical moment. With a tourniquet secured, he faced the daunting task of reaching out for help. In a stroke of ingenuity, he called for a fellow soldier to toss him his phone. After unlocking it, he swiftly sent a text to alert others about their dire situation.

.@USArmy Spc. Ezra Maes spent four months in intensive care undergoing near daily surgeries and battling an infection. He’s now assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion and undergoing physical and occupational therapy. https://t.co/Zu59r6y1Zq

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 12, 2019

The urgency of the moment propelled his actions, and soon thereafter, he was airlifted to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for advanced medical care. While the doctors worked diligently to save him, they ultimately had to amputate his leg. Yet, even amidst such a life-altering event, Maes exhibited an extraordinary perspective. “I feel super lucky,” he said, reflecting on the ordeal. “So many things could have gone wrong. Besides my leg, we all walked away pretty much unscathed.”

Ezra Maes’s story is one of resilience, bravery, and unwavering commitment to his comrades. His actions not only saved his own life but also exemplified the selflessness expected of those in uniform. His spirit serves as an inspiring reminder of the courage displayed by members of the armed forces every day, putting their lives on the line for the safety and well-being of others. The challenges he faced and the strength he displayed underscore the essence of heroism—putting others before oneself, even in the darkest of moments.