Imagine a scene straight out of a movie, but no, this really happened in Osijek 34 years ago! A little red Fićo, just an ordinary car, became a symbol of resistance during the Croatian War of Independence. While the JNA tanks thundered mercilessly through the streets, one brave owner, Branko Bresčaronkić, wasn’t about to back down. Believe it or not, he tried to stop a tank! Yes, you read that right – a tiny Fićo versus a massive T-55 tank!
Branko was just a regular guy who, on a hot June day in 1989, simply wanted to fill up his car at a gas station. But fate had other plans. When he saw a column of tanks approaching, he decided to block their path. His little Fićo was nothing more than a tin can, but he had no idea it would become a symbol of courage and defiance.
The tank driver, Josip Ilić, who was on duty, had no choice – orders were clear, and the tank crushed the Fićo. The footage of that moment went viral and became a collective memory for the Croatian people. But the story doesn’t end there! Branko survived the war, despite being wounded several times, and Josip Ilić later deserted the JNA. The two even met and became friends at the very spot where the tank crushed the little car.
Today, that little red car has a monument in Osijek, a permanent reminder of the determination and resistance of the little man against the force of aggression. Even Irish soldier Thomas Crowley, upon seeing the footage, came to defend Croatia and died in the war.
This story isn’t just about a car or a tank; it’s about bravery, resistance, and love for one’s homeland. If you think this is just another war anecdote, think again. The little Fićo proves that even the smallest can stand up to the biggest. And hey, if you’ve got a similar story or think this is all a bit over the top, drop a comment below – we love a good laugh and debate!
