Modern parallels to the 300 at Thermopylae?

There are quite a few. Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam 1953-1954) , Hill 3234 (Afghanistan 1988), OP Dallas (Afghanistan 2009), Brest Fortress (Soviet Union 1941), Battle of Wizna ( Poland 1939), Siege Of Jadotville (Congo 1961), The Battle Off Samar (Philippine Sea 1944), Israeli-Hezbollah War (Lebanon 2007), Battle of Longewala (India 1971), Siege Of Saragarhi (British Northwest Frontier 1897)....ok the last one isnt "modern" but one of my favorites. But that should give you a start.....

On September 1, 1939, at 0448 local time, Germany began its invasion of Poland, the first Battle was the Battle of Westerplatt. Polish garrison held by 182 soldiers and 27 civilian reservists. approximately 3,400 Germans with multiple ships and planes and other equipment were tied up by being engaged in the week-long action against the small Polish garrison.

Shortly after the attack Westerplatte began German troops marched across the boarder at multiple locations into Poland and German Planes began bombing. Panic was temporrelly halted on that first terrible day for the Polish side as news came back that Westerplatte had held.

from September 1 heavy fighting continued on until September 7, The besieged garrison under heavy fire including from flamethrowers lacked sufficient water and medical supplies was unable to maintain basic care of wounded soldiers, they raised the white flag. Major Sucharski surrendered the post to the Germans, the Polish garrison however marched out, still proud and erect.

Later In the Warsaw uprising and really all through out the occupation of Poland the 'idea of Wasterplatte' was an inspiration to the Polish side.

The Battle of Rorkes Drift, Zululand (South Africa). 150 (some wounded) brave British soldiers from the 24th Regiment of Foot held off over 4,000 zulus. Lead by Lts. John Chard and Gonville Bromhead, only 17 men fell and 15 were wounded. 11 Victoria Crosses were handed out, Chard and Bromhead both recieved one. There is a great movie based on the battle, called Zulu (from the year 1964). You can watch it for free on youtube in the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOoCrCeHxpI

hope this helps!

-Austin

Never was so much owed by so many to so few.

Winston Churchill said this about the airmen of the Royal Air Force after prevailing over the Nazi Luftwaffe against overwhelming odds.

There are more examples of few men going beyond their line of duty but that one is my favorite example.

Six day war. 1967 lots of info on the web.

me and my ex-wife Ay!