Mahavir Chakra

Havildar Fateh Singh (47 Kashmir operations)

There were heavy casualities on Indian side during an attack on Chabutura hill in Northern Kashmir, in the first half of 1948. Havildar Fateh Singh was ordered by his commanding officer to help those of the wounded who were lying in the open, to safety. When the havildar moved out of cover, a bullet hit him in the hand.He threw himself down and lay there for a while.When he began to move forward again another bullet hit him in the arm. Again he lay immobile.After an hour he got up and dashed towardsthe wounded soldiers, bullet whizzing past him from all sides. Seeing a number of Pakistani soldiers coming up the hill in search of weapons, he hurled hand grenades at them and drove them back. Then though one of his arms was numbed with pain and he was bleeding profusely from his wounds, he helped four wounded Indian soldiers to safety and retreived a number of weapons from the dead. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for conspicious gallantry.

Blood in the Snow Sepoy Amar Singh (62 operations)

On the morning of 18 June 1948 Sepoy Amar Singh was manning a light machine gun at Zoji La Pass when the enemy opened fire with machine guns and began advancing down the ridge towards the picket. The surprise attack koocked out a third of the soldiers manning the post. Amar Singh aws wounded in the head but with a sheer efffort of will be hung on to consciousness and continued firing. Time and again that morning, the enemy made determined attempts to overrun the post but the sepoy's deadly fire drove them away and held them at bay. Hours later when reinforcements arrived, the snow covered ground on which the sepoy was lying was drenched with his blood but he insisted on remaining at his post. He was was finally evacuated at ten in the night. Sepoy Amar Singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for exceptional gallantry.

Major Brar's bravery Major Malkait Singh Brar (47 operations)

A forward post manned by Indian soldiers came under heavy fire in Feb 1948 during the Jammu and Kashmir operations. Eventally only two men were left to hold the postion.As they braced themselves for the enemy's final charge, Major Malkait Singh Brar of the 1 (Para) Kumaon Regiment, came running to their aid.He did not stop when he reached the post but carried on, firing at the enemy from his bren gun.The enemy caught by surprise was forced to shelter behind rocks. Then the major, though , wounded himself, supervised the evacuation of the wounded soldiers from the forward post.He had just finished doing this when a mortar bomb exploded close to him dealing him a mortal blow. Major Brar was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for exceptional gallantry, posthumously.

Major Gurudial Singh

During the Indo- Chinese conflict of 1962 a battallion of the Rajput Regiment was entrusted with the task of defending the Namkhachu river area in NEFA. The Chinese attacked on the 20th October with heavy artillery and mortar. Quickly overrunning the outer defences they began to close in on the battallion headquarters from all sides. Seeing them come, the second-in-command, Major Gurudial Singh realised that only a swift and bold manoeuvre could avert a total rout. Rallying the survivors he led charge on the advancing enemy, taking him by surprise.. Many Chinese were killed and the rest fell back, giving some of the Indian soldiers who have been trapped in vulnerable postions, time to withdraw to safer ground. Major Gurudal Singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for conspicious gallantry. Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage and leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Madan Mohan Singh Bakshi

In 1965,Lt.Colonel Bakshi,Commanding the 4 Horse Squadron,Noticed of Squadron enemy .Patton tanks on the Libbe-Phillora road in the Sialkot sector. Immediately he fired and knocked out two tanks.Then he charged through the enemy tanks theoughhis tank was hit twice.he knocked out a third tank and continued to charge ahesd and crossed the Libbe-Phillora road. His tank caught fire when it was hit for the forth time. As his crew bailes out,they came under heavey enemy machine gun fire. Bakshi and his men took shelter in a sugarcane field. They were rescued after three hours.bakshi resumed command of his regiment and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy,which fied in panic. Lt.col,Bakshi was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his leadership,initiative and courage.

Lt. Col Ranjit Singh Dyal

Daring the impossible Lt. Col. Singh

In 1965 to stop Pakistani infiltrators entering to Kashmir, the Haji Pir pass had to be captured. The 19 Punjab Regiment had to first capture Bedouri located en rout to the pass. There were two enemy companies and four machine guns guarding Bedori. Despite this L.t. Col Singh and his men attacked. Ten soldiers were killed and Pakistani soldiers were forced to withdraw. A link with hAJI pIR PASS WAS established and L.T. Singh was awarded the Vir Chakra. It then became imperative to secure the Kahuta bridge. The Indians already held a forward position on the bridge , but the road to it was infested with Pak Lt. COL'S mission was to secure the bridge and ensured link-up between the base and the Indian forward camp. As light faded on the evening on 9th Sept, L.t. Col Singh and his men charged the Pakistanis and drove them away. Singh bravery won him the Mahavir Chakra in 1965.

Unflinching Defence Subhedar Ajit Singh

During 1965 Indo-Pak war, the 4 Sikh Regiment was assigned the task of capturing the village of Barkhi in Lahore, Pakistan, Subedar Ajit Singh and others of his battalion commenced their advance on September 6. On the way, they demolished several enemy outposts. They launched their assault when they had reached within 380 metres of Bakri. However a well postioned Pakistani machine gun held up their advance. Subedar Singh was given the resposibilty of destroying the gun . He charged at the enemy position . A burst of machine gun fire wounded him in the chest but he carried on defiantly and went near enough to throw a grenade that effectively silenced the machine gun. His gallantry inspired his comrades and they routed the enemy but the Subedar succunbed to his injuries. For his skill and expert marshalling of resources, Major Roy was awarded the Mahavir Chakra in 1965. He was posthumously honoured with the MAHAVIR CHAKRA.

Raghubir Singh

During the 1965 war L.t. Col Raghubir Singh who was commanding the 18 Raj Riffles in Khem Karan Punjab was ordered to occupy the left forward position in the 62 Brigade sector. At Asal Uttar, throughout the night of Sept 7, the battalion assisted engineers by digging and laying minefields. Pakistani troops shelled area and carried out probe missions and finally attacked on Sept 9. A squadron of Pakistani Patton came up to within 450 metres of the battalion's left flank. The tanks overran the forward company positions. This was accompanied by heavy artillery fire. As communication with the Indian forward position was disrupted, Raghubir Singh anticipating a tank assault, mowed through three enemy tanks as he attempted to reach the forward comapnies.Unmindful of heavy artillery fire, he successfully re-established communication. The Indian situation then improved. Inspired by the example , his defiant men destroyed 20 tanks. His courageous feat won him the Mahavir Chakra. He was posthumously honoured with the MAHAVIR CHAKRA.

Major General Mohinder Singh

The 115 infantary division was deployed in the Lahore area during the 1965 war.Major General Mohinder Singh assumed command of the division on the 15th of Septmber. Commissioned in the army in 1940,The Major General was already a decorated soldier. He had been awarded the Miltary Cross for bravery durin the Second World War.As head of the Infantry division, one of the first responsibilities he was entrusted with the capture of lchhogil Canal. Major General Singh planned the operation well. As the assault commenced, disregarding the risk to his own life, he moved from one formation to the other, exhorting and inspiring his men to their best.His zeal, determination and leadership infused his men with a new spirit.The bridge successfully captured lchhogil Canal and dograj. For his able leadership and sound operational planning,he was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra.

Brigadier Khem Karan Singh

Commander of 1 Armoured Brigade at Sialkot,Brigadier Khem Karan Singh was assigned the task of destroying the enemy armoured division.The enemy tank force was larger and technically superior. Award of this,Brigadier Singh moved his forces at night, covering a vast area and surprised the enemy by launching a well-planned attack from the rear,the next morning.The sudden attack caught the enemy off guard and unnerved him. In the first three days of the battle itself,75 enemy tanks were destroyed and the enemy command thoroughly demoralized. The Indian losses were minimal.At the end of Battle , the Indians had gained control of phillora, a vital communications point in Sialkot. For his unflagging sense of duty and leadership, Brigadier singh was duly awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

Major Baljit Singh Randhwa

In May 1965 Major Baljit Singh Randhwa and the 4 rajput regiment were assigned the task of recapturing positions lost to Pakistani infiltrators at kKargil and securing other posts in the area to prevent future encroachments. Kargil was strategic for it overlooked Indian postions. The Pakistsni posts were stronly defended with machine guns and mortars.The terrain aws extremely steep with precipitious slopes. The two pronged attack began at 2 a.m. with temperatures below freezing point while a cold, gusty wind raged. As Major Singh led his company up the slope, they were subjected to mortar and machine gun fire. Realizing that his troops were easy target for the enemy, Major Singh asked them to atke cover and the moving cautiously up with a few men, wrested one post from the enemy. An enemy machine gun dettered further advance. Relentlessly Singh led an attack on the gun post, but he aws hit by a burst of fire and fell down wounded. He exhorted his men to continue the advance, steadfastly resisting all the attempts to assist him Major Singh did not live long but the mission he led was a complete success. He was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

Lt.Col Gurubans Singh Sangha

The 3 Mahar battalion commanded by Lt.Col. Gurbans Singh Sangha was deployed in Jammu and kashmir during the 1965 Indo-pak war in August, infrmation that Pakistani infiltrators were sneaking into the state reached the unit . The battalion commenced search operations in the Dewa and Chhamb-Jaurian sectors.setting up road blocks .The Pakistani attacked in force in mid August but Sangha and his men fought back spiritedly and not only drove back the enemy but also managed to recapture some Indian posts lost earlier Stung by the defeat, the Pakistani launched a massive attack backed by artillery on 1st Septmber.The Indians had neither artillery nor air support but Lt.Col. Sangha marshalled his resources and fought back so well that the enemy could make no headway and evantually had to give up the attack. Lt.Col.Sangha was decorated with Mahavir Chakra for his astute leadership.

Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri

The Hindi film Border, which was the box office hit of 1997, recounted the real life exploits of Major Kudip Singh Chandpuri (from the village Chandpur in Punjab), who with his small band of men of the Punjab Regiment held fast to the Indian base at Longewal, Rajasthan, despite several Pakistani attacks to disiodge them. On 5th December, two companies of the Pakistani army well supported by tanks, attacked Longewal. As they neared, the Punjab regiment retaliated with mortar fire. They were assisted by the Indian Hunter aircraft which launched a simultaneous air attack, severely damaging four enemy tanks. But a second attack soon commenced.The Punjab Regiment put up a fierce fight , resisting the enemy onslught through the night. At dawn , the IAF renewed their air attacks, effectectively neutralizing the enemy tanks. All through the operations, the Major kept up his men's moral,moving from bunker to bunker, urging them to hold on and fight back. His dynamic leadership and gallantry won Major Kuldip Singh the Mahavir Chakra.

Subendar Malkiat Singh

The 14 Punjab regiment, including Subendar Malkiat Singh was deployed near Garibpur on the eastern front during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. On 21st November, as Pakistani activities increased across the border, the regiment was asked to capture Garibpur in the early hours of the morning to take the enemy by surprise. The pitched battle for Garibpur that began, lasted till the 22nd of November. Subendar Malkiat Singh defended a position that was under constant and fierce enemy infantry and armoured attacks. The pakistani soldiers opened machine gun fire advancing forward till they were within 50 meters of the Indian positions. Undaunted, Subendar Singh crawled forward and took on the advancing enemy soldiers. He killed two Pakistani machine gunners. Twice he was hit, but he carried on until an enemy tank shell struck him, wounding him fatally. For his courges act of gallantry, Subendar Singh was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

Major Jasbir Singh (1971)

Major Jasbir Singh of the Sikh regiment was deployed in chhamb on the western front during the Indo-Pak war. His company defended the crucial Phagia Ridge position. From the 3rd of December, the enemy began first of its offensives, to dislodge the Indian forces there.The first attack was successfully relpulsed, but the Pakistani troops returned with a stronger force the next day. They broke through Indian defence and soon a bitter hand to hand fight ensued. The brave Major exhorted his men to remain steadfast. The Pakistanies were held back for the second time with a loss of twelve lives. The fighting was at its fiercast on December 5th . The Sikh regiment suffered heavy casualties, but led by a determined Major Singh, they not only repulsed the advance but recaptured the post on the Ridge lost earlier, Major Singh's inspiring leadership and shrewd planning had outwitted the enemy. Major Jasbir singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his exemplary leadership.

Second Lieutenant Shamsher Singh Samra

Second Lt. Samsher Singh Samra and the 8 Guards were deployed to capture Hilly Complex in the east, during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The mountainous complex was well defendedby the Pakistanis, who had constructed concrete shelters by borrowing through the hills. Rifleman Gurung and a company of the Gurkha Rifles were ordered to advance and capture Uthali, a strongly defended Pakistani position. Halfway towards its objective, the company came under heavy Pakistani fire from a machine gun and could not proceed. Several pitched battles were fought by the Indians in this region. It wa by his heroism in one such battle that second Lt. Samra covered himself with glory. The advance of the Guards had been stalled by accurate enemy firing. 2nd Lt. Samra intervened in this juncture and escorted his men to advance along the left flank. Even as the enemy kept up its firing, 2nd Lt. Samra moved to within 25 meters of the enemy position. Just then a bullet from a machine gun stuck him and he was wounded. Ignoring the pain he charged at the machine gun bunker and destroyed it by hurling an accurately aimed grenade at it. He then charged towards another bunker, but it was hit a second time , this time fatally. He fell to the ground, the grenade still in his hand. For his aweinspiring bravery, 2nd Lt. Samra was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra.

Brigadier Hardev Singh Kler

Brigadier Hardev Singh Kler commanded mountain brigade of the Corps of Signals in the east during the war of 1971. the brigade had to move along the Kamalpur - turang river and clear enemy positions at several places on the way, including Kamalpur, Bakshigunj, Jamalpur, Tangail and Turang. The Brigadier led the advance from the front, directing the operations with great skill, dsiregarding the dangers to his life. It was at the battle of Jamalpur, that he proved his mettle. the inspiring presence of the Brigadier helped his troops lay siege behind the enemy positions, south of Jmalpur. the enemy was sucessfully held back abd even thier subsequent efforts to recapture the position were foiled by the Brigadier's astute strategy. The Pakistanis suffered heavy losses and a heavy cache arms and ammunition fell into Indian hands. Brigadier Kler was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his inspiring leadership and gallantry.

Major Amarjit Singh Bal

An officer in the Poona horse, Major Amarjit Singh Bal was stationed at Shakargarh in the northwest, during the 1971 war with Pakistan. The regiment was to establish and defend a secure bridgehead on the Basantar river. As the operations began, Major Bal was in command of a squadron at Jarpal, overlooking the river. It was a position most vulnerable to enemy attack. Sure enough, the Pakistani forces began shelling the area heavily. The Indian troops foiled these attempts repeatedly, killing several enemy troops. the Pakistanis persisted and launched several counter-attacks over the next two days. The Indians were heavily outnumbered, but Major Bal was able to inspire his men to repel several enemy attacks. As many as 27 Pakistani M-48 tanks were destroyed. For his inspirational leadership and able manoeuvring of his troops in battle, Major Bal was awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

Major Daljit Singh Narang

Even before war had offically begun in December,1971,there were innumerable skirmishe in the easternsector between Indian & Pakistani forces.At this time,Major Daljit Singh Narang commanded the C Squadron of the Deccan Horse in Jessore.To prevent enemy encroachments,the squadron set up effective roadblocks around Garibpur on the 20th of November. The very next day,14 enemy tanks,well-supported by two infantry battalions attacked the Squadron's position.For 30 minutes,the battle raged,long and furios for both sides were evenly matched.Major Narang stood in the turret of his tank,directly the operations.Bolstered by his presence,his men fought back gallantly,inflicting severe casualitieson the enemy.The Indian forces destroyed 10 Pakistani tanks,losing 3 of their own.However,Major Narang was targated by the enemy and struck down fatally,by a barrage of machine-gun fire. His indomitable courage had,however,ensured a hard-tough victory for the Indian Squadron.The nation duly honoured this gallant soldier,who was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra

Subhedar Mohinder Singh

The Kargil sector in the north overlooks the critically vital Srinagar -Leh highway. In December '71 the 21 Punjab regiment, including Subhedar Mohinder Singh was deployed here to prevent Pakistani encroachments. Closeby lay the heavily fortified enemy position at Hathi Matha, from every wehere, it was believed, further Pakistani offensives would commence. to prevent this, the 21 Punjab was asked to capture Brachil pass, as it was an important vantage point. The attack commenced early on 7th December, and in a short while, the Indians had reached the left shoulder of the pass. But there they were held up by heavy enemy fire. Subhedar Mohinder Singh, commanding a platoon charged forward, and engaged the enemy in close combat. His men, inspired by his daring, fought ferociously and forced the Pakistanis to retrear. This victory was a morale-booster and led to many other successes in this area in this area. Subhedar Singh was a worthy winner of the Mahavir Chakra bestowed upon him for his daring valour.

Wing Commander Mangat

In December '71 Pakistani planes began to conduct raids into Indian territory. Wing Commander Harcharan Singh Mangat, who commanded a fighter bomber squadron on an airfield at the western front swiftly retaliated. He led his own men into battle and also alerted the anti-aircraft gunners, who struck back forcefully. On the 4th December, his squadron took off to attack enemy targets. The wing Commander who led a formation of four aircraft was struck thrice, he continued on his way, unpertrubed, 200 kilometers deep into enemy territory, another aircraft was struck directly and badly damaged. Wing commander Mangat immediately ordered a pull out and with some adroit manoeuvring made it back to base , despite the damage sustained by the aircraft. Wing Commander Mangat continued with his missions into Pakistan after this. The information he gathered was of immense help to the Indian defence strategy. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his flying skills and presence of mind.

Major DharamVeer Singh

Major DharamVeer Singh led the 8 grenadiers in the capture of Chakra in the Shakargarh sector, during the 1971war. Wire -meshed fences and minefields and a Pakistani Patton squadron stood ready to ward off any Indian Attempt on Chakra. But its capture was vital to enable the Indians to advance further north. The attack commenced on the night of 10th December. The Indians suffered heavy casualties but under the Major's astute guidance, pressed home thier attack forcing the patton tanks to withdraw. The major himself led his unit through the minefields, and succeded in capturing the objective after a bitter hand to hand struggle. The enemy counter- attacked the very next day. But the grenadiers inspired by the constant presence of Major Singh, foughtt back furiously. Not only was the enemy repulsed, but Indians destroyed two tanks, and captured four others and a huge cache of arms as well. For his courageous march and leadership, Major Singh was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra.

Lt. Col. Narinder Singh Sandhu

During the 1971 war, the Pakistani army held the vitally strategic bridge over the river Ravi at DoraBaba Nanak, threatening Indian positions at Pathankot, Beas and Amritsar. Lt. Col. Narinder Singh Sandhu was asked to lead the 10 Dogra Regiment to secure the eastern end of the bridge. In readiness, however, Pakistan had already set in place several fortified shelters and machine gun positions. Lt. Col.Sandhu began his attack on the evening of 5th December. But his tanks were immediately stuck in the marshes, bordering the river. His men then dismounted and began the five-kilometer march to the bridge. When they were 15 meters away from the bridge, they sprang out at the enemy with the cry "Durga Mata ki Jay". Lt. Col.Sandhu remained in the forefront all through this fierce engagement, despite being wounded in the leg. His mere presence inspired his men and they emerged victorious. Lt. Col.Sandhu was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his skilful leadership.

Lt. Col. Sukhjit Singh

The Scinde Horse Armoured regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. Sukhjit Singh was deployed in Shakargarh during the 1971 war. On the night of 8th December, the regiment crossed into enemy territory and established itself near Nainakot. On 10th December, Pakistani forces made a powerful armour attack,to dislodge the Indians from this position. But Lt. Col. put up a determined resistance, Leading from the front, he directed his tanks with great skill and courage. The enemy, having lost one of its tanks retreated. The next day Lt. Col. led an operation to capture enemy tanks at Malakpur. Durin this move, his forces came under heavy artilery and mortar fire, but an unruffled Lt. Col. surged ahead. In the ensuing operation, 8 tanks and some Pakistani officers were captured. Not only did the Lt. Col. win a Mahavir Chakra for his inspiratioanl leadership, his regiment earned several battle honours for its exceptional courage.

Second Lt. Ranjeev Singh Sandhu

To enforce the Indo-Srilanka peace accord the 7 assam rifles including second Lieutanant Ranjeev Singh Sandhu arrived in Sri Lanka in 1988. One day as he was leading a convoy of two vehicles back from Mangani, militants armed with AK-47's launched a sudden attack. A rocket struck his vehicle and Sandhu was grievously wounded. Though bleeding heavily he crawled out carbine in hand. He waited for the firing to stop, knowing that when it stopped, the militants would emerge to claim the jeeps' weapons and ammunition. Sandhu was determined to prevent this. As the firing died away, a militant appraoched the jeep, and Sandhu lifted his carbine and sprayed him with bullets, killing him insistantly. This was Kumaran, a prominent militant leader Sandhu continued firing, till his very last breath thwarting all militant attempts to apprach the jeep. For his supreme sacrifice, 2nd lt. Sandhu was with the Mahavir Chakra.

Brigadier Sant Singh

Brigadier Sant Singh was a much-distinguished soldier decorated with the Mahavir Chakra during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Commanding the Punjab regiment in the eastern sector during the 1971 war with Pakistan, Brigadier Singh was entrusted with the task of capturing Mymensingh, a well defended enemy stronghold. But Pakistan aware of an impeding Indian attack had deployed a strong force to hold back any Indian advance.The experienced Brigadier, however failed their plans by his tactics and resourcefulness and Mymensingh was easily captured. The Brigadier marched ahead another 60km. to capture Madhopur, a vital town on the road of Dhaka.All through these operations, the Brigadier led from the front, ably directing his troops. His gallantry encouraged the Indians to advance rapidly despite strong Pakistani resistance. For his inspiring leadership, the Brigadier was awarded the bar to the Mahavir Chakra.

Brigadier Manjit Singh

In October 1987,Brigadier Manjit Singh assumed commond of the 41 Infantry Brigade,deployed in Shri Lanka as part of India's peacekeping forces.One of brigades first task was to clear Jaffna,a terrorist stronghold , and and to establish a link with the Maratha Light Infantary in Jaffna port. All the approach roads were heavily mined,and the Brigadier on arriving at palali airfield,found several Indian troops facing stiff resistance at Anna Collai and Manipal.The brigadier took charge.Deploying just two companies of the Rajstana Rifles,he was able to break militant cordon and secure a link with forces at jaffna fort. His able leadership inspired men to overcome onslaugt of militants.Brigadier Singh was honoured with Mahavir Chakra.

Lt.Col.Inderbal Singh Bawa

Lt.Col.Inderbal Singh Bawa,Comonded 4/5 Gurkha Rifles during operation of shri Lanka.The buttlian was entrusted the withthe task of clearing the axis of vasavilan,urgmpurai and jaffna fort.These were well-defended militant stronghold,but the Colonel,an able leader and shrewd strategist forged ahead inflicting heavy casualtieson enemys along the way. In early October ,the Gurkha Rifles was deployed to extricate12 Sikh Light Infantary and Para Commandos at Kondavil.By marching through heavily fortified enemy teritth Indian soldiers and succesfully evacuated them.Towards the end of the operation ,suicide squad sprayed him with bullets,killing him instantly. Lt.Col.Bawa was posthumously honoured with Mahavir Chakra for his suprime scrifice to nation's cause.

Captain Pratap Singh

Captain Pratap Singh of the Artillery Regiment was part of the Indaian forces that defended Bana outpost against Pakistani forces in the summer of 1988. The Enemy had already made several attempts to capture Bana and on 9th May an enemy commando group, made a determined attack equipped with ropes and ladders. Though the attack was driven back, enemy ropes and ladders remained in place. They had to be removed to ensure the safety of the outpost. On 18th may Captain Singh accompainied by a jawan descended the wall, to remove the ropes and ladders. At the bottom he found a huge cache of ammunition and grenades. As he was examining his find a grenade suddenly exploded, wounding him in the arms and chest. But the captain completed his mission entrusted to him. He cut the ropes and dislodged the ladder system. Only then did he return to his post where he soon succumbed to his wounds. The Captain was postthumously honoured with the MAhavir Chakra for his devotion to duty and courage.

Brigadier Harbhajan Singh

Despite unilateral cease fire declared by the Chinese after the 1962 war, tensions still remained high all along the Sikkim-Tibet border. In september 1967 the 70 feild coy Engineers was deployed to lay a wire fence along the distrubuted border area of Nathu La to end the frequent skirmishes between Indian and Chinese forces. The 18 RAjput Regiment led by Brigadier Harbhajan Singh to provide protection to the Engineers also took up thier positions. No Sooner had the work commenced then the Chinese opened fire on the Indians from the front and from the flanks. The Major led the charge at the attackers. He bayoneted three Chinese soldiers and then he turned attention to a light machine gun, the enemy was using. Even as he hurled a grenade at the gunner, bullets ripped through his body killing him instantly. Major Harbhajan Singh was honoured with the Mahavir Chakra posthumously.

Major Bhupinder Singh

In sept. 1965, Major Bhupinder Singh commanded the "B" squadron of the 4 Horse against Pakistani forces. On the 11th Sept. he successfully led his forces in cutting of the enemy retreat along the Gadgor-Phillora road. In the battle of Sadoke that folowed, Major took over the command of the regiment after the commander was forced to abandon his tank. Inspired by this gallantary, the regiment fought valiantly and destroyed several enemy tanks. Nine days later the MAjor led his men in the battle of Sodreke. His tank targetted by the enemy caught fire after it was struck several times. The Major continued fighting even when all but two of his tanks were disabled. However he sustained severe burns when he was finally compelled to abandon his burning vehicle and died soon after. He was posthumously honoured with the MAhavir Chakra for his awe inspiring courage and gallantry.

Air Commodore Mehar Singh

Commisioned in the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936, Air Commodore Mehar Singh was the Air Officer Commanding No.1 Group of the RIAF during 1947-48 Jammu & Kashmir Operations. Mehar Singh had the novel idea of arming the Dakota aircraft, deployed in supply missions. He carried out a bombing -cum supply mission in a Dakota with great effectiveness. The innovation enabled the RIAF to send supplies to the Poonch, in its armed Dakotas. In may 1948, a besieged Leh was desparately in need of rienforcements. But by Flying a Dakota to the Leh airstrip, the Air Commodore accomplished a mission till then considered impossible. Inspired by Mehar Singh's extraordinary flight, the RIAF now began regular supplies to Leh, saving it from capitulation. Air Commodore Mehar Singh was awarded the MAhavir Chakra. HE died soon after a tragic flying accident.

Lt. Col. Inderjit Singh Butalia

The Indian forces recaptured Naushahara on February 1948. But the operations in Jammu & Kashmir continued, with Jhangar as the next objective. However, the ring of enemy positions around Naushahra made an break through impossible. The garrison at Naushahra found itslef confined to initial recoonnaissance missions. Early on 22nd February, the Dogra battalion commanded by Lt. Col. Inderjit Singh Butalia embarked on a reconnaisance mission in the Kaman Ghosh Kala area. On thier return, however, they were pursued by the enemy and a sharp engagement soon ensued. The enemy fire was directed towards the commanding officer, Lt. Col. Butalia. He was seriously wounded and his left hand blown away. Despite his grave injuries he refused evacuation, insisting that a sacrifice of a few was necessary for the accomplishment of a great task. He was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his selfless devotion to duty and leadership.

Lt.Col Harbans singh Virk

In January 1948, Lt. Col. Harbans Singh Virk led the 3 Para Maratha Light Infantary with great success against the Pakistani forces at Naushahra. His tactical skills not only led to several successful attacks on the enemy but saved the Indian garrison at Naushahra during the famous battle of "Kala Gosh Galla" His most notable achievement however was the recapture of Jhangar. During the advance on Jhangar the Maratha Battalion was held up at Phir thil Naka and suffered heavy casualties. But the Lt. Col. surprised the enemy by launching a counter-attack at dawn. The Indians advanced steadily despite the heavy mortar and small arms fire. The onslaught continued into the next day and by afternoon Jhangar been secured. From Jhangar, the Marathas advanced yet again and captured the hill feature overlooking the valley. Lt. Col was honoured with the Mahavir Chakra in recognition of his outstanding leadership.

Jemadar Nand Singh

In december 1947, around 6000 Pakistani raiders infiltrated into the high hills in the Uri sector, posing a grave threat to the Indian garrisons and threatening the road leading to Srinagar and Poonch. The 1 Sikh Regiment was deployed to dislodge them. After two companies of the regiment were compelled to withdraw having sustained severe casualties in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, a platoon of the D-company led by Jemadar Nand Singh attacked the enemy's left flank. The enemy fire was intense but Nand Singh pressed on, despite an injured leg. As fierce fighting ensued, Nand Singh Killed five enemy soldiers with his bayonet. His men were inspired by his example and the raiders fled,compelled in disorder. A burst of fire from a retreating soldier, however, struck Nand Singh on the chest. He was killed at the very moment the Indian victory was assured. Jemadar Nand Singh was posthumously honoured with the Mahvir Chakra.

Lt. Col. Anant Singh Pathania

In november 1948, the Indian army's advance towards Drass and Kargil sector was hindered by the enemy presence at Pindras gorge. To overcome this a two-pronged attack was planned to effect a breakthrough. The 1/5 Gorkha commanded by Lt. Col. Anant Singh Pathania was deployed to capture the enemy positions of Kumar and a ridge near Pindras. It is said that the battle waged by the Lt. Col. and his men was one of the hardest ever fought during the Jammu and Kashmir operations. The Lt. Col. not only led several reconnaissance missions but also pressed home the attack on the enemy on 14 the November. Despite the heavy enemy machine gun fire, the 1/5 Gorkhas forged ahead, ultimately capturing both features, The victory was attributed to the Lt. Col.'s daring reconnaissance of enemy positions on the eve of battle. Lt. Col, Pathania was honoured with the Mahavir Chakra for his leadership skills.

JCO Lal Singh

Indian Attempt to recapture Dras and Kargil from Pakistan became inpossible in November 1948 after Tanks cleared the way at Zoji La. The Indian advance began on 14 th November with two companies moving along either side of the stream that ran down the valley towards Dras. JCO Lal Singh led the Attack on the Brown Hill feature a strongly defended enemypost on the way to Dras. Despite the incescant fire he crawled towards the other sections He was hit several times. The firing also damaged his wireless set cutting off communication with the company headquarters. Though bleeding profusely he held on grimly to his position till two other platoons of the company arrived. Then putting himself at the head of his troops he charged the enemy killed several of them recaptured the feature. JCO lal Singh was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his conspicous gallantry.

Havildar Sarup Singh

In 1962, during the Indo China war, th 14 Jammu Kashmir Militia was deployed in the Ladakh sector. Havildar Sarup Singhwas the second in command at the post at Bhujang. The Chinese armed with automatic weapons and mortar mounted a massive attack on th night of 19th October. The few Indian Defenders of this post found themselves ill-equipped to resist this furious Chinese onslaught. The Chinese came inwaves and seemed unstoppable but inspired by the Havildar, the Indians fought gallantaly inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The Havildar was finally overpowered and killed. For his act of courage and and supreme gallantary Havildar Swaroop Singh was posthumously honoured with the Mahavir Chakra.