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PVC Rama Raghoba Rane (ENGINEER)

2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers on 15 December 1947. On 18 March 1948, the Indian Army recaptured Jhangar, which was lost to the enemy in December 1947. Indian troops then planned an advance from Naushahra to Rajauri to protect the natives from atrocities of the raiders. Half-way lay the Chingas, on the old Mughal route to Kashmir. The 4 Dogra commenced the advance to Rajauri on 8 April 1948. It attacked the Barwali ridge, 11 km north of Naushahra and captured it after driving out the enemy from well-prepared positions. But beyond Barwali, the increasing number of road-blocks & minefields obstructed the progress of the battalion. Even armour could not cross over these obstacles. During this critical phase, 2nd Lt. Rane and his section of 37 Assault Field Company, attached to 4 Dogra, performed yeoman service. As the section started clearing a mine-field on April 8th, two sappers were killed and five others including Rane were injured in enemy mortar fire. However, Rane and his men completed the work by the evening and enabled the tanks to push forward.

But the enemy had not been cleared from the area and road ahead was still unsafe for the advance. 2nd Lieutenant Rane worked during the night to prepare a safe lane for the tanks. On April 9th, his men continuously worked for twelve hours to clear mines and remove road-blocks. Where the road was found un-negotiable he made a diversion for the column to pass through. 2nd Lieutenant Rane continued this work in the face of enemy artillery and mortar fire. On April 10th, he woke up early to resume work on the road-block, which could not be cleared the previous night. He cleared this huge road-block of 5 big pine tress, surrounded by mines and covered by intensive machine-gun fire, within two hours. The Army advanced another 13 km on this day before they encountered another major road-block. The enemy pickets perched on the adjoining hills were guarding all approaches to this road-block. 2nd Lieutenant Rane drove to the road block in a tank and crouching under it, blasted the block with mines. He thus opened the road before the end of the night. On April 11th, they worked for 17 hours to open the road to Chingas and beyond.

2nd Lt. Rane made a substantial contribution in facilitating the Indian advance on Rajauri. It cost the enemy about 500 dead and many more wounded. It also helped in saving many innocent lives in Chingas and Rajauri. The gallant effort made by 2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane during this critical advance to Rajauri earned him the highest war-time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra.

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PVC Maj Somnath Sharma(1st recipient)
Battle of Badgam: Nov 1947

On 03 Nov 1947, Maj Somnath Sharma and his company were ordered to reach Badgam village, to take charge of the situation there. His left hand was injured and in a plaster cast, as he had broken it in a hockey match. But he insisted on being with his company in combat. Badgam was one of those routes through which Pakistani raiders were marching towards Srinagar. Two companies of well-equipped soldiers were given the charge of Badgam front, Company A of 4 Kumaon under the command of Maj Somnath and Company D of 1 Para Kumaon led by Capt Ronald Wood. The units deployed were under the command of Brig L P Sen.

In the village, a group of 500 raiders approached Badgam from Gulmarg and soon surrounded the company from three sides. Maj Sharma’s company was under heavy fire and mortar bombardment and sustained heavy casualties. They were massively outnumbered seven to one, but Maj Sharma knew that the Badgam village was very crucial and loss in their position would make the city of Srinagar and the airport vulnerable

Maj Sharma urged his company to fight bravely and took to the task of filling the magazines and issuing them to the soldiers operating light machine guns. He ran from post to post, motivating his men without fearing for his own life. While fighting the enemy, a mortar shell exploded in the middle of the ammunition resulting in an explosion near him and he was martyred. His last transmission to Brigade HQ, moments before his death, still inspire us, ‘The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round’.

By the time the relief company reached Badgam, their position was lost. However, the 200 casualties suffered by the raiders, slowed their advance, buying time for Indian troops to fly into Srinagar airfield and block all routes to Srinagar. It can be said that Major Somnath Sharma played a pivotal role in preventing the fall of Srinagar and perhaps even Kashmir.

Major Somnath Sharma at the young age of 25 years laid down his life for the nation and became the recipient of first “Param Vir Chakra” of Independent India. His saga of bravery, leadership and unyielding fighting spirit will continue to inspire the future generations
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Honorary Captain Karam Singh
was born on 15 Sep 1915, at Bhaliawala village in Sangrur district of Punjab. Son of a farmer Sardar Uttam Singh, Karam Singh always wanted to live a life of thrill and adventure since his childhood. His uncle was a JCO in the army and the young boy Karam Singh wanted to follow in his footsteps as he was impressed by his army life.
Hon Capt Karam Singh joined the army on 15 Sep 1941 at the age of 26 years. He received his military training in Ranchi and was inducted into the famed Sikh Regiment in Aug 1942. He proved to be a good sportsman in the army and made a name in pole vault and long jump. He participated in the World War II and proved his mettle as a dedicated and brave soldier. Consequently, the British Government awarded him the Military Medal, the gallantry award of Britain.
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Honorary Captain Karam Singh
"Indo Pak War : Oct 1948"
On 13th October 1948, the Pakistan Army launched an attack with a Brigade strength to evict the Indian Army from their strongly held positions. The attack saw immense fighting in the Richmar Gali region and heavy shelling of guns and mortar. The enemy fire took out the communication lines. During this time, the then Lance Naik Karam Singh was commanding a forward outpost in the area. The enemy troops heavily outnumbered the Sikh Regiment and launched no less than 8 attacks on their post. The Indian troops fought fiercely and Lance Naik Singh went around helping his troops and battling the enemy.
Eventually, their ammunition supply ran out and at this point, Lance Naik Singh joined the main company position. He was wounded but did not lose hope and helped save two of his comrades. The enemy fire rained upon them and it was near impossible for them to break out. But the then Lance Naik Singh did not falter and went from place to place, encouraging his men to fight and charged the enemy with his grenades. Though grievously wounded, he refused evacuation. During the fifth enemy attack, he fought hand to hand with two enemies and bayoneted them to death. His actions inspired his men and demoralized the enemy. Finally they fought off the last attack on the night of 13th October. The Sikh regiment had lost 15 men while the enemy forces lost nearly 300. The enemy could not capture a single bunker.

For his absolute bravery and disregard for his own life in lieu of his nation, Lance Naik Karam Singh was awarded the revered Param Vir Chakra. He was the first non-posthumous recipient of the award. His bravery and leadership saved the coveted position of Tithwal and inevitably changed the course of the war. He became the only Indian to receive the highest gallantry award from both Indian and British governments. He retired from the army as Subedar and Honorary Captain and left for his heavenly abode due to natural causes on 20th June 1993 at the age of 77.

Hon Capt Karam Singh is still remembered today as the ‘Sardar’, the leader, the man of steel. He will go down in the history as one of the greatest soldiers of India and will continue to inspire future generations.
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PVC Naik Jadunath Singh
Naik Jadunath Singh was born on 21st Nov 1916 in Khajuri village of Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Son of a poor farmer Sri Birbal Singh Rathore and Smt Jamuna Kanwar, Naik Jadunath Singh was one of the eight siblings- seven boys and a girl. He did not have access to good school education and till class 4 , he attended the village school, simultaneously working in the fields or at home to contribute to the family. He was known in his village as a wrestling champion who would often take on the rogue elements of the village.

Naik Jadunath Singh was enrolled in the Rajput Regiment on 21 Nov 1941 at the Regimental center Fatehgarh. After completing his training he joined 1 Rajput and also took part in World War II, proving his mettle even then. After about 6 years of service, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Naik in July 1947. In Dec 1947, Naik Jadunath Singh’s unit, 1 Rajput was deployed in J & K to take part in the ongoing war with Pakistan after it had attacked Kashmir in Oct 1947.
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PVC Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat

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PVC Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat
was born on 20th May 1918 in the village of Rampura Beri in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, into a great Rajput military family. Being the youngest son of Subedar Bhana Singh Shekhawat of the 4 Rajputana Rifles and grandson of Naib Subedar Chhelu Singh Shekhawat of the 125th Napier’s Rifles, his family had a long tradition of serving in the Rajputana Rifles. CHM Piru Singh was enrolled in the 6 Rajputana Rifles on 20th May 1936 and went later on to join the British Indian Army.

J & K Operations: 18th July 1948

During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in summer of 1948, Pakistani raiders had captured the village of Tithwal in the hills of Kashmir and also pushed to seize control over the positions across the river Kishanganga. In order to strengthen the advance on the Tithwal sector, the British Indian Army dispatched the 6 Rajputana Rifles into Tithwal. The offensive began on 11th July and went on till 15th July. Two companies were sent to secure the features in this area. CHM Piru Singh was commanding the company ‘D’ which was to secure the first feature. The path to the enemy post, however, was a narrow ridge with deep ravines on either side and was overlooked by enemy bunkers, which put them in the direct line of fire of the enemy MMG posts. But he did not lose heart and inspired his men to push ahead crying, “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai”, all the way.

Within half an hour of their advance, more than half of the company was down. CHM Piru Singh was leading the front sector. When the enemy fire rained heavily upon them, CHM Piru Singh advanced ahead to take out the MMG posts. Enemy grenade splinters ripped open his clothes and wounded several parts of his body. Yet, he advanced to eliminate the attackers from the hills. Rushing forward he bayoneted the crew of the enemy MMG and occupied the post. Most of his company had fallen by this time.

Injured and alone, he left the trench and pushed ahead to take out the second MMG post. Along the way, a grenade struck him and half his face was bleeding. His ammunition was spent and he was gravely injured, yet he did not back down. He threw a grenade into a trench of the second post. He bayoneted two men in another trench and thus secured the second MMG post. While emerging from the second post, he was struck in the head with a bullet and was seen dropping over the edge of the enemy trench. But a loud explosion could be heard in the third MMG post, affirming that CHM Piru Singh’s grenade had done its job. CHM Piru Singh fell to his injuries but had bravely and selflessly completed his mission.

For his profound bravery, extreme devotion and self-sacrifice to his motherland, CHM Piru Singh was given the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” posthumously. The story of CHM Piru Singh continues to inspire millions of Indians and he will always be remembered for his lion-heart courage and love for his country.
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PVC Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria

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Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria PVC

Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria was born on 29th Nov 1935 in Jamwal village near Shakargarh( erstwhile united Punjab) and subsequently his family moved to Jangal village in Gudaspur district of Punjab. Son of Sri Munshi Ram and Smt Dhan Devi, he joined the illustrious King George Royal Indian Military College (Now known as Rashtriya Military School) Bangalore in 1946 and later moved to the King George Royal Military College Jalandhar (Now Rashtriya Military School Chail in Himachal Pradesh). Capt Gurbachan then went on to join the 9th batch of National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla and subsequently the Indian Military Academy. IN 1957, he was commissioned into 1 Gorkha Rifles, an infantry regiment known for its fearless soldiers and numerous battle exploits

Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria was part of the Indian contingent for the UN operation in Congo. The UN operation in Congo lasted from July 1960 to June 1964. The objectives of the operation included ensuring the withdrawal of Belgian forces, preventing civil war and removing all foreign military personnel not under UN command and all mercenaries. India sent 99 Infantry Brigade for the operation in March 1961 and Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria’s unit, 3/1 Gorkha Rifles was part of that brigade.

Congo Ops: 05 Dec 1961


During Dec 1961, Capt Salaria’s unit, 3/1Gorkha Rifles was deployed in Elizabethville in Katanga province, the Headquarters of UN Command. It was located in the conflict ridden south eastern part of the country. On 5th Dec 1961, Capt Salaria was tasked for a challenging mission of removing roadblocks set up by the rebels near the airfield. Capt Salaria with a small force of 16 soldiers, supported by a 3-inch mortar, attacked the enemy roadblock near Elizabethville airfield and established a UN roadblock there. However, Capt Salaria and his platoon met strong opposition from a large number of rebels armed with automatic weapons and armoured carriers. The rebel force consisted of 90 heavily armed men and two armoured carriers.

Despite a numerically superior enemy Capt Salaria decided to take them head on and launched a deadly assault leading his men with the Gorkha cry, ” Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali” meaning “Victory to Mahakali, Gorkhas are here”. He moved on the battlefield exemplifying the motto of his regiment, which says, “Kafir hunu bhanda marnu ramro” meaning “It is better to die than to be a coward”. Capt Salaria was like a man possessed and his naked courage came to the fore during the operation. He attacked the rebels ferociously and eliminated many of them quickly in close combat. However during the heavy exchange of fire he got a burst of automatic fire into his neck and fell down. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. The entire rebel force soon got disintegrated owing to the sustained assault by Capt Salaria and his comrades.

Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria was given the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” for his cold courage, unfaltering leadership and supreme sacrifice. He became the first and the only recipient of this coveted award given to a soldier in an UN operation.
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Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa PVC

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Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa :-
was born on 10th June 1928 in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh to Nepali parents. Son of Shri P.S. Thapa, Lt Col Thapa was commissioned into the 8th Gorkha Rifles on 28th August 1949. Like most Gorkhas, the soldiering came naturally to him and he did it very willingly and cheerfully.


INDO-CHINA WAR: 1962

During the Indo-Sino War of 1962, the Indian Army was determined to capture the Sirijap valley as it holds tremendous strategic value. Situated north of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, it was vital for defending the Shushul airfield. The 1/8 Gorkha Rifles were posted there to prevent Chinese encroachment in the area. One of these outposts was held by a platoon of ‘C’ Company commanded by then Major Thapa.

In the wee hours of 20th October, the Chinese attacked. They charged the post with heavy artillery and mortar fire. The attack went on for more than two hours and by the end of the charge, the area had been set ablaze and communication lines had been damaged, following which the Chinese attacked in huge numbers. The Gorkha Rifles fought back fiercely under the leadership of Major Thapa and they inflicted heavy damage to the enemy. Subsequently, the Chinese launched another heavier attack after shelling them with artillery fire and mortar bombardment.

Once again, they managed to push back and cause huge casualties on the Chinese. But the Chinese were determined and they launched a third and final attack on the Indian troops, this time, the infantry was backed by tanks. Maj Thapa’s regiment had already been weakened by the previous waves of attacks. But they were not disheartened and fought on until the last bit of their ammunition. Maj Thapa even killed many enemy troops in hand to hand combat. Eventually, the numerical superiority of the Chinese won and the troops were overpowered.

For his gallant and heroic actions and his astute leadership, Lt Col Thapa was decorated with the Param Vir Chakra. He was believed to be dead and his wife received the medal in his name, but it was later discovered that he was taken as a prisoner of war. After he was taken a prisoner, he was treated very badly against all military conventions. He had to undergo a series of punishments for causing many casualties to Chinese forces and also not toeing the line of Chinese authorities in making statements against India. He was later released and resumed his duty and got promoted to the rank of Lt Col.

He retired as Lt Col and passed away due to natural causes at the age of 77 on 5th September 2005. He is survived by his wife Shukla and daughter Poornima.
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PVC Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat
was born on 20th May 1918 in the village of Rampura Beri in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, into a great Rajput military family. Being the youngest son of Subedar Bhana Singh Shekhawat of the 4 Rajputana Rifles and grandson of Naib Subedar Chhelu Singh Shekhawat of the 125th Napier’s Rifles, his family had a long tradition of serving in the Rajputana Rifles. CHM Piru Singh was enrolled in the 6 Rajputana Rifles on 20th May 1936 and went later on to join the British Indian Army.

J & K Operations: 18th July 1948

During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in summer of 1948, Pakistani raiders had captured the village of Tithwal in the hills of Kashmir and also pushed to seize control over the positions across the river Kishanganga. In order to strengthen the advance on the Tithwal sector, the British Indian Army dispatched the 6 Rajputana Rifles into Tithwal. The offensive began on 11th July and went on till 15th July. Two companies were sent to secure the features in this area. CHM Piru Singh was commanding the company ‘D’ which was to secure the first feature. The path to the enemy post, however, was a narrow ridge with deep ravines on either side and was overlooked by enemy bunkers, which put them in the direct line of fire of the enemy MMG posts. But he did not lose heart and inspired his men to push ahead crying, “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai”, all the way.

Within half an hour of their advance, more than half of the company was down. CHM Piru Singh was leading the front sector. When the enemy fire rained heavily upon them, CHM Piru Singh advanced ahead to take out the MMG posts. Enemy grenade splinters ripped open his clothes and wounded several parts of his body. Yet, he advanced to eliminate the attackers from the hills. Rushing forward he bayoneted the crew of the enemy MMG and occupied the post. Most of his company had fallen by this time.

Injured and alone, he left the trench and pushed ahead to take out the second MMG post. Along the way, a grenade struck him and half his face was bleeding. His ammunition was spent and he was gravely injured, yet he did not back down. He threw a grenade into a trench of the second post. He bayoneted two men in another trench and thus secured the second MMG post. While emerging from the second post, he was struck in the head with a bullet and was seen dropping over the edge of the enemy trench. But a loud explosion could be heard in the third MMG post, affirming that CHM Piru Singh’s grenade had done its job. CHM Piru Singh fell to his injuries but had bravely and selflessly completed his mission.

For his profound bravery, extreme devotion and self-sacrifice to his motherland, CHM Piru Singh was given the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” posthumously. The story of CHM Piru Singh continues to inspire millions of Indians and he will always be remembered for his lion-heart courage and love for his country.
for more.@Future_Soldiers

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PVC Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat