BIOGRAPHIES OF RENOWNED GENERALS

Field Marshal K M Cariappa OBE

1
Field Marshal Kodandera "Kipper" Madappa Cariappa OBE (28 January 1899
15 May 1993) was the First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and led the
Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947.
2.
He is one of the two Indian Army officers to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal
(the other being Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw). His distinguished military career
spanned almost three decades, at the highest point of which, he was appointed as the
Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Military in 1949.
Early life and education
3.
Cariappa was born at Shanivarsante in Kodagu (Coorg) in the erstwhile State of
Coorg, which was at that time a self-governing princely state of India, which is currently
in Karnataka. Cariappa was known as "Chimma" to his relatives. He had his formal
education in the Central High School at Madikeri, after which he pursued his college
education at Presidency College, Chennai. Here he grew up equally attached to books
and plays under the guidance of renowned academicians. He was an active sportsman,

who played games such as hockey and tennis with vigour and brilliance. In addition to
this, he loved music - and had a fondness for a sleight of hand tricks, too.
Military career
4.
After World War I concluded in 1918, Indian politicians at that time raised a
demand to grant Indians the King's Commission. After strict screening, Cariappa was
selected for the first batch that underwent rigorous pre-commission training. In 1919, he
joined the first batch of KCIOs (King's Commissioned Indian Officers) at The Daly
College at Indore and was commissioned into the Carnatic Infantry at Bombay as a
Temporary Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant in 1921
(retroactive to 1920). In 1922, he received his permanent commission as a Second
Lieutenant(retroactive to 1919).Muhammad Ayub Khan, who graduated with him, is
sometimes confused with the future ruler who ruled from 1958-69 but was really a minor
officer from Scinde Horse. Cariappa was promoted to Lieutenant in 1923.
5.
In 1927, Cariappa was promoted to Captain, but the appointment was not
officially gazetted until 1931.He saw active service with the 37 (Prince of Wales) Dogra
in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and was later posted to the 2nd Queen Victoria's
Own Rajput Light Infantry, which became his permanent regimental home. He was the
first Indian officer to undergo the course at Staff College, Quetta in 1933. He was
promoted to Major in 1938. The following year, he was appointed a Staff Captain.
6.
Cariappa served in Iraq, Syria and Iran from 19411942 and then in Burma in
1943-1944. He spent many of his soldiering years in Waziristan. He earned his
'Mentioned in Despatches' as DAA and QMG of General (later Field Marshal) Slim's
10th Division. He was the first Indian Officer to be given command of a unit in 1942. By
1944, Cariappa was a Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel. After command he volunteered to
serve in 26 Division engaged in clearing the Japanese from Burma, where he was
appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
7.
Cariappa was promoted to the substantive rank of lieutenant-colonel on 17 July
1946. The same year, he was promoted to Brigadier of the Frontier Brigade Group. It
was during this time that Colonel Ayub Khan - later Field Marshal and President of
Pakistan, 1962-1969 - served under him. In 1947, Cariappa was the first Indian who
was selected to undergo a training course at Imperial Defence College, Camberly, UK
on the higher directions of war. During the traumatic period of partition, he handled the
division of the Indian Army and sharing of its assets between Pakistan and India, in a
most amicable, just and orderly manner. He was then the Indian officer in charge of
overseeing the transition.
8.
Post-Independence, Cariappa was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the General
Staff with the rank of Major General. On promotion to Lieutenant General he became

the Eastern Army Commander. On outbreak of war with Pakistan in 1947, he was
moved as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and directed
operations for the recapture of Zojila, Drass and Kargil and re-established a linkup with
Leh. In all this, he showed tremendous energy in moving troops, against considerable
odds. This ensured his elevation to the supreme post of Commander-in-Chief. He had
two officers senior to him both King's Commissioned Officers (from Sandhurst) of the
1918 batch, KS Mahadeo Singh and MS Himmat Singh. KS Mahadeo Singh did not
have enough combat experience and was superseded by Cariappa during the Second
World War and finally retired in 1948; he is better remembered now as first Indian
commandant of IMA, Dehradun. MS Himmat Singh remained as a prisoner of war in
Japan for 4 years (193943), which made him lose war experience. When he returned,
he remained with PSY war/ propaganda section at army HQ and later took charge of the
integration of princely state forces into the Indian Army after the states' accessions. In
1950, Himmat Singh headed a committee on the northern frontiers.
9.
On 15 January 1949, Gen. Cariappa was appointed as the first Indian
Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding Lieutenant General Sir Roy
Bucher, who had been in the post only a year. He was displaced owing to differences
with the Indian government over the invasion of Hyderabad and the operations in
Kashmir. Gen. Cariappa was then instrumental in turning an imperial army into a
national army.
Higher Commands and Offices
10.
His association with the Indian Army is spread over an unbroken period of more
than 29 years, during which he had wide experience of staff and command work. After
his retirement from Indian Army in 1953, he served as the High Commissioner to
Australia and New Zealand till 1956. Cariappa took active part in the reorganization of
armed forces in many foreign countries. He was a much traveled man and visited parts
of China, Japan, United States, Great Britain, Canada and most of the European
countries. He was conferred with 'Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit'
by US President, Harry S. Truman. As a token of gratitude for the exemplary service
rendered by him to the nation, the Government of India conferred the rank of Field
Marshal on Cariappa in his 87th year, on 14 January 1986.
Personality
11.
During the 1965 and 1971 wars, he visited the front lines to talk to the troops and
keep their morale up. Apart from being a military man, Cariappa had insight about the
status of the country. He is quoted as saying, "In modern warfare, a large army is not
sufficient, it needs industrial potential behind it. If the army is the first line of defence, the
industry is the second." Cariappa had even said that "soldiers know the facility of wars

to solve the internal problems. We ought to be ashamed that today they had more
peace in war than peace in peace." Such insight has placed him above many in this
field. "Army is there to serve the Government of the day, and we should make sure that
it does not get mixed up with party politics. A soldier is above politics and should not
believe in caste or creed," was another insight of this soldier.
12.
He lived and remained, as he said, "an Indian and to the last breath would
remain an Indian. To me there is only two Stans - Hindustan (India) and Foujistan (the
Army)." During the 1965 war, his son K C Cariappa, an Indian Air Force pilot, was shot
down over Pakistan by Army officer Major Zaidi. He was captured and imprisoned as a
POW by him. On realizing the identity of the wounded soldier at Dargil, Radio Pakistan
immediately announced the safe capture of Flt. Lt K.C.Cariappa. Gen Ayub Khan,
himself contacted Field Marshal Cariappa, who was living a retired life at Mercara, his
hometown, with information about his son's safety. When Gen. Khan offered to release
his son immediately, Field Marshal is reported to have scoffed at the idea and told him
to give his son no better treatment than any other POW. "He is my son no longer." the
old Soldier is reported to have thundered. "He is the child of this country, a soldier
fighting for his motherland like a true patriot. My many thanks for your kind gesture, but I
request you to release all or release none. Give him no special treatment," the Field
Marshal is reported to have said.
Awards and Decorations

Order of the British Empire

Legion of Merit
(Degree of Chief Commander)

Post-retirement
13.
Cariappa settled down amidst greenery and nature, in his house 'Roshanara' at
Madikeri in Kodagu, after his retirement from public service. He loved the environment
and the flora and fauna around him. He spent a lot of his leisure time educating people
about cleanliness, pollution control and other essential issues.
14.

On 15 May 1993, Field Marshal Cariappa died in Bangalore, aged 94.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

1.
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, MC (3 April
1914 27 June 2008), popularly known as Sam Bahadur("Sam the Brave"), was
an Indian military leader who was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the fivestar rank of field marshal. His distinguished military career spanned four decades and
five wars, beginning with service in the British Indian Army inWorld War II. Manekshaw
rose to become the 8th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army in 1969 and under his
command, Indian forces conducted victorious campaigns against Pakistan in the IndoPakistani War of 1971 that led to the liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971.
Manekshaw was well-known for his bravery and forthright approach. He was awarded
the honorary rank of Field Marshal in 1973 and was also a recipient of the Padma
Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and the Military Cross. He died at age 94 in 2008
of pneumoniaand other related complications.
Early life and education
2.
Manekshaw was born in Amritsar, Punjab to Parsi parents, Hormusji
Manekshaw, a doctor, and his wife Heerabai, who moved to Punjab from the small town
of Valsad on the Gujarat coast. After completing his schooling in Punjab and Sherwood

College, Nainital, and achieving a distinction in the School Certificate examination of the
Cambridge Board at the age of 15, he asked his father to send him to London to
become a gynaecologist.[4] When his father refused to send him until he was older, in an
act of rebellion, Manekshaw took the entrance examination for enrollment into
the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun. He was successful and as a result
became part of the first intake of 40 cadets on 1 October 1932. He graduated from the
IMA on 4 February 1934 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the British
Indian Army (which later became the Indian Army after Independence).
3.
After taking over as chief of army staff, at a function on 8 June 1969 to mark the
centenary of Sherwood College, Manekshaw recalled that his years at the college had
prepared him for war as they had taught him to live alone and independently, to fight
without relent, tolerate hunger for long periods and to hate his enemy.

Military career
4.
Manekshaw's military career spanned four decades, from the British era and
World War II, to the three wars against Pakistan andChina after India's independence in
1947. He held several regimental, staff and command assignments. Manekshaw went
on to become the 8th chief of the army staff, led the Indian Army successfully in a war
with Pakistan and become India's first field marshal.
5.
On commissioning, as per the practices of that time, Manekshaw was first
attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Scots, a British battalion, and then later posted
to the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, commonly known as the 54th Sikhs.
World War II
6.
During World War II, the then-Captain Manekshaw saw action in Burma in the
1942 campaign on the Sittaung River with the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment,[9] and had
the rare distinction of being honoured for his bravery on the battlefield. During the
fighting around Pagoda Hill, a key position on the left of the Sittang bridgehead, he led
his company in a counter-attack against the invadingJapanese Army and despite
suffering 50% casualties the company managed to achieve its objective. After capturing
the hill, Manekshaw was hit by a burst of light machine gun fire and was severely
wounded in the stomach.[ Observing the battle, Major General David Cowan, the then
commander of the 17th Infantry Division spotted Manekshaw holding on to life and,
having witnessed his valour in the face of stiff resistance, rushed over to him. Fearing
that Manekshaw would die, the general pinned his own Military Cross ribbon to

Manekshaw saying, "A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross." The official
recommendation for the MC states that the success of the attack "was largely due to the
excellent leadership and bearing of Captain Manekshaw". This award was made official
with the publication of the notification in a supplement to the London Gazette on 21 April
1942 (dated 23 April 1942). Manekshaw was evacuated to Rangoon and on arrival was
close to death, having been hit by seven bullets in his lungs, liver and kidneys. It was
Sher Singh, his orderly, who evacuated him from the battlefield. When the surgeon
asked what had happened to him, he replied that he was "kicked by a donkey". Over
Manekshaw's protests to treat the other patients, the regimental medical officer, Captain
G M Diwan, attended to him.
7.
Having recovered from his wounds, Manekshaw attended the 8th Staff Course
at Command and Staff College, Quetta, from 23 August to 22 December 1943. He was
then posted as the brigade major of the Razmak Brigade, serving in that post until 22
October 1944 when he was sent to join the 9th Battalion, 12 Frontier Force Regiment in
Burma, as part of General William Slim's 14th Army. Towards the end of World War II,
Manekshaw was sent to serve on General Daisy's staff in Indo-China where, after
the Japanese surrender, he helped repatriate over 10,000 former prisoners of
war (POWs). He then went on a six-month lecture tour to Australia in 1946, and after his
return was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, serving as a first grade staff
officer in the Military Operations Directorate
8.
Upon the Partition of India in 1947, his parent unit 12th Frontier Force
Regiment became part of the Pakistan Army (rechristenedFrontier Force Regiment),
and so Manekshaw was reassigned to the 16th Punjab Regiment, before being posted
to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Gorkha Rifles, which he was detailed to command. The
tumultuous events of partition required Manekshaw's retention in army headquarters as
a lieutenant colonel in the Military Operations Directorate, though, and because of this
he subsequently missed his chance to command an infantry battalion as he was later
promoted to brigadier, becoming the first Indian Director of Military Operations. The
appointment of Director of Military Operations was upgraded first to major general and
later to lieutenant general and is now termed Director General Military Operations.
Post-independence
9.
While handling the issues relating to Partition in 1947, Manekshaw demonstrated
his acumen for planning and administration, and later was able put his battle skills to
use during operations in Jammu & Kashmir in 194748. After commanding an infantry
brigade, he was posted to the Infantry School at Mhow as the school's commandant and
also became the colonel of 8 Gorkha Rifles (which became his new regiment, since his
original parent regiment, the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, had become part of the

new Pakistan Army at partition) and 61st Cavalry. Manekshaw then commanded a
division in Jammu and Kashmir. A stint at the Defence Services Staff College followed
where he served as the commandant. It was here that his outspoken frankness got him
into trouble with the then Defence Minister, V. K. Krishna Menon. A court of inquiry was
ordered against him. The court, presided over by the then-Western
Army Commander, Lieutenant General Daulet Singh, exonerated Manekshaw. Before a
formal 'no case' could be announced, war with China broke out. Manekshaw was then
promoted to lieutenant general and moved to Tezpur to take over IV Corps as its GOC.
10.
A year later, Manekshaw was promoted as army commander and took over
the Western Command. In 1964, He moved from Shimla to Calcuttaas the GOC-in-C of
the Eastern Army. As GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, he successfully responded to
an insurgency in Nagaland for which he was later awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968

Army chief: Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

11.
On 7 June 1969, Manekshaw became the 8th chief of army staff when he
succeeded General P P Kumaramangalam. As chief of the army staff, he rendered
yeoman service to the nation by forging the Indian Army into an efficient instrument of
war.[17] His years of military experience were soon put to the test as India decided to
help the Mukti Bahini rebels against West Pakistani forces.
12.
Towards the end of April 1971, Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister of India at
that time, asked Manekshaw if he was ready to go to war with Pakistan. Manekshaw
refused, saying that his single armoured division and two infantry divisions were
deployed elsewhere, that only 13 of his 189 tanks were fit to fight, and that they would
be competing for rail carriage with the grain harvest at that point of time. He also
pointed out that the Himalayan passes would soon open up, with the forthcoming
monsoon in East Pakistan, which would result in heavy flooding. When Indira Gandhi
asked the cabinet to leave the room and the chief to stay, he offered to resign. She
declined to accept it, but sought his advice. He then said he could guarantee victory if
she would allow him to prepare for the conflict on his terms, and set a date for it. These
were acceded to by the Prime Minister.[18]
13.
When the Indian Army finally went to war in December that year, under
Manekshaw's leadership, it proved victorious against the Pakistan Army. The war,
lasting under a fortnight, saw more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers personnel taken
as prisoners of war, and it ended with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan's eastern
half, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh as a new nation. When the Prime minister
asked him to go to Dhaka and accept the surrender of Pakistani forces, Manekshaw

declined, magnanimously saying that the honour should go to his army commander in
the East, Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora.

Honours and post-retirement

14.
For his distinguished service to the country, the President of India awarded
Manekshaw a Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and conferred upon him the rank offield
marshal, a first, on 1 January 1973. He became one of the only two Indian Army
generals to be awarded this prestigious rank; the other beingKodandera Madappa
Cariappa who was awarded in 1986. Manekshaw retired from active service a fortnight
later on 15 January 1973 after a career of nearly four decades, and settled down with
his wife Silloo in Coonoor, the civilian town next to Wellington Military
Cantonment where he had served as commandant of the Defence Services Staff
College, at an earlier time in his career. Popular with Gurkha soldiers, Nepal fted
Manekshaw as an honorary general of the Nepalese Army in 1972.
15.
In May 2007, Gohar Ayub, son of Pakistani Field Marshal Ayub Khan, claimed
that Manekshaw had sold Indian Army secrets to Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani
War of 1965 for 20,000 rupees, but his accusations were dismissed by the Indian
defence establishment. Following his service in the Indian Army, Manekshaw
successfully served as an independent director on the board of several companies, and
in a few cases, as the chairman. He was outspoken and hardly politically correct, and
when once he was replaced on the board of a company by a man named Naik at the
behest of the government, Manekshaw quipped, "This is the first time in history when
a Naik (corporal) has replaced a field marshal."
16.
Manekshaw died of complications from pneumonia at the Military Hospital in
Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on 0030 hours, 27 June 2008 at the age of 94. He was laid to
rest at the Parsi cemetery in Ootacamund (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, with military honours,
adjacent to his wife's grave. He was survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.
17.

Reportedly, his last words were "I'm okay!"

Awards and Decorations

Padma Vibhushan

Padma Bhushan

Military Cross

Famous quotations
18.
On the military knowledge of politicians: "I wonder whether those of our political
masters who have been put in charge of the defence of the country can distinguish
a mortar from a motor; a gun from a howitzer; a guerrilla from a gorilla, although a great
many resemble the latter."
19.
On being asked what would have happened had he opted for Pakistan at the
time of the Partition in 1947, he quipped, "Then I guess Pakistan would have won (the
1971 war)" (these comments were made in jest)
20.
On being placed in command of the retreating IV Corps during the Sino-Indian
War of 1962: "There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall
never be issued."
21.
About the Gurkha: "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is
a Gurkha."
22.
You received three at this age; when I was of your age, I received nine bullets
and looktoday, I am the commander in chief of the Indian Army." During the 1971
Indo-Pakistan War when he met an injured soldier in army hospital with three bullet
wounds
23.
Speech at IMA: One thing remains the same,your task and your duty. You are
required to ensure the security of this country against any offence.What is that means
for you? That means, that you should have to fight, a fight to win. There is no room for
losers, if you lose don't come back.
24.
During the 1962 War, he sent a box containing bangles & a letter saying, "If your
men do not wish to fight, this is the best medal you can wear." This was sent to the CO
of a battalion who did not wish to enter into conflict with the Chinese. However, in the
coming weeks the CO & his battalion proved their grit by battling it out with the Chinese

& conducted many successful operations. When Manekshaw learned this, he sent a
letter back to CO saying "Please send back the box containing bangles, as this is not for
you & your men."
25.
A 'Yes man' is a dangerous man. He is a menace. He will go very far. He can
become a minister, a secretary or a Field Marshall but he can never become a leader
nor, ever be respected. He will be used by his superiors, disliked by his colleagues and
despised by his subordinates. So discard the 'Yes man'.

INDIAN ARMY WAR HEROES -PVCS

1.Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Vikram Batra fought in Kargil War and
was part of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Unit. He
was given task to capture Point 5140, Point
4875. He succeeded in capturing both point by
6th June 1999 but still Pak army was near by.
On early next morning he and his troop were
attempting a rescue operation under heavy fire
of Pakistan army. During the rescue attempt, he
pushed aside his Subedar, saying Tu baalbacchedar hain, hat ja peeche.(You have
children, step aside)and was killed in action
while clearing enemy positions. For his bravery and Courage he shown on battle field,
he will always be remembered as one of the greates Indian War Heroes.He was given
Param Veer Chakra Posthumous. His param Veer Chakra Citation said:CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA 13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES (IC 57556) During
Operation Vijay, on 20 June 1999, Captain Vikram Batra, Commander Delta Company
was tasked to attack Point 5140. Captain Batra with his company skirted around the
feature from the East and maintaining surprise reached within assaulting distance of the
enemy. Captain Batra reorganized his column and motivated his men to physically
assault the enemy positions. Leading from the front, he in a daredevil assault, pounced
on the enemy and killed four of them in a hand-to hand fight. On 7 July 1999, in another
operation in the area Pt 4875, his company was tasked to clear a narrow feature with
sharp cuttings on either side and heavily fortified enemy defences that covered the only
approach to it. For speedy operation, Captain Batra assaulted the enemy position along
a narrow ridge and engaged the enemy in a fierce hand to-hand fight and killed five
enemy soldiers at point blank range. Despite sustaining grave injuries, he crawled
towards the enemy and hurled grenades clearing the position with utter disregard to his

personal safety, leading from the front, he rallied his men and pressed on the attack and
achieved a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire. The officer,
however, succumbed to his injuries. Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon
the enemy with vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875. Captain Vikram
Batra, thus, displayed the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the
highest order in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest
traditions of the Indian Army.
2. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was a small rank officer
of Indian Army and one of the greatest India War Heroes.
He was the hero of Tiger Hill who single handedly fought
many enemies and captured tiger hill. His courage was
such that he kept himself alive to reach headquarters and
give information that Pakistan Army is coming back with
reinforcement. Fortunately this hero was saved and later
awarded Param veer Chakra. His Param Veer Chakra
says
GRENADIER YOGINDER SINGH YADAV 18
GRENADIERS (2690-572) Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was part of the leading
team of a Ghatak Platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The
approach to the top was steep, snowbound and rocky. Grenadier Yogender Singh
Yadav, unmindful of the danger involved, volunteered to lead and fix the rope for his
team to climb up. On seeing the team, the enemy opened intense automatic, grenade,
rocket and artillery fire killing the Commander and two of his colleagues and the platoon
was stalled. Realising the gravity of the situation, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav
crawled up to the enemy position to silence it and in the process sustained multiple
bullet injuries. Unmindful of his injuries and in the hail of enemy bullets, Grenadier
Yogender Singh Yadav continued climbing towards the enemy positions, lobbed
grenades, continued firing from his weapons and killed four enemy soldiers in close
combat an silenced the automatic fire. Despite multiple bullet injuries, he refused to be
evacuated and continued the charge. Inspired by his gallant act, the platoon charged on
the other positions with renewed punch and captured Tiger Hill Top. Grenadier

Yogender Singh Yadav displayed the most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry,
grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances.
3. Lance Naik Albert Ekka
A Param Veer Chakra Award Winner who sacrificed
his life in 1971 War against Pakistan. During the
battle of Hilli his troop came under immense fire of
a LMG (Light Machine Gun). Without caring about
his life he marched toward enemy bunker
destroying bunker after bunker and suffered many
causalities, he reached the bunker and killed his
enemy and LMG. From other end an MMG
(Medium Machine Gun) started firing and again,
already severely injured Lance Naik Alber Ekka
crawled towards enemy bunker and killed 3 soldiers
and stopped MMG from creating any more
damage. In this process however, he received
serious injuries and succumbed to them after the capture of the objective. Major Lance
Nail will always be remembered for his bravery and courage he showed and will always
be considered as one of the greatest Indian War Heroes. His Param veer Chakra
Citation says
CITATION LANCE NAIK ALBERT EKKA 14 GUARDS (NO 4239746) Lance Naik Albert
Ekka was in the left forward company of a battalion of the Brigade of Guards during
their attack on the ememy defences at Gangasagar on the Eastern front. This was a
well-fortified position held in strength by the enemy. The assaulting troops were
subjected to intense shelling and heavy small-arms fire, but they charged onto the
objective and were locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat. Lance Naik Albert Ekka
noticed an enemy light machine-gun (LMG) inflicting heavy casualties on his company.
With complete disregard fo his personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker,
bayoneted two enemy soldiers and silenced the LMG. Though seriously wounded in
this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades through the mile deep
objective, clearing bunker after bunker with undaunted courage. Towards the northern
end of the objective one enemy medium machine-gun (MMG) opened up from the
second storey of a well-fortified building inflicting heavy casualties and holding up the

attack. Once again this gallant soldier, without a thought for his personal safety, despite
his serious injury and the heavy volume of enemy fire, crawled forward till he reached
the building and lobbed a grenade into the bunker killing one enemy soldier and injuring
the other. The MMG however continued to fire. With outstanding courage and
determination Lance Naik Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker,
bayoneted the enemy soldier who was still firing and thus silenced the machine-gun,
saving further casualties to his company and ensuring the success of the attack. In this
process however, he received serious injuries and succumbed to them after the capture
of the objective. In this action, Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous
valour and determination and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the
Army.
4. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal
Last word of this brave man were No Sir, I will not
abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will
get these bastards.
After killing and capturing many enemy personnels
he and his troop forced Enemy tanks to pull away.
He did not stop there and went on to against those
enemy tanks and a fierce tank battle started
between two troops. Arun Khetarpal alone
destroyed four tanks, in this process his tank was
hit by enemy. He denied to left the field and
continued to fire shot on enemy tanks. Last tanks
that he shoot was only 100 meter away and there
he suffered another injury which resulted in his death. His bravery helped the troop to
recapture a strong point from Enemy. He was a hero who fought like a lion and alone
created havoc in Enemys den. He is one of the greatest war heroes who will be missed
and will be remembered forever. He is also considered as one of the national heroes of
India. His legacy is forever in Army itself as several major constructions are named after
him. His Param Veer Chakra Citation Says
CITATION SECOND LIEUTENANT ARUN KHETARPAL POONAHORSE (IC-25067) On
16 December 1971, the squadron Commander of B Squadron, the Poona Horse asked

for reinforcements as the Pakistani armour that was superior in strength, counter
attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector. On hearing this transmission, 2nd Lt
Khetarpal who was in A Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troop, to assist the
other squadron. Enroute, while crossing the Basantar River, Second Lieutenant Arun
Khetarpal and his troops came under fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests
that were still holding out. Time was at a premium and as a critical situation was
developing in the B Squadron sector, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, threw caution
to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally
charging them, Overrunning the defence works with his tanks and capturing the enemy
infantry and weapon crews at pistol point. In the course of one such daring attack one
tank commander of his troop was killed. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal continued to
attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through
towards the B Squadron position, just in time to see the enemy tanks pulling back after
their initial probing attack on this squadron. He was so carried away by the wild
enthusiasm of battle and the impetus of his own headlong dash that he started chasing
the withdrawing tanks and even managed to shoot and destroy one. Soon thereafter,
the enemy reformed with a squadron of armour for a second attack and this time they
selected the sector held by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and two other tanks as
the point for their main effort. A fierce tank fight ensued: ten enemy tanks were hit and
destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal personally destroyed four, just
then Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was severely wounded. He was asked to
abandon his tank but he realized that the enemy though badly decimated was
continuing to advance in his sector of responsibility and if he abandoned his tank the
enemy would break through, he gallantly fought on and destroyed another enemy tank.
At this stage his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant
officer. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was dead but he had, by his intrepid valour
saved the day; the enemy was denied the breakthrough he was so desperately seeking.
Not one enemy tank got through. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal had shown the
best qualities of leadership, tenacity of purpose and the will to close in with the enemy.
This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty.
5. Flying Office Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon

A lone warrior who fought against 6 enemy air crafts. First he engaged two of them and
destroyed both air crafts,but again all four enemy air crafts attacked on Sekhon and this
time he was outnumbered. In his process of saving Srinagar Air Base, he was hit and
died. His air craft fall into the mountains and his bodies could not be found. He made
sure to give enough time to his fellow officers to get ready and destroy remaining
enemies. Till now he is the only officer from Indian Air Force to be awarded Param Veer
Chakra. His Param Veer Chakra Citation says
CITATION FG OFFR NNIRMAL JIT SINGH SEKHON 18 SQUADRON 10877 F(P)
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was a pilot of a Gnat detachment based at
Srinagar for the air defence of the valley against Pakistani air attacks. From the very
outbreak of the hostilities he and his colleagues fought successive waves of intruding
Pakistani aircraft with valour and determination, maintaining the high reputation of the
Gnat aircraft. On 14 December 1971, Srinagar airfield was attacked by a wave of
enemy Sabre aircraft. Flying Officer Sekhon was on readiness duty at the time.
Immediately, however, no fewer than six enemy aircraft were overhead, and they began
bombing and strafing the airfield. In spite of the mortal danger of attempting to take off
during the attack, Flying Officer Sekhon took off and immediately engaged a pair of the
attacking Sabres. In the fight that ensued, he secured hits on one aircraft and set
another on fire. By this time the other Sabre aircraft came to the aid of their hardpressed companions and Flying Officer Sekhons Gnat was again outnumbered, this
time by four to one. Even though alone, Flying Officer Sekhon engaged the enemy in an
unequal combat. In the fight that followed, at treetop height, he almost held his own, but
was eventually overcome by the sheer weight of numbers. His aircraft crashed and he
was killed. The sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, flying skill and determination above
and beyond the call of duty displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon in the face of certain
death have set new heights in Air Force traditions

6. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Tarapore

Wounded, Severely Injured but denied to fall back.
Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Tarapore, leading his
troops against Pakistani army in 1965 war went
ahead with the aim of destroying every single enemy
in his range. His leadership and courage raised the
morale of his troops and they succeeded in their
mission. Though in this process one of the greatest
Indian war heroes lost his life. He was awarded
Param Veer Chakra, Highest bravery award of India.
His Param veer Chakra Citation Says
CITATION LIEUTENANT COLONEL A.B
TARAPORE POONA HORSE (17 HORSE) (IC-5565) On 11 September 1965, the
Poona Horse Regiment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji
Tarapore was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing
Phillora in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan. As a preliminary to making a surprise attack
on Phillora from the rear, the regiment was thrusting between Philloira and Chawinda
when it was suddenly counter attacked by the enemys heavy Armour from Wazirali.
Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Tarapore who was then at the head of his regiment, defied the
enemys charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Philloira with one of his
squadrons supported by an infantry battalion. Though under continuous enemy tank
and artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel A B Tarapore remained unperturbed throughout this
action and when wounded refused to be evacuated. On 14 September 1965, though
still wounded he again led his regiment to capture Wazirali. Such was his grit and
determination that unmindful of his injury, he again gallantly led regiment and captured
Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16 September. His own tank was hit several times, but
despite the odds he maintained his pivots in both these places and thereby allowed the
supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear. Inspired by his leadership, the
regiment fiercely attacked the enemy heavy armour destroying approximately 60 enemy
tanks at a cost of only 9 tank casualties, and when lieutenant Colonel A. B Tara pore
was mortally wounded the regiment continue to defy the enemy. The valour displayed
by lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore in this heroic action, which lasted six days, was in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

7. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar

Sanjay Kumar was moving towards capturing Area Flat
Top in Kargil War. Having scaled the cliff, the team was
pinned down by machine gun fire from an enemy
bunker, about 150 meters away. He immediately
understood that this Machine gun can cause more
damage and thus ran towards the bunker firing his
automatic gun. He was hit by two bullets in his forearm
and chest but nothing could slow him. He entered into
the bunker killed three enemy in hand to hand combat
and then changed Machine Gun direction towards
another bunker of enemy. This took them by surprise
and tried to flew away but they all were killed by this brave hero Sanjay Kumar. He won
Param veer Chakra and is currently Naib Subedar in Indian Army. His Param Veer
Chakra Citation Says
CITATION RIFLEMAN SANJAY KUMAR 13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES
(13760533) Rifleman Sanjay Kumar volunteered to be the leading scout of the attacking
column tasked to capture area Flat Top of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley on 4 July
1999. During the attack when enemy automatic fire from one of the sangars posed stiff
opposition and stalled the column, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar realizing the gravity of the
situation and with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged at the enemy. In the
ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed three of the intruders and was himself seriously
injured. Despite his injuries, he charged onto the second sangar. Taken totally by
surprise, the enemy left behind a Universal Machine Gun and started running. Rifleman
Sanjay Kumar picked up the UMG and killed the fleeing enemy. Although bleeding
profusely, he refused to be evacuated. The brave action on his part motivated his
comrades and they took no notice of the treacherous terrain and charged onto the
enemy and wrested the area Flat Top from the hands of the enemy. Rifleman Sanjay
Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage and devotion to duty of an
exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy
8. Major Somnath Sharma First recipient of Param Veer Chakra

Major Somnath Sharma is a legendary hero of India

who is more or less responsible from preventing
Srinagar fall in Pakistani hand in 1947 War.
Previously while playing hockey Major Sharma
fractured his hand and had plaster. When enemy
attacked he denied to leave company and got the
permission to be with them. They were attacked
from three sides by enemy and were outnumbered.
Major Sharma knew that they could not leave the
place as Enemy will have the advantage of capturing
Srinagar Airport and Srinagar City. Major
Sharma Under heavy fire and outnumbered seven to
one, urged his company to fight bravely, often exposing himself to danger as he ran
from post to post. When he got injured from bullets he decided to fill magazines and
issuing them to his troops, he himself used Light Machine gun to kill as many as
possible. In this brave process a mortar shell exploded near him. Before dying his last
words to HQ were 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. Company fell down but killed 200 enemy and this way
Enemy troop lost their momentum. Indian Air Force got enough time to fly to Srinagar air
base and closed all the routes for enemy. In this manner, Somnath Sharma prevented
the fall of Srinagar and arguably the Kashmir Valley to Pakistan. Really a hero who
saved Kashmir. Greatest Indian War Heroes who will remain in out memory forever. His
Param Veer Chakra Citation says
CITATION Maj Somnath Sharma 4 KUMANON (IC-521) On 3 November 1947, Major
Somnath Sharmas company was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam in the Kashmir
Valley . He reached his objective at first light on 3 November and took up a position
south of Badgam at 1100hours. The enemy, estimated at about 500 attacked his
company position from three sides; the company began to sustain heavy casualties.
Fully realizing the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both
the aerodrome and Srinagar via Hum Hom, Major Somnath Sharma urged his company
to fight the enemy tenaciously. With extreme bravery he kept rushing across the open
ground to his sections exposing himself to heavy and accurate fire to urge them to hold
on. Keeping his nerve, he skillfully directed the fire of his sections into the everadvancing enemy. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid

out cloth strips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy. Realising
that casualties had affected the effectiveness of his light automatics, this officer whose
left hand was in plaster, personally commenced filling magazines and issuing them to
the light machine gunners. A mortar shell landed right in the middle of the ammunition
resulting in an explosion that killed him. Major Sharmas company held on to list position
and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrounded. His inspiring
example resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours, thus gaining time for our
reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance.
His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defense were such that his men were inspired
to fight the enemy by seven to one, six hours after this gallant officer had been killed.
He has set an example of courage and qualities seldom equaled in the history of the
Indian Army. His last message to the Brigade Headquarters a few moments before he
was killed was, the enemy 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 the last man and
the last round.
9. Naik Jadu Nath Singh
In 1947 War Naik Jadu Nath Singh did something
which was extraordinary. His small troop was
outnumbered by enemy but his leadership and
bravery was such that enemy got confused on how
many Indian soldiers are actually there. He and his
company saved the post as Enemy took their steps
backward. They attacked with increased force
again, Naik Jadu Nath Singh and his men were
already injured. Jadu Nath attacked with full force as
he knew that enemy are nearing to their post. This
courage motivated his men who attacked with full
force and a certain defeat turned into a victory, and
they saved post for second time. By now all of his
men were down and he was alone. Enemy attacked
for third time thinking that this time they can capture
post. But out of nowhere Naik jadu Nath Singh, a one man army attacked so fiercely
that enemy thought there are more Indians and flew away. But Naik Jadu Nath singh

was hit by two bullet in his head and died bravely, making sure that his post is safe. His
Param Veer Chakra Citation Says
CITATION NAIK JADUNATH SINGH 1 RAJPUT (NO 27373) At No 2 picquet on
Taindhar on 6 February 1948, No 27373 Naik Jadunath Singh was in command of a
forward section post, which bore the full brunt of the enemy attack. Nine men against
overwhelming odds garrisoned the little post. The enemy launched its attack in
successive waves and with great ferocity to overcome this post. The first wave swept
up to the post in a furious attack. Displaying great valour and superb qualities of
leadership Naidk Jadunath Singh so used the small force at his disposal that the enemy
retired in utter confusion. Four of his men were wounded but Naik Jadunath Singh
again showed his qualities of good leadership by reorganising the battered force under
him, for meeting another onslaught. His coolness and courage were of such an order
that the men rallied and were ready for the second attack which came with greater
determination and in larger number than the preceding one. Though hopelessly
outnumbered, this post under the gallant leadership of Naik Jadunath Singh resisted. All
were wounded, and Naik Jadunath Singh, though wounded in the right arm, personally
took over the Bren gun from the wounded Bren gunner. The enemy was right on the
walls of the post but Naik Jadunath Singh once again showed outstanding ability and
valour of the highest order in action. By his complete disregard for his personal safety
and example of coolness and courage, he encouraged his men to fight. His fire was so
devastating, that what looked like impending defeat was turned into a victory and the
enemy retreated in chaos leaving the dead and wounded littered on the ground. With
this act of supreme heroism and outstanding example of leadership and determination,
Naik Jadunath Singh saved the post from the second assault. By this time, all men in
the post were casualties. The enemy put in his third and final attack in undiminished
numbers and determination to capture this post. Naik Jadunath Singh, now wounded,
prepared literally single-handed to give battle for the third time. With great courage and
determination, he came out of the sangar and finally with the Sten gun, made a most
magnificent single-handed charge on the advancing enemy, who, completely taken by
surprise, fled in disorder. Naik Jadunath Singh, however, met his gallant death in his
third and last charge when two bullets hit him in the head and chest. Thus, charging
single-handedly at the advancing enemy, this Non-Commissioned Officer, performed
the highest act of gallantry and self-sacrifice and by so doing saved his section-nay, his
whole picquet from being overrun by the enemy at the most critical stage in the battle
for the defence of Nushera.

10. Lieutenant-Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa

One of the greatest Indian War Heroes who served
in 1962 War against China. Chinese troop attacked
heavily on his company in Laddakh region. They
were outnumbered but fought bravely and held their
post. Chinese army decided to move back and
attacked again with more force and this time
attacked with tanks. Again Colonel Dhan Singh
Thapa and his men held their post and fought
bravely. When the Chinese finally overran the post,
he came out of the post and killed many enemy in
hand to hand combat. He was captured and later
released by chinese army. Colonel Thapa
completed his military services after being
released. He received Param Vir Chakra for his
bravery and courage. His Param Vir Chakra
Citation says
CITATION MAJOR DHAN SINGH THAPA 1/8 GORKHA RIFLES (IC-7990) Major Dhan
Singh Thapa was in command of a forward post in Ladakh. On 20 October it was
attacked by the Chinese in overwhelming strength after being subjected to intensive
artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command, the greatly
outnumbered post repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the aggressors.
The enemy attacked again in greater numbers after heavy shelling by artillery and
mortar fire Under the leadership of Major Thapa, his men repulsed this attack also with
heavy losses to the enemy. The Chinese attacked for the third time, now with tanks to
support the infantry. The post had already suffered large numbers of casualties in the
earlier two attacks. Though considerably reduced in number it held out to the last.
When it was finally overrun by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Major Thapa got
out of his trench and killed several of the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting before he was
finally overpowered by Chinese soldiers. Major Thapas cool courage, conspicuous
fighting qualities and leadership were in the highest traditions of our Army.