Republic Day 2013 Gallantry Awards

The following is the list of gallantry award winners announced this Republic Day, along with their citations.

Kirti Chakra

IC-67270F Major Anup Joseph Manjali
Bihar Regiment/24th Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles

01 October, 2012

Major Anup Joseph Manjali is a brave, dynamic and fearless officer commanding ‘Sutrun Company’ of 24 RR (BIHAR). He led his company column under extreme adverse terrain and weather conditions during the Battalion Level Operation in Jammu & Kashmir, launched on 30 September 12.

At around on 01 Oct 12 at 0330 hours, he achieved total surprise in establishing close cordon around a Dhok in which five hardcore foreign terrorist leaders were hiding from the heavily forested side. At first light, the officer displaying raw courage crawled upto the entrance of the Dhok and lobbed a Hand Grenade to flush out the terrorists resulting in elimination of one terrorist on the spot.

Other terrorists ran out towards the forest firing indiscriminately in order to break contact. The officer sensing danger to his troops displayed utmost presence of mind, utter disregard to personal safety and engaged the fleeing terrorists in a close quarter battle. After closing in on them, he shot dead two more dreaded terrorists from a distance of approximately twenty meters in a most daring act.

The officer exhibited singular act of bravery under heavy terrorist fire. For this most conspicuous act of gallantry, exhibition of raw courage and exemplary leadership Major Anup Joseph Manjali is conferred for the award of “KIRTI CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

3398295W Havildar Vir Singh
13th Battalion, The Sikh Regiment

19 FEBRUARY, 2012

Havildar Vir Singh was the commander of the operation column in Operation Medhipara on 19 February 2012 which led to elimination of two hardcore terrorists of a dreaded militant group.

Based on inputs regarding movement of terrorists, Multiple Mobile Check Posts were placed at 1845 hours on all routes of ingress from Meghalaya to Assam. At approximately 2300 hours two individuals on motorcycle approached mobile check post situated in Goalpara district of Assam, and were asked to stop. On being challenged they started firing on own party and tried to flee. Havildar Vir Singh immediately challenged the terrorists to halt and warned them of retaliatory fire. Instead of stopping the terrorist opened indiscriminate fire and attempted to flee taking cover of darkness.

In a swift reaction Havildar Vir Singh started chasing the fleeing terrorists towards the undulating ground ahead. Despite coming under heavy fire, the Non Commissioned Officer remained steadfast in his pursuit and neutralized the terrorists after a nerve racking fierce close combat. One 7.65 mm pistol, one 9 mm pistol both made in USA along with two magazines, nine live rounds were recovered from the slain terrorists. The neutralized terrorists were identified as Deputy Area Commander/Financial Secretary of the terrorist group active in the region.

For displaying conspicuous gallantry, exceptional leadership and exemplary combat proficiency Havildar Vir Singh is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

IC-65554M Major Sandeep Kumar
13th Battalion, The Sikh Regiment

02 April, 2012

Major Sandeep Kumar was the commander of the operation column in Operation Kashibari on 01-02 April 2012 which led to the elimination of two hardcore militants of a terrorist group.

Based on inputs regarding presence of some militants in general area of Goalpara district of Assam, a search operation was launched at 2345 hours on 01 April 2012. At approximately 0100 hours on 02 April 2012, suspicious movement was noticed inside an abandoned building on the outskirts of the village. Major Sandeep Kumar displaying exemplary leadership and tactical acumen quickly deployed his troops to establish a cordon and ensured that all escape routes were blocked. On being challenged to come out, the holed up militants started firing on own troops from inside the building.

Major Sandeep Kumar displaying raw courage crawled towards the building from where fire came on own party and latched the door of building from outside. The militants were again warned to surrender, but they retaliated with fire. In a swift reaction the officer closed in with the holed up militants and displaying excellent field craft ordered his buddy to fire in the left corner of the building to pin down the militants. Unmindful of personal safety despite coming under fire, the officer neutralized the two militants at close quarters displaying conspicuous gallantry and utmost devotion to duty.

For his most conspicuous gallantry, exceptional leadership, tactical acumen and combat proficiency, Major Sandeep Kumar is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

IC-65672A Major Manish Punj
The Rajput Regiment/10th Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles

05 August 2012

On 05 August 2012, based on specific intelligence about presence of three hardcore terrorists in the far flung area of Kishtwar District in Jammu & Kashmir, a well planned and coordinated operation was executed by Major Manish Punj along with Special Task Force Doda with complete stealth and secrecy.

Major Manish’s team closed in and established a close cordon of the terrorist hideout completely undetected. At 0900 hours, the terrorists were taken by complete surprise on being challenged and opened indiscriminate fire on own troops. In the ensuing gun fight one of the terrorists was shot dead by Major Manish while he tried to jump the cordon. Maj Manish later closed in on the second terrorist who was carrying out intermittent fire on own troops and eliminated him at a close range. Under his leadership, the team later apprehended the third terrorist and completed the mission in a surgical and most professional manner.

For displaying outstanding leadership qualities, ingenuity, indomitable courage in the face of hostile fire and for single-handedly eliminating the most elusive terrorist Major Manish Punj is conferred for the award of “Shaurya Chakra”.

Shaurya Chakra

IC-68806Y Captain A Rahul Ramesh (Posthumous)
Corps of Engineers/72nd Road Construction Company

14 August, 2012

Captain A Rahul Ramesh of 171 FC Platoon Care 72 RCC was detailed to execute daunting task of road clearance which include clearance of slides, formation cutting to create diversions, bridging of gaps that had arisen consequent to cloud burst in general area of Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) on 3 & 4 Aug 2012.

Capt A Rahul Ramesh since 04 Aug 2012 without caring for his personal safety and comfort successfully cleared 14 Nos of heavy slides on Dharasu-Gangotri Road near LAC in inclement weather and extremely rough terrain in 09 days before volunteering to construct a 110 feet Triple Single Bailey Bridge at Sawarigad on Dharasu–Gangotri road on 14 Aug 2012. The officer moved complete bridging equipment from a distance of 65 Km to the launching site with limited number of vehicles in record time of 02 days.

On 14th Aug 2012 at around 0700 hrs Capt A Rahul Ramesh being the Bridge Party Commander set out to launch a 110 feet Triple Single Bailey Bridge. The bridge was successfully assembled till seventh bay and work was on for assembling eighth bay. At 1430 hours the hill side of home bank suddenly collapsed. When some portion fell down Capt A Rahul Ramesh pushed DVRMT Byasadeb Panda who was working on the rollers to safety and went alone with a OP pin, without caring for his personal safety to jam the rollers so as to prevent the bridge from sliding into the Nallah and directed other persons to move to safe place. However, due to recurrence of slide in a short while the bridge was hit by a big boulder and the bridge got off the roller and slid into the gap. Capt A Rahul Ramesh got trapped under one of the transoms of the bridge. The officer displaying exceptional sense of responsibility and camaraderie as a true leader, unmindful of his personal safety and upholding the highest traditions of Indian Army willingly laid down his life to save life of others.

For his professional acumen, astute leadership, selfless act of bravery, indomitable courage, exceptional devotion to duty and camaraderie Capt A Rahul Ramesh is conferred for the award of “Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous).

Shaurya Chakra

IC-72070P Captain Dinesh Kumar
9th Battalion, The Madras Regiment

23 June, 2012

Captain Dinesh Kumar through the network that he had developed at Langting, acquired pinpoint intelligence of a composite group of six top ranking heavily armed insurgents of a terrorists group in a village of Silchar district in Assam.

During the operation launched on 23 June 2012 at 0410 hours to flush out the insurgents, Captain Dinesh Kumar identifying a Jhoom Hut where the hardcore insurgents were holed up, stealthily moved forward to neutralize one insurgent on sentry duty. Detecting the officer’s movement, the insurgent fired at him from close quarters. Captain Dinesh, displaying tremendous courage, presence of mind and showing utter disregard for his personal safety, single-handedly charged at the insurgent and shot him dead. Another insurgent, by this time, had picked up his weapon and was fleeing towards the jungle. The officer, again it great personal risk to himself single-handedly chased the armed fleeing insurgent and shot him dead.

For this act of conspicuous personal bravery and valor in the highest traditions of Indian Army and for demonstrating raw courage, abundant initiative and outstanding leadership qualities leading to the elimination of two hardcore insurgents, Captain Dinesh Kumar is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

IC-74882F Lieutenant Manish Singh
9th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)

25 September, 2012

Lieutenant Manish Singh is troop commander with 9th Battalion the Parachute Regiment since 01 Apr 2011.

As part of search and destroy operation of 30 RR at general area of Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir on 25 September 2012, his squad was tasked to track escaping terrorists through terraced maize fields. During the search, a terrorist suddenly opened indiscriminate fire injuring Lieutenant Manish Singh and pinning down his squad. In a display of extreme courage and utter disregard for his own safety, despite his injuries, Lt Manish crawled forward and kept the terrorist pinned down. During the encounter, the officer displayed leadership of the highest order in refusing to be evacuated and notwithstanding his grievous injuries and blood loss, held on to his position. Finally as the terrorist charged upon him, he shot him dead at near point blank range. His courageous action ensured the safety of his men and ruled out collateral damage to civilian houses.

For his act of showing courage of exemplary order, conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership in the highest traditions of the Indian Army Lieutenant Manish Singh is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

JC-559638M Subedar Pradeep Beck
Bihar Regiment/24th Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles

09 July, 2012

On 09 July 12, a unit source informed about presence of a hard core terrorist in a village of Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir. Subedar Pradeep Beck immediately led a patrol and deployed a cordon around the suspected house before first light.

At first light, when the terrorist came out of the house, he started running back to the house when challenged and opened indiscriminate fire onto the cordon party. The JCO sensing danger to his party, exhibited quick presence of mind and dauntless courage and chased the terrorist up to fifty meters when he tried to enter the house through its window. The JCO with utter disregard to personal safety ran in the open and quickly closed in with the terrorist. He swiftly brought down accurate fire on the terrorist killing him instantly. Displaying utmost professional competence, tactical acumen and utter disregard to personal safety, Subedar Pradeep Beck led from the front in the face of hostile fire which resulted in elimination of a dreaded terrorist commander who was active in the area for the past decade.

For his gallant action, inspirational leadership and conspicuous bravery under terrorist fire, Subedar Pradeep Beck is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.

Shaurya Chakra

2486356P Naik Rajeshver Singh (Posthumous)
16th Battalion, The Punjab Regiment

04 September 2012

Naik Rajeshver Singh was deployed at Abdul Hut Post on the Line of Control.

Based on intelligence inputs of possible raid attempt by enemy, troops were on constant vigil. On 04 September 2012 at 1640 hours, the Post came under heavy automatic fire by enemy from Ratwaji Nar of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. During initial volley of enemy fire, Sep Sushil Kumar was wounded and Naik Rajeshver displaying raw courage rushed to his aid. During this act, he observed intruders charging from thick foliage towards the Post. Showing exceptional courage, camaraderie and total disregard for his own safety, he quickly changed his position and charged towards the leading terrorist who had closed on to the post. The ensuing fire fight resulted in killing of one terrorist and individual sustaining a burst of fire. Thereafter, with single minded purpose, exceptional valor and regardless of his injuries, he continued fighting, thereby injuring a second terrorist. His indomitable spirit and exceptional bravery forced enemy to abandon their assault and successfully repulsed the threat to the Post.

In the highest traditions of the Army the individual displayed indomitable spirit and exceptional bravery. For this act of gallantry beyond the call of duty Late Naik Rajeshver Singh is conferred for the award of “SHAURYA Chakra” (Posthumous).

Shaurya Chakra

2486445N Naik Anil Kumar (Posthumous)
16th Battalion, The Punjab Regiment

04 September, 2012

Naik Anil Kumar was deployed at Abdul Hut Post on the line of control.

On 04 September 2012, own troops were alert to the likelihood of Raid attempt by enemy, based on intelligence inputs. At 1640 hours, the post came under heavy automatic fire by enemy from Ratwaji Nar of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. During initial volley of enemy fire, Sepoy Sushil Kumar sustained injury and Naik Anil Kumar manning Medium Machine Gun immediately retaliated the fire. Displaying immense wits, undaunted courage and assessing the enemy close to the post, he promptly lifted and brought the Medium Machine Gun out from the bunker and effectively engaged the remaining terrorists, thereby causing casualty to one terrorist and beating back the others. In ensuing fire fight, individual also sustained a burst of fire. Regardless of personal safety and with single minded purpose, he continued to provide covering fire for remainder persons to react and engage the enemy.

His exceptional valor and presence of mind forced enemy to retreat, thus successfully repulsing the assault. Later, individual succumbed to his injuries on 25 Sep 2012 at AH(R&R) Hospital.

For the act of great courage, initiative and exceptional bravery, Naik Anil Kumar is conferred for the award of “Shaurya Chakra (posthumous)”.

Shaurya Chakra

13698975M Naik Krishan Kumar (Posthumous)
Brigade Of The Guards/13th Sikh Light Infantry Battalion Group

05 July, 2012

Naik Krishan Kumar served with 13th Sikh Light Infantry Battalion Group, INDBATT-2/XXIII (MONUSCO) in Democratic Republic of Congo from 27 February to 05 July 2012.

Naik Krishan Kumar was part of the QRF inducted ON 05 Jul 2012 at 1700h at SCD Bunagana to contain and handle the intensifying fire fight between M23 rebels and the FARDC which was threatening the life and property of civilians in the area. At 1800h, the location came under heavy effective fire from the rebels and an intense fire fight ensued. Undeterred, the NCO held his ground and continued to engage the rebels thereby dissuading them from reaching the population center. The prompt assessment of the situation, adherence to laid down Rules of Engagement and tenacity of the NCO not only delayed the rebels advance but also encouraged his comrades to hold their ground. At 2020h Naik Krishan Kumar was hit by a bullet and in spite of being grievously injured the NCO zealously continued to hold his position till he breathed his last.

For this act of unflinching bravery, stellar devotion to duty, unabating tenacity and absolute adherence to Indian Army’s ethos, Naik Krishan Kumar is conferred for the award of “Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous).

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

Wing Commander Gurkirat Singh Sohal

Wing Commander Gurkirat Singh Sohal Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Su-30 MKI squadron.

On 13 Dec 11, Wing Commander Sohal was detailed to fly an Airframe and Engine Check sortie in Su-30 MKI aircraft. Just after getting airborne, the aircraft yawed and rolled viciously to the right and this was noticed by the Air Traffic Controller as well. Wing Commander Sohal immediately initiated the recovery action and continued to climb to safer heights. Though the oscillations continued to be violent and dangerous Wing Commander Sohal overlooked his personal safety in a desperate attempt to try and get the aircraft under control to effect a safe recovery. During the whole process, Wing Commander Sohal managed to somehow keep the aircraft pointing away from a populated village, so as to reduce the risk of damage to life and property on ground in case of an ejection. As the aircraft seemed no longer controllable, ejection was the only option available after a 22 minutes long ordeal. Thus Wing Commander Sohal initiated ejection, but not before he had ensured that the aircraft was directed away from the populated village. His presence of mind, when faced with a life threatening situation, helped in preventing loss of many innocent lives on ground.

The sheer courage displayed by Wing Commander Sohal for the attempted recovery from such an unprecedented emergency was unparalleled. The courageous actions of Wing Commander Sohal to explore all possibilities of recovering the aircraft and to prevent any loss of lives on the ground in spite of an imminent threat to his life were most commendable and exemplary.

For his exceptional courage and flying skills in the face of a life threatening situation, Wing Commander Gurkirat Singh Sohal is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

Wing Commander Chickmandya Girish Deepak

Wing Commander Chickmandya Girish Deepak, Flying (Pilot) while on the posted strength of Flying Instructors School at Air Force Station Tambaram as a Directing Staff, was tasked to fly an instructional sortie on Kiran Mk II aircraft on 31 Jan 2012. While coming in to land, he experienced an engine flame out. After an unsuccessful attempt to jettison the canopy, he ordered his co-pilot to eject through the canopy. As the co-pilot ejected, he noticed that the aircraft was approaching over a populated area. Even as the speed of the aircraft was reducing rapidly, endangering his own safety, he steered the aircraft clear of the populated area below. Once sure that the trajectory of the aircraft was in a safe direction, he carried out an ejection. His extremely prompt reaction resulted in successful ejection by both pilots.

Knowing fully well about the risks of ejecting through a aircraft canopy and availability of critical time, Wing Commander Deepak went well beyond the call of duty to ensure that the aircraft was turned away from populated area, which prevented any collateral loss of life and damage to civil property. He displayed exceptional nerve and professional courage in the face of imminent danger to his life.

For this act of exceptional courage, Wing Commander Chickmandya Girish Deepak is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra

Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra, an AN-32 Pilot was tasked with a Free-fall Para drop sortie for the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team with the onlookers in huge attendance. On opening the ramp for the drop at 8000 feet, one pressure door bracket was found broken. With the ramp open he completed the drop and decided to land back at Barrackpore (with the Ramp Open) to prevent any further damage to the aircraft. In this situation, any harsh maneuvers would severely endanger the safety of the aircraft and lives on board. The delicate condition of the aircraft and the necessity to land with the ramp open along with the prevailing strong winds , turbulent conditions, short runway at Barrackpore and tall trees on approach demanded extreme caution and piloting skills to execute a safe landing. The pilot was compelled to land the aircraft with a steeper approach perspective with 38 degree flaps which is not normally practiced. Using all his piloting skills, professionalism and courage, he executed a flawless approach and carried out the stipulated three-pointer landing without any further damage to the ramp. His act of safe recovery of the aircraft ensured that the aircraft snag was rectified and further damage avoided.

Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra displayed exemplary courage and decision making ability by recovering the aircraft safely from a critical emergency situation and also saved the precious lives of all its occupants with his commendable flying skills.

For this act of exceptional courage, Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

63 IAF personnel have been decorated with Presidential Awards on the eve of Republic Day, this year. This includes Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) for six Air Marshals, Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) for one Air Marshal, five Air Vice Marshal and six Air Commodores.

PVSM has been conferred on Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd), Air Marshal Simha Kutty Varthaman (Retd), Air Marshal Satish Pal Singh (Retd), Air Marshal Arup Raha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command, Air Marshal Rajinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Air Marshal Jagdish Chandra Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command respectively.

Air Marshal Herikudru Babu Rajaram, Director General (Works and Ceremonials) has been conferred the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM).

Two Air Commodores, seven Group Captains, five Wing Commanders have also been conferred Vayu Sena Medal for devotion to duty. The Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) has been awarded to five Air Commodores, twenty Group Captains and three Wing Commanders.

Among naval personnel, Vice Admiral Satish Soni, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief , Southern Naval Command had been conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM, Commandant Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, AVSM, NM, Director General Indian Coast Guard have been awarded the Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Commodore MR Ajayakumar, VSM, Naval Officer in Charge (Kerala) has been awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty).