06 September 1965, We Remember 24 Gallantry Awardees of the 1965 Indo-Pak War
Remembering the Indian Army and Indian Air Force personnel whose courage, leadership and sacrifice during the 1965 war earned them the Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra.
The opening phase of the 1965 Indo-Pak War produced countless acts of courage across the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. On 06 September 1965, as Indian forces fought across multiple sectors, soldiers and airmen faced heavily defended positions, intense artillery fire, armour attacks, machine-gun fire and determined enemy resistance.
Among them were men who led assaults from the front, held exposed positions under overwhelming pressure, kept vital communications functioning under fire, directed troops during desperate counter-attacks and took to the skies against enemy aircraft. Their actions became part of the military history of a generation that fought with determination when the nation called.
The 24 awardees remembered in this feature represent the extraordinary breadth of courage displayed during the war. Their formations included infantry battalions, armoured regiments, artillery formations, the Corps of Signals and squadrons of the Indian Air Force. Some continued their military service after the war, while others made the supreme sacrifice in the very actions for which they were honoured.
| No. | Braveheart | Award | Unit / Formation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major General Gurbaksh Singh | Maha Vir Chakra | 4 Mountain Division |
| 2 | Subedar Ajit Singh | Maha Vir Chakra | 4 Sikh |
| 3 | Brigadier Khem Karan Singh | Maha Vir Chakra | Armoured Corps |
| 4 | Lieutenant Colonel Arun Shridhar Vaidya | Maha Vir Chakra | The Deccan Horse, 9 Horse |
| 5 | Major General Har Krishen Sibal | Maha Vir Chakra | Gorkha Rifles |
| 6 | Major General Rajinder Singh Sparrow | Maha Vir Chakra | Armoured Corps |
| 7 | Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde | Maha Vir Chakra | 3 Jat |
| 8 | Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh | Maha Vir Chakra | No. 5 Squadron, Indian Air Force |
| 9 | Squadron Leader Padmanabha Gautam | Maha Vir Chakra | Indian Air Force |
| 10 | Lieutenant Colonel Chajju Ram | Maha Vir Chakra | Regiment of Artillery |
| 11 | Second Lieutenant Shashindra Singh | Vir Chakra | The Gorkha Rifles |
| 12 | Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat | Vir Chakra | No. 5 Squadron, Indian Air Force |
| 13 | Rifleman Mathan Singh | Vir Chakra | 2 Rajputana Rifles |
| 14 | Lance Havildar K G George | Vir Chakra | Corps of Signals |
| 15 | Naik Chand Singh | Vir Chakra | 2 Sikh |
| 16 | Flying Officer Vinod Kumar Neb | Vir Chakra | No. 27 Squadron, Indian Air Force |
| 17 | Flying Officer Adi Rustomji Ghandhi | Vir Chakra | No. 7 Squadron, Indian Air Force |
| 18 | Flight Lieutenant Dev Nath Rathore | Vir Chakra | No. 27 Squadron, Indian Air Force |
| 19 | Lieutenant Teja Singh | Vir Chakra | 9 JAK Rifles |
| 20 | Naib Subedar Rajbir Singh | Vir Chakra | Rajput Regiment |
| 21 | Captain Prabhu Singh | Vir Chakra | Rajputana Rifles |
| 22 | Captain Ramesh Chandra Bakshi | Vir Chakra | 6/8 Gorkha Rifles |
| 23 | Naik Prem Singh | Vir Chakra | 3 Dogra |
| 24 | Major Greesh Chandra Verma | Vir Chakra | 3 Dogra |
The Bravehearts of 06 September 1965
Major General Gurbaksh Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, 4 Mountain Division
Major General Gurbaksh Singh was leading 4 Mountain Division during the operations in the Khem Karan sector, where Indian formations were confronted by determined Pakistani armour. His leadership came at a crucial moment in the war as Indian troops prepared to meet a major armoured challenge. The formation under his command fought with discipline and determination, and his personal leadership during the operations became an important part of the division's performance. His contribution was recognised with the Maha Vir Chakra.
Subedar Ajit Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, 4 Sikh
On 06 September 1965, during the attack on Burki in Pakistan, Subedar Ajit Singh was tasked with destroying an enemy gun emplacement that was holding up the advance. He charged the position alone despite the danger and was wounded in the chest by machine-gun fire. Refusing to abandon the assault, he reached the emplacement and destroyed it by throwing a grenade through its loophole. His action removed a dangerous obstacle and inspired the soldiers around him to press forward. He later succumbed to his wounds and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
Brigadier Khem Karan Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, Armoured Corps
Brigadier Khem Karan Singh commanded an armoured brigade during the major tank battles of the Sialkot sector. His force faced Pakistani tanks that were formidable in strength and equipment. During the opening days of the battle, the armoured formations under his command inflicted heavy losses on the enemy while continuing to operate under intense battlefield pressure. His calm command, determination and ability to employ his armour effectively against a powerful opponent earned him the Maha Vir Chakra.
Lieutenant Colonel Arun Shridhar Vaidya, Maha Vir Chakra, The Deccan Horse
Lieutenant Colonel Arun Shridhar Vaidya commanded The Deccan Horse during the series of armoured battles fought in the Asal Uttar and Cheema areas of Punjab. Moving repeatedly between sectors despite the dangers of the battlefield, he personally inspired his men while directing his regiment against Pakistani Patton tanks. His leadership and resourcefulness helped his regiment withstand heavy odds and inflict severe losses on enemy armour. His conduct during the operations established another distinguished chapter in the long military career that would later see him rise to become Chief of the Army Staff.
Major General Har Krishen Sibal, Maha Vir Chakra
Major General Har Krishen Sibal commanded troops during the Indian operations in the Lahore sector. His formation operated along an important axis of the Indian offensive and faced determined resistance as troops advanced towards strategically important objectives. His leadership during the operations was recognised with the Maha Vir Chakra, placing his name among the senior commanders whose battlefield performance was honoured during the 1965 war.
Major General Rajinder Singh Sparrow, Maha Vir Chakra, Armoured Corps
Major General Rajinder Singh Sparrow was among the senior armoured commanders whose leadership was recognised during the 1965 operations. The armoured battles of the Punjab and Sialkot sectors demanded rapid decisions, courage under fire and the ability to maintain fighting spirit during sustained enemy action. His distinguished leadership in the armoured campaign earned him the Maha Vir Chakra.
Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, Maha Vir Chakra, 3 Jat
Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde commanded 3 Jat during the Indian assault towards the Ichhogil Canal. His battalion captured the western bank of the canal against strong enemy opposition and continued to advance despite heavy shelling and repeated air and ground attacks. When Pakistani armour launched a counter-attack, his battalion stood firm and accounted for enemy tanks. His personal courage and exceptional leadership were central to the performance of 3 Jat, earning him the Maha Vir Chakra.
Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, No. 5 Squadron
Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh commanded No. 5 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, the famous Canberra bomber unit known as the Tuskers. During the war, his squadron conducted tactical bombing, close-support and armed-patrol missions against targets deep inside enemy territory. Its aircraft operated against enemy positions and airfields while also providing vital support to troops fighting on the ground. Many missions were undertaken at night and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. For his leadership, courage and devotion to duty, Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh received the Maha Vir Chakra.
Squadron Leader Padmanabha Gautam, Maha Vir Chakra
Squadron Leader Padmanabha Gautam was one of the distinguished Indian Air Force officers honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra for his service during the 1965 war. Operating in the demanding environment of wartime air operations, he displayed professional skill, courage and determination while carrying out missions against the enemy. His name stands among the most highly decorated airmen of the 1965 conflict.
Lieutenant Colonel Chajju Ram, Maha Vir Chakra, Regiment of Artillery
On 06 September 1965, Indian troops had secured the southern end of the Ravi bridge near Dera Baba Nanak when the enemy launched a powerful counter-attack supported by tanks and artillery. The situation became critical as forward Indian positions were overrun. Lieutenant Colonel Chajju Ram, then serving at XI Corps Headquarters, was sent to deal with the crisis. He reached the battlefield, restored confidence among the troops and rapidly organised the response. His leadership helped turn the desperate situation into a successful counter-attack. The enemy was driven back, leaving behind ammunition, equipment and tanks, while prisoners were taken. His cool courage and determination earned him the Maha Vir Chakra.
Second Lieutenant Shashindra Singh, Vir Chakra, The Gorkha Rifles
Second Lieutenant Shashindra Singh commanded the leading platoon of a company advancing along the Akhnoor-Jaurian Road. The enemy had left behind several well-armed delaying positions to slow the Indian advance. Singh's platoon cleared a number of these positions before encountering intense artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire. He formed his men for the assault and led them forward. A machine-gun burst struck his leg and brought him down, but when he realised that his platoon could not advance further, he seized an LMG and opened fire to cover his men's withdrawal. He continued firing until another burst struck him, and he made the supreme sacrifice while protecting his platoon. He was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat, Vir Chakra, No. 5 Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat served as a navigator with an operational bomber squadron. During the 1965 operations, he navigated leader and marker aircraft by day and night on hazardous offensive and close-support missions deep inside enemy territory. The missions exposed aircrew to intense enemy fire and considerable danger. Through the campaign, he maintained his position with cool courage and firm determination and guided aircraft accurately towards their objectives. His devotion to duty earned him the Vir Chakra.
Rifleman Mathan Singh, Vir Chakra, 2 Rajputana Rifles
During the night of 06 and 07 September 1965, Rifleman Mathan Singh was leading a Light Machine Gun group during a counter-attack near the Ravi bridge at Dera Baba Nanak. After the objective had been captured, the enemy launched a fierce counter-attack against his position. Mathan Singh bore the brunt of the assault and kept the enemy at bay. Even after being severely wounded, he refused to leave his gun. When the enemy attacked again, he continued firing and prevented their advance until the Indian position was consolidated. He was later found dead with his weapon still at his shoulder. His steadfast defence earned him the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Lance Havildar K G George, Vir Chakra, Corps of Signals
The courage of Lance Havildar K G George was displayed while maintaining the communications on which the battlefield depended. Under persistent enemy shelling and air attacks, he continued leading his section to restore disrupted communications in the Wagah sector. During a night when an enemy attack was underway, he established a vital communication line between Brigade Headquarters and forward battalions despite the danger to his own life. His courage and devotion to duty earned him the Vir Chakra.
Naik Chand Singh, Vir Chakra, 2 Sikh
Naik Chand Singh was a leading section commander during the assault on the heavily fortified Raja Piquet in the Poonch sector. When the advancing companies were stopped by intense enemy fire at close range, Chand Singh moved forward despite being directly exposed to enemy machine guns. He rushed the enemy bunkers, threw grenades into the positions and killed the machine-gun crews. His action broke a key obstacle in the assault and helped make the capture of Raja Piquet possible. For his courage, leadership and determination, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Flying Officer Vinod Kumar Neb, Vir Chakra, No. 27 Squadron
Flying Officer Vinod Kumar Neb was a young fighter pilot serving with No. 27 Squadron at Halwara. On 06 September 1965, Pakistani Sabre jets attacked the airfield and aircraft operating nearby. Neb entered the engagement despite his limited experience and attacked the enemy formation with confidence. He succeeded in shooting down a Pakistani Sabre, demonstrating remarkable courage in the aerial battle. His action earned him the Vir Chakra.
Flying Officer Adi Rustomji Ghandhi, Vir Chakra, No. 7 Squadron
Flying Officer Adi Rustomji Ghandhi was involved in one of the intense aerial engagements of the 1965 war. During an enemy attack, his aircraft encountered Pakistani Sabres. Despite serious difficulties in the engagement, he manoeuvred skilfully, positioned himself behind an enemy aircraft and shot it down. His courage in the face of the enemy was recognised with the Vir Chakra.
Flight Lieutenant Dev Nath Rathore, Vir Chakra, No. 27 Squadron
On 06 September 1965, Flight Lieutenant Dev Nath Rathore was leading a section of two aircraft on a dusk combat air patrol over Halwara. The airfield came under attack by four Pakistani Sabres, which were also engaging Indian aircraft. Rathore took his section through the heavy barrage from the ground defences and engaged one of the attacking aircraft. He succeeded in shooting it down before it could inflict further damage. His courage and leadership in aerial combat earned him the Vir Chakra.
Lieutenant Teja Singh, Vir Chakra, 9 JAK Rifles
Lieutenant Teja Singh commanded a company at Khem Karan during the intense fighting of 06 and 07 September 1965. His men held their objective despite heavy enemy ground and air shelling. As ammunition and water began to run short and communication with battalion headquarters was unavailable, Teja Singh personally made his way through the shelling to establish contact. He then ensured that his men were withdrawn safely according to plan. His courage, initiative and leadership under difficult circumstances earned him the Vir Chakra.
Naib Subedar Rajbir Singh, Vir Chakra, Rajput Regiment
Naib Subedar Rajbir Singh was leading a platoon tasked with dislodging the enemy from a position in the Bediar area. When intense enemy fire halted the advance, he personally charged the enemy position. Even after being wounded by enemy fire, he continued forward. When enemy tanks appeared, he took up an anti-tank weapon and engaged them. His determination and initiative helped his men capture the objective and earned him the Vir Chakra.
Captain Prabhu Singh, Vir Chakra, Rajputana Rifles
Captain Prabhu Singh commanded a company involved in the capture of an enemy post at Fattiwala in the Khem Karan sector. With limited information and strong enemy opposition, he personally led a platoon and seized the position. When the enemy subsequently attempted to recover the ground with tanks, Captain Prabhu Singh moved among his platoons, encouraging his men to hold firm. His leadership helped the company repel the attack and retain its position. His courage and leadership were recognised with the Vir Chakra.
Captain Ramesh Chandra Bakshi, Vir Chakra, 6/8 Gorkha Rifles
On 06 September 1965, Captain Ramesh Chandra Bakshi was ordered to secure an enemy post in the Lahore sector. He brought his company stealthily to the objective before launching the assault. Although the enemy had been alerted and reinforced, the Gorkhas pressed home the attack and captured the position after severe hand-to-hand fighting. Captain Bakshi remained at the forefront of his company throughout the assault and made the supreme sacrifice during the battle. His indomitable courage, dash and determination were recognised with the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Naik Prem Singh, Vir Chakra, 3 Dogra
Naik Prem Singh was a section commander in B Company, 3 Dogra, during the assault on a strongly fortified enemy position in the Poonch sector. The approach was steep, slippery and protected by mines and wire. Prem Singh moved into the danger zone, helped clear the obstacle and continued towards an enemy machine-gun bunker despite being wounded. He eventually reached the bunker and destroyed the machine-gun position with a grenade. His courage helped his men continue the assault and capture the objective. Even after evacuation, he returned to his men with his injured arm still bandaged. His exceptional courage, determination and devotion to duty earned him the Vir Chakra.
Major Greesh Chandra Verma, Vir Chakra, 3 Dogra
Major Greesh Chandra Verma commanded B Company, 3 Dogra, during the attack on a strongly defended enemy position in the Poonch sector. When his men came under heavy fire, he moved to the front line to direct the assault personally. His troops fought through trenches and bunkers, eventually entering fierce hand-to-hand combat to clear the enemy positions. During the final stage of the battle, Major Verma was struck in the head by an enemy bullet and made the supreme sacrifice. His company nevertheless completed the capture of the objective. For his exemplary courage, leadership and determination, he was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
The stories of these 24 gallantry awardees of the 1965 Indo-Pak War reveal the many forms that battlefield courage can take. It was seen in the infantryman who refused to leave his weapon after being wounded, the officer who led his company into a fortified position, the signalman who restored communications while shells fell around him, the artillery officer who turned a desperate counter-attack into victory, the armoured commanders who faced enemy tanks and the airmen who challenged enemy fighters above the battlefield.
They belonged to different formations and fought in different sectors, yet their actions were united by the same sense of duty. On the ground, in the air and among the communications networks that connected the battlefield, they placed the mission and the lives of their comrades above their own safety.
The events of September 1965 are now part of India's military history, but the names of those who displayed exceptional courage during those days deserve to remain more than entries in award records. Their stories represent the courage, leadership, sacrifice and devotion to duty that have shaped the finest traditions of India's Armed Forces.
We remember the fallen who gave their lives in battle. We honour those who carried their responsibilities through the war and returned to continue their service. Above all, we preserve their stories so that the courage displayed in September 1965 is not forgotten by generations that came after them.
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
