Second Lieutenant Manjeet Singh Cheema served with 1 Jat LI during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Born in Sargodha in 1942, he was a young officer of the Jat Regiment when his battalion was deployed on the western front.
In September 1965, 1 Jat LI advanced towards the Ichhogil Canal and was involved in intense fighting in the Punjab sector. The battalion faced determined Pakistani counter-attacks supported by artillery and armour.
On 22 September 1965, the enemy launched a determined attack against the battalion's positions. 1 Jat LI repulsed two counter-attacks and destroyed seven Sherman tanks during the fighting.
Second Lieutenant Manjeet Singh Cheema was directing and inspiring his troops during the battle without regard for his own safety. He was seriously wounded while directing operations and later succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice on 22 September 1965.
His leadership and devotion to duty remain part of the proud history of 1 Jat LI and the Jat Regiment.
On 22 September 1965, The Honour Post pays tribute to 2nd Lt Manjeet Singh Cheema for his courage, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Second Lieutenant Manjeet Singh Cheema is remembered for leading his men under intense fire during the fighting of 22 September 1965. His sacrifice remains part of the wartime legacy of 1 Jat LI.
