Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma of 19 Grenadiers was serving with 29 Rashtriya Rifles during Operation Parakram in Jammu and Kashmir. On 24 September 2002, troops received information about the presence of terrorists in the Pattan area of Baramulla district.
Despite suffering from a mild fever, Grenadier Hitesh volunteered to join the operation. During the operation, the troops came under intense fire from terrorists.
He Risked His Life to Save a Comrade
One of his comrades was seriously injured and lay exposed to enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, Grenadier Hitesh moved nearly 200 metres across open ground to reach him.
He lifted the wounded soldier and began carrying him to safety. As he moved, the terrorists directed heavy fire towards him. Despite being hit several times, he continued shielding his injured comrade with his own body.
Grenadier Hitesh Kumar Sharma was severely wounded during the action and made the supreme sacrifice on 24 September 2002.
His courage and willingness to risk his own life to save a fellow soldier remain a testament to the bond between soldiers and the values of service and sacrifice.
