Lance Havaldar Nar Bahadur Ale of 3/4 Gorkha Rifles was serving in the Siachen area during Operation Meghdoot in September 1987. He was the commander of a medium machine gun detachment at the Bilafond La complex.
During the night of 23 September, Pakistani troops launched an attack on the Indian position with heavy artillery support. The attack was beaten back largely through the accurate and effective fire of his medium machine gun.
Fighting to the End at Bilafond La
On 24 September 1987, the enemy launched another determined attack in overwhelming strength. Heavy artillery shelling and missile fire supported the assault. Despite the intensity of the attack, the medium machine gun detachment succeeded in blunting the advance.
A direct artillery hit severely injured Lance Havaldar Ale and incapacitated the other members of his detachment. Despite his wounds, he took over the medium machine gun and continued firing at the advancing troops.
His determined action helped break the assault when the attacking troops were still about 50 metres from the post. Refusing evacuation, he continued to hold his position and played a decisive role in beating back further attacks.
Lance Havaldar Nar Bahadur Ale succumbed to his injuries on 24 September 1987. For his conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously.
