A Soldier of 18 Raj Rif
Naik Jagdish Singh of 18 Raj Rif served during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Born in Rawtan Ki Dhani in Mahendragarh district of Haryana, he was inducted into 18 Rajputana Rifles in May 1958.
In September 1965, his unit was deployed in the Khem Karan sector. On 21 September, Naik Jagdish Singh was a section commander in a company tasked with eliminating a strongly held enemy position supported by tanks and anti-tank guns.
Against the Enemy Tanks
As the infantry assault moved forward, enemy tanks were discovered in the locality. Naik Jagdish Singh was tasked with destroying them with grenades. Moving forward without regard for his personal safety, he approached the first tank and destroyed it.
Enemy artillery and covering tank fire followed. Undeterred, Naik Jagdish Singh moved forward again and destroyed a second tank. As he attempted to engage a third tank, he was hit by a burst of machine-gun fire and made the supreme sacrifice.
The Vir Chakra
Naik Jagdish Singh displayed exceptional gallantry and complete disregard for his own safety while carrying out his task against the enemy tanks. For his courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
His actions in the Khem Karan sector remain an example of the determination with which Indian soldiers faced enemy armour during the 1965 war.
On 21 September, The Honour Post pays tribute to Naik Jagdish Singh for his courage, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
