There are dates in our military history that carry the weight of generations. 13 September is one such date, associated with the stories of soldiers, officers and air warriors who displayed extraordinary courage in some of the most demanding operations undertaken by India's Armed Forces.
Their stories span decades and battlefields — from the 1948 Hyderabad action, the 1961 United Nations operation in Congo, the 1965 and 1967 wars, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, and later counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Some returned from the battlefield carrying the memories of their comrades and their own acts of extraordinary courage. Others made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Among them are recipients of the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Vir Chakra, India's highest traditions of gallantry recognising courage in the face of grave danger.
This is a remembrance of thirteen such stories.
Havildar Bachittar Singh, Ashoka Chakra
Havildar Bachittar Singh belonged to 2 Sikh and displayed exceptional courage during Operation Polo, the Indian Army's operation in Hyderabad in September 1948.
On 13 September 1948, his unit was engaged in operations around Naldurg. During the action, Havildar Bachittar Singh displayed remarkable courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense opposition.
He continued to perform his duty with determination during the battle and made the supreme sacrifice on 13 September 1948.
For his exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty, Havildar Bachittar Singh was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, posthumously.
Naik Narbahadur Thapa, Ashoka Chakra
Naik Narbahadur Thapa of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles demonstrated extraordinary courage during the Hyderabad operations of September 1948.
At the Tungabhadra Bridge, he displayed exceptional determination in the face of heavy opposition. His actions reflected the characteristic courage and fighting spirit for which Gorkha soldiers have long been honoured.
Unlike several of the other names in this article, Naik Narbahadur Thapa survived the action and was recognised for his gallantry with the Ashoka Chakra.
Editorial accuracy note: The Ministry graphic supplied for this compilation gives 13 September 1948, while historical records of the Tungabhadra Bridge action place Naik Narbahadur Thapa's gallant action on 15 September 1948. The date shown in the profile above follows the historically recorded action date and should be retained unless the official citation confirms otherwise.
Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Goverdhan Singh, Vir Chakra
Then a young Sepoy, Goverdhan Singh was among the Indian soldiers who displayed extraordinary courage during India's contribution to the United Nations operation in the Congo.
On 13 September 1961, Indian troops were involved in intense fighting around Radio Katanga. During the action, Sepoy Goverdhan Singh demonstrated remarkable courage and determination under dangerous conditions.
His gallantry earned him the Vir Chakra. He went on to have a long and distinguished military career and eventually rose to the rank of Subedar Major and Honorary Captain.
His journey from a young sepoy displaying exceptional courage in Congo to a senior JCO and Honorary Captain stands as a remarkable example of a life devoted to military service.
Naik Gian Singh, Vir Chakra
Then Lance Naik Gian Singh of 1 Dogra was another Indian soldier who displayed exceptional courage during the United Nations operation in the Congo.
On 13 September 1961, Indian troops were engaged in fierce fighting at Elisabethville. During the action around the Post Office building, Gian Singh displayed courage and determination while operating under hostile fire.
His actions during the operation earned him the Vir Chakra.
Gian Singh survived the action and was evacuated after the mission. His story remains part of the proud record of Indian soldiers who served far from home under the United Nations flag and upheld India's military reputation through courage and discipline.
Subedar Ganga Ram, Vir Chakra
Then serving as a Naik, Ganga Ram of 1 Dogra fought alongside his comrades during the intense operations around Radio Katanga in Congo.
On 13 September 1961, Indian troops faced fierce resistance during the operation. Ganga Ram displayed conspicuous courage and determination in the fighting.
His bravery earned him the Vir Chakra.
He continued his military career after the Congo operation and eventually rose to the rank of Naib Subedar, retiring from the Army in 1977.
His story is a reminder that gallantry is not always defined by the circumstances of a soldier's final battle. For Ganga Ram, courage on the battlefield became one chapter in a long life of service.
Air Marshal Vinod Patney, Vir Chakra
Then serving as Flight Lieutenant Vinod Patney, the future Air Marshal distinguished himself during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
On 13 September 1965, he participated in combat operations in the Kasur–Khem Karan Sector. During the mission, he displayed exceptional flying skill, courage and determination in the face of enemy opposition.
His actions contributed to the destruction of enemy armour, including three Patton tanks, and earned him the Vir Chakra.
The young fighter pilot who distinguished himself in the skies during the 1965 war would go on to rise through the ranks of the Indian Air Force and eventually become Air Marshal.
Major Surendar Mohan Sharma, Vir Chakra
Major Surendar Mohan Sharma of 8 JAK Rifles displayed exceptional courage during the intense fighting in the Sialkot Sector during the 1965 war.
On the night of 13–14 September 1965, his unit was engaged in difficult operations around Kalarawanda.
Major Sharma led his men with determination in the face of enemy resistance. His leadership and courage during the operation reflected the highest traditions of military service.
He made the supreme sacrifice during the fighting.
In recognition of his gallantry and leadership, Major Surendar Mohan Sharma was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Sepoy Gokal Singh, Vir Chakra
Sepoy Gokal Singh of 18 Rajput displayed extraordinary courage during the tense and intense confrontation at Nathu La in 1967.
On 13 September 1967, Indian troops faced determined opposition on the high-altitude frontier. During the action at the South Shoulder of Nathu La, Gokal Singh fought with exceptional courage.
His actions included the destruction of six enemy bunkers, demonstrating remarkable determination under hostile fire.
He survived the action and was awarded the Vir Chakra for his gallantry.
Sepoy John Britto Kiro, Vir Chakra
Sepoy John Britto Kiro of 9 Bihar served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.
On 13 September 1989, he took part in an operation in extremely difficult terrain where Indian troops faced armed opposition and dangerous conditions.
Kiro displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty during the operation. He continued to perform his duty in the face of grave danger and made the supreme sacrifice.
For his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sepoy John Britto Kiro was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
His sacrifice remains part of the story of the Indian soldiers who served in Operation Pawan and faced danger far beyond India's shores.
Major Chander Ballabh Sharma, Vir Chakra
Then serving as Captain Chander Ballabh Sharma, he displayed conspicuous courage during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.
On 13 September 1989, Indian troops were engaged in difficult operations at Kodaiparichchan. Captain Sharma demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership during the action.
His conduct under fire earned him the Vir Chakra. He subsequently continued his military career and rose to the rank of Colonel.
His service record, including recognition with both the Vir Chakra and Sena Medal, reflects a distinguished career marked by courage and devotion to duty.
The Bravehearts of Kokernag — 13 September 2023
The date 13 September 2023 carries a particularly solemn place in the recent history of Jammu & Kashmir. During a major counter-terrorism operation in the dense forests of Kokernag, three officers and soldiers made the supreme sacrifice while confronting terrorists.
Their courage was later recognised through India's gallantry awards.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, SM, Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
Colonel Manpreet Singh was the Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, an officer who had devoted his career to operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Commissioned into 12 Sikh Light Infantry in June 2005, he had served with distinction and had earlier been awarded the Sena Medal.
On 13 September 2023, intelligence inputs led security forces to the dense forests of Gadool in Kokernag. Colonel Manpreet led his men during the search operation.
When terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, he responded with courage and reorganised his party to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Even after sustaining a severe gunshot wound to the forehead, his focus remained on leading his men and containing the threat.
Colonel Manpreet Singh made the supreme sacrifice during the operation.
His exceptional leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty were recognised with the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous).
He came from a proud military family and left behind his wife, Jagmeet Kaur, and their children, Kabir and Vani.
DySP Humayun Muzammil Bhat, Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
DySP Humayun Muzammil Bhat was a brave officer of the Jammu & Kashmir Police Special Operations Group. He joined the J&K Police as a DySP in 2018 and served as SDPO Kokernag.
On 13 September 2023, Humayun volunteered to accompany the SOG column during the operation in the Kokernag forests.
As the security forces closed in on the terrorists, the enemy opened intense fire. Humayun sustained serious gunshot injuries but continued to lead and engage the terrorists despite the danger.
His determination in the face of grave injury reflected the courage and leadership expected of an officer leading from the front.
DySP Humayun Muzammil Bhat made the supreme sacrifice on 13 September 2023, at the age of 34.
He left behind his wife, Fatima, and their infant daughter.
For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty during the operation, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous).
Major Ashish Dhonchak, SM, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)
Major Ashish Dhonchak of 15 Sikh Light Infantry, serving with 19 Rashtriya Rifles, was another of the brave soldiers who faced the terrorists during the Kokernag operation.
Hailing from Binjhol village in Panipat, Haryana, Major Ashish had built his career around military service and had recently married before the operation.
On 13 September 2023, he was part of the team moving against terrorists hidden in the dense forests of Gadool.
When the terrorists opened intense fire, Major Ashish displayed exceptional courage and provided covering fire to protect his comrades. Even after sustaining critical injuries, he continued performing his duty during the fierce engagement.
Major Ashish Dhonchak made the supreme sacrifice while serving his men and the nation.
His courage during the operation earned him the Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), in addition to his earlier Sena Medal.
Thirteen Stories, One Legacy
The thirteen stories remembered here span more than seven decades of India's military history.
Havildar Bachittar Singh and Naik Narbahadur Thapa belonged to the earliest years of independent India's military history. Goverdhan Singh, Gian Singh and Ganga Ram carried India's reputation into the Congo under the United Nations flag. Vinod Patney and Major Surendar Mohan Sharma displayed gallantry during the 1965 war, while Gokal Singh became part of the heroic history of Nathu La.
John Britto Kiro and Chander Ballabh Sharma represented two very different journeys through Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. Decades later, Colonel Manpreet Singh, DySP Humayun Muzammil Bhat and Major Ashish Dhonchak stood with their men in the forests of Kokernag, confronting terrorists in one of Jammu & Kashmir's fiercest counter-terrorism operations.
Some of these Bravehearts returned from battle and continued serving the nation for decades. Others gave everything they had in the line of duty.
Their circumstances were different. Their generations were different. Their battlefields were different.
But the values that defined them were the same — courage, leadership, devotion to duty, loyalty to their comrades and an unwavering commitment to the nation.
The medals attached to their names — Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Vir Chakra — recognise extraordinary acts of gallantry. But behind every medal is a human story: a soldier who stepped forward when danger was greatest, an officer who led from the front, an air warrior who entered hostile skies, and comrades who stood together when their lives were at risk.
The Honour Post remembers them not merely as names on a roll of honour, but as men who served, fought, endured and, where required, made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
We Remember
Lest We Forget.
