17 October 1987 | Operation Pawan | Sri Lanka
Captain Sunil Chandra of 8 Mahar Battalion, The Mahar Regiment, made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka while leading a dangerous ammunition replenishment mission to an Indian Army company surrounded by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
In October 1987, Indian Peace Keeping Force troops were engaged in intense fighting in the Jaffna area. A company positioned at Analkkoddal had come under repeated attacks and suffered heavy casualties. Its ammunition was running critically low, while an attempt to resupply it by helicopter failed because of heavy enemy ground fire.
Captain Chandra was detailed to lead a party of 15 men carrying ammunition to the besieged company. The routes were blocked by the enemy, making the mission exceptionally dangerous. He left Uduvil at about 1900 hours on 16 October 1987 and fought his way forward. During the advance, he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, while his party suffered eight casualties. Despite these setbacks, he continued towards the company's position.
On 17 October, Captain Chandra reached the besieged company at Analkkoddal. The troops there had been reduced to just six rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and two grenades. During the mission, Captain Chandra was hit in the chest by a burst from a medium machine gun. Even after being grievously wounded, he crawled forward and delivered the ammunition to the troops who urgently needed it. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
Captain Chandra's determination ensured that the ammunition reached the surrounded company at a critical moment. His actions reflected exceptional leadership, courage and devotion to the men under his command.
For his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Captain Sunil Chandra was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.
Captain Sunil Chandra, The Honour Post pays tribute to your courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice. Your determination to reach your comrades despite grievous wounds remains an enduring example of a soldier's devotion to duty.
