Profiles in Heroism: Archive

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 15 Mar 2010 07:34

Remembering the heroes of Chinese aggression-1962, Major Dhan Singh Thapa

05 March 2010 8ak: Maj Dhan Singh Thapa, son of Shri P.S. Thapa was born on 10 April 1928 at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. He was commissioned in 8 Gorkha Rifles on 28 August 1949. The Sirijap valley, north of Pangong lake in Ladakh was considered vital for the defence of Chushul airfield. 1/8 Gorkha Rifles held out posts there to thwart any enemy encroachment in the area. One of these outposts, Sirijap-1 was held by a platoon of ‘C’ company under Maj Thapa when the Chinese attack came on 20 October. The post was attacked by the Chinese after intensive artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command the greatly outnumbered post repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the aggressors.

The enemy attacked again in greater numbers after heavy shelling and mortar firing. However, Maj Thapa and his men once again repulsed this attack and caused heavy losses to the enemy and sustaining heavy casualties themselves. The Chinese finally attacked for the third time, this time using tanks to support there infantry. The post had already suffered large casualties after two earlier attacks. Though considerably outnumbered in men and ammunition, the gallant Maj Thapa and his men held on till the last. When it was finally overrun by the overwhelming numbers of Chinese, Maj Thapa got out of his trench and killed several of the enemy in hand to hand combat before he was eventually overpowered by the enemy soldiers.

The gallant soldier was awarded India’s highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra, for exhibiting extraordinary leadership and fighting qualities, which were in the highest traditions of our armed forces. The gallant soul finally left us in 2006.

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 13 Apr 2010 05:14

Injured CRPF officer killed Maoists before he was hacked

Amongst all the carnage someone had the wits about him to inflict damage back - for that he paid with his life, just like 2nd Lt. Rajeev Sandhu did during IPKF operations.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 13 Apr 2010 11:00

Raja Bose wrote:Injured CRPF officer killed Maoists before he was hacked

Amongst all the carnage someone had the wits about him to inflict damage back - for that he paid with his life, just like 2nd Lt. Rajeev Sandhu did during IPKF operations.

~~Bose babu, any links to the Sandhu Story? Or details? Thanx.~~

Got it..is on BR itself

Airavat · Post by **Airavat** » 10 Jul 2010 08:38

1962 martyr's body found after 48 years

The Indian Army has recovered the remains of a soldier who died during the 1962 Indo-China war from Arunchal Pradesh close to the China border, an official said Friday. The soldier belonged to Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. "The remains of soldier Karam Chand Katoch of 4 Dogra Regiment, whose name was listed among the soldiers who died during the 1962 war were recovered in Anjaw district July 1," an army officer posted at the Yol cantonment near Dharamsala told IANS Friday. "One .303 rifle and 47 round of ammunition were also recovered from there."

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 02 Aug 2010 01:02

Rifleman Min Bahadur Thapa of 4/3 GR paralyzed after encounter with armed robbers.
http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/aug/12 ... Mumbai.htm

The sad part is that none of the passengers came forward to help while he battled alone and after he was injured.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 02 Aug 2010 18:01

We all want others to fight for us and die while we sleep happly at home.

pmund · Post by **pmund** » 08 Aug 2010 18:36

Speaking of heroes, I had the wonderful and rare fortune of meeting all three suriving Paramveers, face to face, under the same roof a few days ago. Their courage is only matched by their humility

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 10 Aug 2010 02:13

Narayana Rao wrote:We all want others to fight for us and die while we sleep happly at home.

It is actually part of a greater "Why doesn't someone do something" SDRE syndrome.

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 10 Aug 2010 02:14

pmund wrote:Speaking of heroes, I had the wonderful and rare fortune of meeting all three suriving Paramveers, face to face, under the same roof a few days ago. Their courage is only matched by their humility

pmund mian, That would be Sanjay Kumar, Yogender Yadav and Bana Singh? Then I guess Dhan Singh Thapa has passed away. Please post your experiences here unless it it meant for a press publication and has copyright issues.

pmund · Post by **pmund** » 10 Aug 2010 23:33

My next blog Raja ji

It was one of the most unforgettable days in my life. I almost missed Yogendra Singh Yadav, he was standing silently in a corner, quite in contrast to our 'super-achievers' in corporate life. I have already written a story on it. Here is the link http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 263557.cms

And yes, the great Dhan Singh Thapa is dead. He passed away in 2005.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 11 Aug 2010 11:49

Pmund,

A superb writeup.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 12 Aug 2010 01:09

Beautiful idea to get patriotism into young and yet to be born Indians.
Chronicle Of Martyrs

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 13 Aug 2010 07:45

suryag wrote:Beautiful idea to get patriotism into young and yet to be born Indians.
Chronicle Of Martyrs

Is the writer a BRF member?

Where can we buy these comics??

arrjunkumarr · Post by **arrjunkumarr** » 13 Aug 2010 12:49

I just check with Om Books. Apparently, their South Extn outlet has 2 of the Indian War comics.

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 14 Aug 2010 12:44

^^Thanks! Will ask parents to purchase once they are back.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 14 Aug 2010 15:11

Kabul Mission attack hero gets nations top award

Suresh S · Post by **Suresh S** » 14 Aug 2010 22:57

I salute the the 3 martyrs on this independance day

Jai Hind

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 15 Aug 2010 13:06

CRPF man awarded for bravery in J&K

CRPF constable Shyam Singh crawled into a terrorist hideout during an operation against militants in Jammu and Kashmir and took a hail of bullets. Singh, belonging to the ‘G’ company of the 122 battalion of the Central force, displayed exemplary courage on March 23, 2008 to earn the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry posthumously on the occasion of Independence day.

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 16 Aug 2010 01:54

The Indian soldier who dies for you

wig · Post by **wig** » 10 Sep 2010 19:43

Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, PVC, 4 th Battalion, The Grenadiers
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100910/punjab.htm#11
Tributes paid to war hero Abdul Hamid

Asal Uttar (Tarn Taran), September 9
Col GS Sidhu (retd), who as a 21-year-old Second Lieutenant had fought against the invading Pakistani forces in the Khemkaran sector in 1965, paid tributes to his brave colleague, Havildar Abdul Hamid, here today.

The Army men led by GOC, 7th Infantry Division, Brig S Sengupta paid tributes, laid a wreath and offered a chadar at the tomb of Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, while Subedar Religion Teacher, Rayis Ahmad read ‘dua fatiya’ for the martyr, who had been posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra for his exemplary bravery.

The tomb located on the Amritsar-Khemkaran road stands amid a lush green field. It has become a worship centre.

Recalling the events unfolded during the intense three-day battle in the Khemkaran sector, starting from September 7, 1965, Colonel Sidhu said his unit had arrived here on September 3 and was given the task of capturing the Ishogill canal.

Colonel Sidhu, like Abdul Hamid, belonged to Four Grenadiers. He said Abdul as commander of a recoilless gun detachment moved out to a risky flanking position with his gun mounted on a jeep under intense enemy shelling and tank fire.

Hamid moved from one firing position to another and destroyed three patton tanks. However, while engaging the fourth tank, he was fatally wounded by an enemy shell, he added. He recalled that his raw courage had encouraged the Grenadiers to put up a gallant fight.

The sarpanch of the village, Gurmit Singh, who also laid a wreath, said about 12 persons of the village had perished in the battle while a majority of its natives had moved out to safer areas during the battle.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 06 Oct 2010 19:32

The following story has personal significance for me - but since it also has a fresh description of the Longewala battle I post it here.

From Tikoo Sen's blog
http://tkstales.wordpress.com/2010/10/0 ... /#more-553

kancha · Post by **kancha** » 06 Oct 2010 19:40

Regarding Abdul Hamid - It seems that he actually destroyed a total of 9 paki tanks, however the citation had already been sent ahead before the number of total tank kills could be amended.
Source - The book, "Param Vir"

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 17 Jan 2011 22:13

The Tribune, 17 Jan 2011

Razdan’s courage overpowers his disability

Profile
Razdan’s courage overpowers his disability
by Harihar Swarup

Maj-Gen Sunil K. Razdan

This is the story of the Indian Army’s first paraplegic Major-General. Sixteen years back, Sunil Kumar Razdan, a young army officer, was part of a crack team in Kashmir, sent to rescue 14 women, between 14 and 30, captured by the Lakshar-e-Toiba.

What was supposed to be a silent operation, became slightly noisy, as women whispered and chatted, alerting the militants. He killed two of them and the third fell face up. Razdan thought he too was dead but he fired; the shot going through his abdomen, spilling out intestines. Razdan’s spine broke and yet he shot the third militant dead.

Amazingly, Razdan found the energy to be part of the 16-hour gun battle that ensued, sustaining himself on self-administered intravenous drips. It is only after nine other militants were shot dead that he was airlifted to a field hospital. Women were evacuated through a kitchen window. He was operated thrice and had to remain in hospital for a year.

During his treatment in the hospital, he realised that he would never be able to walk again and, subsequently, he came to terms with reality. He was later awarded the Kirti Chakra and became a Brigadier.

Razdan’s name was subsequently recommended for two-star rank. His eventual promotion, however, depended on whether or not a vacancy arose for a Major-General’s post before he retired. He was supposed to be superannuated in October 2010. As it happened, a vacancy did open up and the Brigadier is now a Major-General.

The Army preferred to see Razdan’s skills rather than his disability. He is now Assistant Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). His specialty is counter-insurgency. Despite work pressure, he actively pursues several hobbies. He goes to the Rajputana Rifles’ range regularly. He can shoot from any position, except sitting on his haunches.

When his posting order came, the general reaction was why are we getting a guy in a wheel chair? Today, the overwhelming reaction is that Major-General Razdan should not go anywhere; he must stay with the IDS. Sure enough, that is where he will stay until he retires two years from now, focussing on issues such as insurgency and welfare.

He is a whiz with gadgets. He once designed a gun that could be fired by a solar-powered battery of a calculator. He has a demanding schedule, often returning home by 8.30 p.m. The Major-General does not take lunch. He dines at 9 p.m, the meal preceded by a couple of pegs of his favourite scotch.

For Razdan, physical activity is an integral part of his life on and off duty. A long distance runner since his adolescence, he had been nicknamed ‘Greyhound’. He was also an obsessive biker. His wife Manju recalls: “I remember him going from Delhi to Agra on a bullet motorcycle in just two hours.

According to Army rules, any injury or disability, suffered in war, counter-terrorism or any other operation, which is called a ‘battle casualty’, does not come in the way of any soldier in his promotion as long as he is capable of performing his duties. Take for instance the case of Lt-Gen Pankaj Joshi, who passed away in 2009.

Commissioned into Gorkha Rifles in 1962, he lost his legs during a mine-cleaning operation in Sikkim in 1967. But through his grit after becoming a ‘battle casualty’, he went on to command an armoured division and a corps before becoming the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Lucknow-based Central Army Command.

Gen Joshi came to be known in the Army as a General without legs, a General with a laptop, a strategic thinker and an Army genius. He carried a laptop as his constant companion on which he produced papers on defence.

The 1.13-million strong Indian Army, in fact, has also had a disabled Lieutenant-General as its Vice-Chief. Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi, who lost one of his legs during an operation as a young officer, served as the Vice-Chief of Army Staff in 2000-2001 after first serving as the Director-General of Military Operations, a strike corps commander and the chief of the Chandi Mandir-based Western Army Command.

wig · Post by **wig** » 20 Jan 2011 20:56

Death anniversary of Hony Capt Karam Singh, Param Vir Chakra, one of our great heroes

Barnala, January 19
In a case which speaks of how this country treats its sons of soil, the state government has neither organised any function in memory of Param Vir Chakra award winner Karam Singh Milliyaan and nor constructed any memorial at his native place for his outstanding contribution to the country.

However, the government somehow gave the warrior some respect by constructing a memorial to him at the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur.

Paramjeet Singh, son of late Capt Milliyaan, told mediapersons that like previous years even this year the death anniversary of his father would be observed on January 20 at their native place with no government officials and politicians attending the function.

Former Honorary Capt Karam Singh brought laurels to his native village of Milliyaan in Barnala and also set an example of heroism in the Army after he won the Param Vir Chakra for his exemplary courage while being alive.

He was born on September 15, 1915, in a farmer’s family, Uttam Singh of Milliyaan in Barnala. After studying in the local primary school, he joined the Army in 1941. After completing his training he was inducted into the Sikh Battalion of the Indian Army.

On October 3, 1948, he foiled the attempt of the Pakistani army to occupy the Teethwaal area of Jammu And Kashmir.

Though Karam Singh got injured in the heavy shelling from the Pakistan side, he did not left his bunker even as the presence of the Indian Army was roughly one tenth of the Pakistani forces there.

Fighting valiantly, he not only managed to foil the designs of the enemy, but also rescued two Indian jawans from their captivity. He also played a vital role in keeping this area with the country.

Taking notice of the great services of Lance Naik Karam Singh, the then President of India Rajendra Prasad on 13 October, 1948, awarded him with the highest gallantry award of Param Vir Chakra while being alive.

Before becoming the recipient of Paramvir Chakra, he had also received the military medal from the British Government.

Before retiring from services Karam Singh was elevated to Honorary Captain designation in September 1969.

After retiring from his service, he got Rs 1.10 lakh from the Punjab Government for buying a piece of land for his exemplary services to the nation, besides he was also given Rs 500 as special pension till alive. On December 22, 1992, he suddenly fell ill and later died on January 20, 1993.

His family members alleged that no ministers or government officers visit them on his death anniversary and they were even not invited to the Republic Day or Independence Day functions, adding that only thing the government did was to install a memorial at the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110120/punjab.htm#3

Raghavendra · Post by **Raghavendra** » 24 Jan 2011 11:05

Ashok Chakra for army doc who died fighting militants in Kabul http://www.deccanherald.com/content/131 ... -died.html

For the first time, an Army doctor will posthumously receive the highest peacetime gallantry award -- the Ashok Chakra -- for his bravery while fighting militants during an attack on Indians in Kabul.

However, the Army is still not sure as to who will receive the award on behalf of Major Laishram Jyotin Singh at this year's Republic Day parade as his father is admitted in a hospital with critical illness and his brother is finding it difficult to make it to the parade as he is attending to his ailing father, a senior official said.

"If none of the family members is available on Republic Day then the Commanding Officer (CO) of Major Singh's unit would be asked to receive the award on behalf of his family," he said.

A resident of Manipur, Major Singh is the first officer from Army Medical Corps (AMC) to receive the award.

Major Singh was posted at Indian Embassy in Kabul. He joined his duty only three days prior to the attack on February 16 last year when a couple of terrorists stormed into the Indian residential complex firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades.

One of the terrorists blew himself up at the main entrance killing three guards and making way for others to enter the complex.

The other terrorist targeted a room in which five unarmed officers had taken shelter. Hearing them shouting, Major Singh crawled out of the debris and charged bare-handed on the suicide bomber pinning him down to the ground. Unable to escape, the militant detonated his explosive-laden vest killing himself as well as Singh.

The terrorists killed 16 people in the two-hour long attack but it ended after Singh neutralised the second suicide bomber.

wig · Post by **wig** » 25 Jan 2011 15:58

press information bureau release on Ashok Chakra to Major Lashiram Jyotin Singh

25-January-2011 15:55 IST President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Major Laishram Jyotin Singh (Posthumous)
The President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will confer the Ashoka Chakra on Major Laishram Jyotin Singh (posthumous) at the start of the Republic Day Parade 2011 here tomorrow.

MR-08609 MAJOR LAISHRAM JYOTIN SINGH

ARMY MEDICAL CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL (POSTHUMOUS)

MR-08609M (Late) Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh was born on 14 May 1972 and was schooled in Manipur. He was a meritorious student of Manipur Public School and he chose a career in medicine. He graduated from Regional Institute of Medical science at Imphal in the year 1996. After a stint of medical residency, he acquired Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine from the reputed Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala in the year 2001.

He was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 15 Feb 2003 as a Short Service Commissioned Officer and was granted Permanent Commission on April 26, 2007. He had served as a medical officer in a High Altitude location under Project Vartak and in a Military Hospital in counterinsurgency operations Area for a combined period of over six years in his short but illustrious military service. The officer was selected on merit for deputation to Indian Medical Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan where he was stationed since February 13, 2010. Being a single, he is survived by his parents who live in his native place Nambol Awang Leikai, Bishnupur, Manipur.

At 0630 hrs of February 26, 2010, a guarded residential compound of Indian Embassy in Kabul, housing six army medical officers, four paramedics and two other Army officers of the English Language Training Team (ELTT) were suddenly attacked by heavily armed and determined terrorist suicide bombers. A terrorist, after detonating a Suicidal Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) resulting in the death of three security guards, entered the compound to kill any survivors. The terrorist proceed to fire burst of Kalshnikov rounds into the individual rooms and started throwing hand grenades. In the melee, five unarmed officers took shelter in one of the rooms which was subjected to grenade attack and the fire on its roof spread consequently to the bathroom where another group of five officers were sheltered. On hearing shouts of the five officers, Maj Laishram Jytoin Singh crawled out from under the debris of his room. Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh charged with bare hands at the armed terrorist and pinned him down to ensure that the terrorists could no longer lob more grenades or direct fire at the officers cornered in a burning room. He continued to grapple with armed terrorist and did not let him go till the terrorist panicked and detonated his suicide vest, resulting in the instantaneous death of the terrorist and martyrdom of Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh. Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh gave up his life for the sake of five of his colleagues, one of whom unfortunately was still charred to death, and another succumbed to his injuries five days later. His sacrifice, in addition, also saved the lives of two officers, and four paramedics and two Afghan civilians still alive within the compound.

For his act of exemplary courage, grit, selflessness and valour in the face of a terrorist attack, resulting in his sacrifice and saving 10 of his colleagues, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh was recommended for the award of Ashok Chakra (Posthumous) on Independence Day, August 15, 2010.

wig · Post by **wig** » 25 Jan 2011 16:00

a release of Press Information Bureau

25-January-2011 15:56 IST Army Gallantry Award Winners and their Acts of Gallantry
SHAURYA CHAKRA

IC-51655 COLONEL NEERAJ SOOD (POSTHUMOUS)

Colonel Neeraj Sood Commanding Officer 18 Rashtriya Rifles devised and effected judicious surveillance and ambush plan from 13 June 10 which subsequently resulted in contact with terrorists at 2105 hours on 22 June 2010 in the area of Kupwara (J&K). Astutely sensing that terrorist movement would evade the cordon, the Commanding Officer swiftly deployed his troops to tactically advantageous positions. Boldly leading from the front, the officer formed the focal point of the cordon re-established contact at 2212 hours on 22 June 2010. In the ensuing gunfight, Colonel Sood personally targeted and injured one terrorist. Identifying the key role of Colonel Neeraj Sood, the terrorists concentrated their fire on him. In the fierce gun battle that ensued, the officer sustained Fatal Gunshot injury.

No- 4076512 HAVILDAR DAYAL SINGH (POSTHUMOUS)

On 13 Jan 2010 Havildar Dayal Singh as part of the Battalion Intelligence Team was tasked to cordon a suspected house from the rear. At 2330 hours, while the parties were still getting into position, three terrorists rushed out of the rear door firing indiscriminately. Havildar Dayal Singh immediately engaged them and blocked their escape route forcing them to take cover in the vicinity. A firefight ensued with heavy automatic fire from the terrorists desperate to escape. However, danger to civilians in the hut warranted measured response from own side. At grave risk to himself and displaying exemplary restraint, Havildar Dayal Singh fired back very selectively preventing any casualties or collateral damage. Sensible response from him ensured safe evacuation of the trapped civilians while keeping the terrorists pinned down, the NCO, with utter disregard to his own safety, dashed forward and shot dead one terrorist at close quarters. In the process he was struck by a bullet in the left eye. Bleeding profusely, he continued to engage the other two till he lost consciousness and later succumbed to his injury.

2

No - 14438439 LANCE NAIK ANOOP KUMAR SHARMA (POSTHUMOUS)

On night 06/07 May 2010 surveillance cum multiple ambushes were launched based on input of presence of terrorists in general area in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Lance Naik Anoop Kumar Sharma was the Scout of one such party. On 07 May 2010 around 0500 hours the individual observed suspicious movement. On challenging, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Realizing the safety of his comrades at stake, the individual with utter disregard to personal safety, retaliated with effective fire dashed towards the terrorists tactically. Inspite of being grievously injured in the process with his effective and accurate fire the individual eliminated two terrorists before falling unconscious. Lance Naik Anoop Kumar Sharma displayed indomitable determination and exceptional bravery and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

No - 4282393 SEPOY SHAILESH KUMAR SINGH (POSTHUMOUS)

On 02 April 2010 during a Seek and Destroy Operation in the Forest in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir, Sepoy Shailesh Kumar Singh has taken position fifty meters away from the location of terrorists and was bringing down effective Multiple Grenade Launcher fire pinning them down. After a prolonged fire fight two terrorists attempted to break the Security Force Cordon by firing indiscriminately and charging at own troops. Realizing the danger to own troops as they were under inadequate cover, Sepoy Shailesh Kumar Singh with utter disregard to own safety swiftly moved forward firing MGL accurately killing two terrorists thereby saving precious lives of own troops. In the fire fight Sepoy Shailesh Kumar Singh sustained Gun Shot Wound and made the supreme sacrifice.

No - 4579271 SEPOY SANGAT SINGH (POSTHUMOUS)

On 11 May 2010 based on information of unit source about presence of terrorists in a village in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, the village was cordoned off and close cordon was laid on target house. At approximately 1355 hours the terrorists tried to break the cordon and troops came under indiscriminate fire of terrorists from close range. Realizing chances of terrorists escaping and safety of his comrades, Sepoy Sangat Singh with utter disregard to his personal safety, crawled through indiscriminate fire and further closed in to the nala next to the target house. Though critically injured, he took suitable position, brought down effective fire from point blank range and lobbed grenade thereby eliminating two hardcore terrorists single handedly till he fell down unconscious. The individual’s presence of mind ensured no collateral damage and loss of property.

SandeepS · Post by **SandeepS** » 30 Jan 2011 19:31

Cross-posting from Indian Naval History thread on Capt Mulla's decision to go down with his ship INS Khukri:

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 01 Feb 2011 08:34

Sonawane murder case: Key accused Popat Shinde dies

Shinde had sustained over 70 per cent burns in the incident after Sonawane reportedly grabbed Shinde during the attack. He had been rushed to J J hospital the next day, where he was undergoing treatment.

Can Shri Sonawane be nominated for a gallantry award like Shaurya Chakra for his bravery?

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 01 Feb 2011 09:50

Well, allegations are already being raised, that he was actually there to demand a bribe. Of course, such allegations are routinely made by crooks, when caught. But the matter will have to be investigated.

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 03 Feb 2011 12:05

Heroes.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... z1CsTc9XVQ

Pilots die saving lives in crash

TNN, Feb 3, 2011, 01.54am IST

NEW DELHI/NASHIK: Showing great presence of mind, two Army pilots steered their crashing helicopter towards open space to avoid civilian casualties on the ground in Nashik on Wednesday. The pilots succeeded in their mission but it was their last.

The pilots of the Chetak helicopter, Major Atul Garje and Captain Bhanu Pratap Gupta, the former a qualified flight instructor, died in the crash which took place around 9am in Nashik.

``The two steered the helicopter away from a densely populated area towards a vacant plot to land after detecting a technical fault in the chopper`s rotor blades. The blades hit the terrace of a bungalow while going down in an open area,`` said an Army officer.

The bodies of the two officers, who were to fly from Nashik to Goa, were later extricated from the mangled remains of the helicopter by fire brigade and Army personnel. Major Garje, who was from Ahmednagar and an alumni of Sainik School in Satara, had a daughter a few months ago. They were to fly to Bangalore for the Aero-India show that kicks off next week, an Army source said. The Army ordered a court of inquiry into the mishap.

The chopper crashed beside the house of Bhagwan Patil (57), an employee of Nashik Currency Note Press (CNP). ``I am told a rotor blade stopped moving mid-air and the aircraft hit the terrace of my ground floor home before crashing to the ground," said Patil whose house was damaged. ``My wife Meera, a schoolteacher, had left in the morning. I got home only after my neighbour rang and informed me about the accident,`` Patil told TOI. He said when he arrived home, the bodies of two pilots were being taken out on stretchers.

Patil said his house was locked and he had to open it after Army officers asked him to do so for a police panchnama and further probe. ``We had to use hydraulic cutters to retrieve the bodies from the debris,`` said a fire brigade officer. A team of Army`s rescue operation aided operations.

In 2006, an Army helicopter had crashed close to the Combat Aviation Training Centre in Nashik. It killed three personnel, while an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had gone down in a civilian area at Vadner on Pathardi-Delvali Road in 2010, with no casualty.

The Cheetah and Chetak light-utility helicopters, based on the design of French ``Alouettes`` and ``Lama SA-315``, were inducted in the 1970s. Around 250 of these were built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd until the 1980s. They are in use in forward locations, including Ladakh and Kashmir, and for ``patrol and reconnaissances`` along the LoC.

The defence ministry is now looking to import 197 ``light utility`` helicopters to replace the Cheetahs and Chetaks for high-altitude and other operations.

As reported by TOI earlier, after a major dip in the crash rate around 2003-2006, military aircraft and helicopters have once again begun to go down with alarming regularity. In the last three years, the armed forces have recorded over 65 crashes, which have killed almost 60 military personnel and five civilians.

Sri · Post by **Sri** » 03 Feb 2011 12:31

Major Udai Singh (I know his heroics are posted earlier) from my Alma Mater.

I was his Junior in a diffrent 'House' but knew him well enough and as i usual took good ragdas from him. More then anything else he kept up the proud traditions of Dagshai alive.

Here is a site dedicated to him

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 21 Feb 2011 06:13

A different type of heroism - admins if you feel it does not belong here - feel free to move it

Reference
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORC ... Gompa.html

From Kaps

Mrs Sushila Awasthy, w\o Lt Col B Awasthy, CO of 4 Rajput, KIA in 1962, passed away in Wellington on Feb 16

Sadly the one thing she wanted till the end, the release of Henderson Brooke - never happened. Anyway we have become a banana republic. Her belief and love for her husband and his honour after all these years was remarkable.

Truly a great lady and a loss to the nation.

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 11 May 2011 13:16

Descendents of 1857 heroes languish in poverty
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... ro-village

Can Indian Govt develop a good pension scheme for those Heroic families who lost their dear ones - heros in action - defending the nation?

arunsrinivasan · Post by **arunsrinivasan** » 12 May 2011 08:55

^^ IMHO I dont agree that Govt should have a pension scheme for descendent's of the 1857 heroes, what have the descendent's done to deserve a Govt pension? At best then can be offered educational scholarships to help them stand on their own feet. We need to get out of this entitlement mai-baap culture.

jagbani · Post by **jagbani** » 23 Aug 2011 17:03

Lt Navdeep Singh cremated with full honours

GURDASPUR: The mortal remains of Lieutenant Navdeep Singh, who laid down his life fighting terrorists during an anti-infiltration operation along LOC in Gurez Sector of north Kashmir on Saturday, was cremated at the Batala Road cremation grounds on Monday, with full state and army honours.

"Navdeep Singh amar rahe"

Checkout few pic and full story:- http://www.punjabkesari.in/punjab/fulls ... 00_142284-

Airavat · Post by **Airavat** » 24 Aug 2011 06:29

^^^From TOI:

But his son`s death has not weakened the martyr`s father even a little bit. Joginder Singh, father of Lt Navdeep Singh, said, "Though he won the battle with terrorists, he offered his life for the nation. He is a great martyr. I would feel proud to send my younger son Sandeep Singh to serve in Indian Army."

Post your condolence messages here: Navdeep Singh - we salute you

nelson · Post by **nelson** » 10 Sep 2011 19:10

A well written article. We can see why infantry is and will be the queen of battle. Salute to the fallen soldiers.
http://southasianidea.com/internal-secu ... k-courage/

kancha · Post by **kancha** » 31 Oct 2011 22:58

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This piece on the Battle of Walong appeared in the Indian Express (Pune) Sunday Mag on Nov 7 1999, came across it on the 'chehra kitab'. Gives out excellent nuggets & incidents that may not be available anywhere else. Worth a read.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 11 Dec 2011 13:45

Shaurya Chakra Awarded to Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal
http://parsikhabar.net/about/shaurya-ch ... ogal/3745/

Shaurya Chakra Awarded to Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal
December 4, 2011
By arzan sam wadia

Indian Navys Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal from Mumbai was awarded the Shaurya Chakra ( posthumous) on Monday for his gallant deed of attending to the call of duty at the cost of his own life on August 30, last. " For an unmatched show of fearless valour in the face of death that saved the lives of six men onboard, Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal is awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’, posthumously", reads the citation of the award.

Firdaus MogalLt Cdr Mogal had assumed the duties of the Executive Officer of a naval submarine on May 26, last year. On August 29, whilst the submarine was enroute for a deployment, a defect was observed.

The authorities decided to surface the submarine in the exercise area post sunrise to attempt external repairs on the starboard flap since this was the only option that could enable it to continue her mission. At that time, the submarine was experiencing heavy seas and rough weather.

At around 6.55 am on August 30, when a team comprising three sailors, led by the Engineer Officer, was on the casing for defect rectification, a strong wave swept two of them and the Engineer Officer overboard. The third sailor was badly injured; Mogal immediately realised the gravity of the situation. Since the injured sailor hanging from the aft casing was required to be rescued, he himself proceeded for the job.

On reaching him, Mogal realised that the sailor was completely immobilized due to his leg injury. Displaying an unparalleled feat of heroism and fearlessness and with complete disregard for personal safety, the officer carried the sailor from aft casing to the bridge. Only a man of his strength and fortitude could have thought of even attempting such a task in the prevailing weather condition. He fought the nature in her elements and braved strong waves, heavy rainfall and severe rolling/ pitching that threatened to wash him and the injured sailor overboard. After about 20 minutes of frightening struggle, the officer reached the ladder on the fin that had to be climbed for handing over the injured sailor to bridge. The waves were such that even this ladder was getting submerged.

However, Mogal was not the one to give up. Once again a seemingly impossible task of climbing a narrow ladder with no strong foothold and a man on his shoulder was demonstrated by him. He handed over the injured sailor to bridge and then turned around to assist the divers in the recovery of the overboard men.

The recovery of the first casualty infused hope in the overboard men to hang on and they looked at their Executive Officer for their rescue.

The officer once again displaying an act of supreme bravery joined to assist the divers. He managed to pull overboard men close to the submarine. However, as he and the divers were assisting them to climb onboard a huge wave submerged them completely.

When the wave broke all six personnel, including the Executive Officer, were overboard.

In such circumstances, the officer maintained his cool and gathered all overboard men in one huddle. He then signalled bridge that he would get this huddle to climb onboard. Led by him, the huddle closed the submarines casing. He started helping others in the huddle to climb onboard.

He swam tirelessly and even made others stand on his shoulders so that they could climb onboard. His concern for his men in such dire circumstances was so much that he ordered all men to climb onboard before him.

Once all were onboard, the officer attempted to climb up and as he was about to reach, another unfateful wave washed him overboard.

It appeared that he had sustained head injuries due to this wave. He now seemed to be exhausted and realizing this, the Anti Submarine Warfare Officer ( ASWO) of the submarine proceeded to his rescue. Simultaneously, assistance of a Search And Rescue ( SAR) helicopter was called for from Mumbai. Lt Cdr Mogal, after saving the lives of six shipmates, seemed to be unconscious.

The ASWO held him till the SAR helicopter arrived around 30 minutes later. Lt Cdr Mogal was rescued by the copter and transferred to INHS Asvini.

However, the nations true son had succumbed to the injury and made the supreme sacrifice.