All the 20 troopers who had died preventing the Chinese troops in hand-to-hand fight at Galwan Valley in jap Ladakh on June 15, wherein the Chinese had used rods, batons wrapped with barbed wire and different objects, have been awarded gallantry awards posthumously.
The awards to those troopers comprise one Maha Vir Chakra, 4 Vir Chakras and 15 Sena Medals. One soldier who survived the conflict has been awarded a Vir Chakra.
Late Colonel B Santosh Babu, commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment that was posted in Galwan Valley close to Patrolling Point 14 has been awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest army award.
His quotation talked about that “during Operation Snow Leopard”, he was “tasked to establish an Observation Post in face of the enemy”. Organising and briefing his troops in regards to the state of affairs with a sound plan, he efficiently executed the duty, the quotation stated.
“While holding the position his column faced stiff resistance from the adversary who attacked using lethal and sharp weapons along with heavy stone pelting from adjoining heights,” the quotation stated, including that “undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to pushback Indian troops”. Despite being grievously injured, it stated, Babu “led from the front with absolute command and control despite hostile conditions to deter the vicious enemy attack at his position”.
“In the skirmish that broke out and ensuing hand to hand combat with enemy soldiers, he valiantly resisted the enemy attack till his last breath, inspiring and motivating his troops to hold ground. For conspicuous bravery in face of enemy, exemplary leadership, astute professionalism and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty”, he’s awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the quotation stated.
The 5 Vir Chakra awardee troopers for the Galwan combat embrace Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren, Havildar Ok Palani, Naik Deepak Singh, and Sepoy Gurtej Singh, who’ve been awarded posthumously, and Havildar Tejinder Singh.
Subedar Sanjiv Kumar of the Parachute Regiment has been awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously for an operation of which he was part of on April 4. His quotation talked about that Kumar “was the leading squad commander of the Special Forces detachment which was heli-dropped in Keran Sector (Jammu & Kashmir) to intercept and eliminate an infiltration track of Pakistan sponsored terrorists”. He “displayed outstanding leadership qualities, raw courage and utmost gallantry in eliminating one hardcore terrorist, injuring two terrorists, evacuating his injured scout and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His selfless action led to the subsequent elimination of five hardcore terrorists”, the quotation stated.
Four CRPF personnel have been awarded Kirti Chakras. They embrace Deputy Commandant Rahul Mathur and three personnel who’ve been awarded posthumously — Inspector Pintu Kumar Singh, Head Constable Shyam Narain Singh Yadava and Constable Vinod Kumar.
Major Anuj Sood (posthumous), Rifleman Pranab Jyoti Das and Paratrooper Sonam Tshering Tamang have been awarded Shaurya Chakras.
President Ram Nath Kovind permitted 455 Gallantry and different defence decorations for armed forces personnel. The authorities stated that the medals embrace 4 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 130 Sena Medal (Gallantry), one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), 4 Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, 4 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 51 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 11 Yudh Seva Medal, 3 Bar to Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 43 Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) together with 2 COVID Warriors, 8 Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 14 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 3 Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal together with one COVID Warrior and 131 Vishisht Seva Medal together with 12 COVID Warriors.