5 Indian Army Heroes and their extraordinary tales of Bravery

Not all superheroes wear capes; some don uniforms. Soldiers are epitomes of sacrifice and bravery. These brave hearts live for eternal glory. While all soldiers are phenomenal by virtue of their work, some leave behind legends of courage so extraordinary, that they deserve a special mention. Here’s recounting glorious tales of five such gallant and distinguished soldiers :

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC (14 October 1950 – 16 December 1971) was a gallant officer of the 17 Poona Horse regiment. He died in the Battle of Basantar during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, at the tender age of 21. His valour in the battlefield earned him the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. When the Pakistani forces counter- attacked in Jarpal in December 1971, Khetarpal rushed to help the Army deployed there, even though he belonged to a different squadron. When the commander of his troops was martyred, Khetarpal continued to attack the enemy until they started withdrawing their tanks. The Pakistani forces re- attacked Khetarpal’s men fiercely. Even though he was wounded, Khetarpal managed to hit ten enemy tanks. He refused to abandon his own tank and kept fighting bravely. Eventually, his tank received a second hit which led to his unfortunate death. His incredible actions prevented the enemy from getting a breakthrough. Words fall short in face of his commendable feat.

Captain Vikram Batra

Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (9 September 1974 – 7 July 1999) was a brave officer of the Indian Army, belonging to 13 JAK Rifles. He was often called ‘Sher Shah’ in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan army. He was posthumously awarded with the Param Vir Chakra for his fortitude during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir. He led one of the toughest operations in mountain warfare in Indian history; he was the driving force behind the recapturing of Peak 5140, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet. Even though he was seriously wounded in this operation, he went on another major mission just nine days afterwards- to recapture Peak 4875. It was one of the most difficult missions the Indian army attempted because the Pakistani forces were sitting above the peak at 16,000 feet and the climb gradient was 80 degrees. Batra always kept the welfare of his men above his own.  It is said that when a Subedar tried to help him in face of danger, Batra told him: “You have children, step aside.” He managed to save his men and work bravely on his mission, but was tragically killed while clearing his enemy’s positions.

 “Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour (Indian flag), or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.” – Captain Batra’s famous words haunt millions of hearts even today.

Subedar Karam Singh

Subedar Karam Singh was the first non-posthumous Param Vir Chakra awardee. Singh retired from the Indian Army as Honorary Captain in 1948 and died in 1993 at the age of 77. He is the only Indian to win the highest medals of both the British and Indian governments. When Pakistan decided to launch an attack on India to recapture Richhmar Gali in Kashmir in October 1948, Karam Singh displayed sheer courage. The enemy’s firing was furious and communication with the commander was cut off amongst the destruction; Karam couldn’t request for reinforcements. With whatever he had, Karam fought valiantly, refusing to give up his post in face of death. He was severely injured, but nothing could deter his spirit. He even stabbed two enemy intruders to their deaths. His unrelenting spirit and constant attacks so demoralised the enemy that they called off the attack mid- way. His strength and courage defended the Richhmar Gali from the enemies.

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, PVC (13 September 1946, Mumbai – 25 November 1987) was an Officer of the Indian Army who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery. Major Parameshwaran was commissioned into the Mahar Regiment on 16 January 1972. Many Indian Army units were deployed in Sri Lanka in order to maintain law and order the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement. On 25 November 1987, Major Ramaswamy was returning from a search operation in Sri Lanka, late at night. He and his men were attacked by a group of militants. Swiftly, and with coolness of mind, he encircled the militants from the rear and charged at them. This attack took the militants by surprise. During a hand-to-hand combat, a militant shot him straight in the chest. In retaliation, Major Ramaswamy snatched his rifle and shot his attacker dead. Gravely wounded, Major Ramaswamy continued to give orders and inspired his command until his last breath. Five militants were killed and three rifles and two rocket launchers were recovered as the ambush was cleared. Unfortunately, India lost a fierce brave heart that night.

Yogendra Singh Yadav

Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC, is a soldier of the Indian army. He was awarded the highest military honour in India, Param Vir Chakra, for his actions during the Kargil War. He was only nineteen years old when he received the decoration; he is recorded as the youngest person to ever be awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Yadav was a part of 18 Grenadiers, who were tasked to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill in the early morning hours of 4 July 1999. The bunkers were at the top of a vertical, snow-covered, 16,500 foot high cliff face. Yadav volunteered to lead the assault, and set up ropes for his fellow soldiers. As he climbed up, he was severely injured as the enemy bunker opened fire on him and the platoon. The fire killed his platoon commander and two other soldiers. Hit by three bullets in his groin and shoulder, Yadav relentlessly climbed the remaining 60 feet and reached the top. He fought the enemy valiantly, killing four Pakistani soldiers and neutralizing enemy fire. Post a fierce battle, the platoon subsequently succeeded in capturing Tiger Hill. During the second part of the fight, a few more bullets hit Yadav; some even claim that he was hit by about sixteen bullets. However, he survived it all and became an unforgettable hero.