Manoj Pandey was born on 25th June 1975, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh to Gopi Chand Pandey. He did his schooling from UP Sainik School in Lucknow. He had deep interest in sports specially boxing and bodybuilding. Manoj Pandey stayed in MIKE squadron during his time in national defence academy. He graduated in 90th course batch of NDA and got commissioned in 1/11 Gurkha Rifles. During the Kargil war in 1999 captain Manoj Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks. He forced back the Pakistani defence forces with heavy causalities in Battalik. He also captured the Jabbar top. On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance on Khalubar Manoj Pandey’s company came under heavy Pakistani fire from the surrounding heights. He was given the mission to clear the enemy positions. He had to clear the enemy positions before morning else his battalion’s position would become vulnerable to enemy attack. Under the heavy Pakistani fire Manoj Pandey quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position. He sent one section to the right and took one section with him and went to the left to clear the enemy positions. He bravely assaulted the first enemy position where is killed 2 enemies and destroyed the second position by killing 2 more enemies. He got badly wounded while clearing the third position. He got shot on his shoulder and legs. Without caring for his fatal injuries Lieutenant Manoj Pandey continued to lead he troops to attack the fourth position. He destroyed it with a grenade but got a fatal burst on his forehead. His last words were “Na chodnu” (Don’t Spare Them) This outstanding dare devil act of Manok Pandey provided a strong base for this companies, which finally led to the capture of Khalubar. Lieutenant Pandey however, died due to his injuries. Captain Manoj Pandey, was awarded with India’s highest wartime gallantry award the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously for his most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and for making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Captain Manoj Pandey’s father, Mr. Gopichand Pandey, received the Paramvir Chakra from the president of India on the 52nd anniversary of Indian independence. "Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail. " - Manoj Pandey
