Over the last two centuries, the Indian army has served in three continents and tackled many kinds of wars and insurgencies. From Korea to Kargil, its been a long way for our army.
Congo 1961: The 3/1 Gorkha Rifles, part of the UNPKF, were ordered toclear a road in Katanga. Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria died a valiant death andwas awarded a Paramvir Chakra -the only one ever awarded to troops serving withthe UN.
Rezang La-Chushul, 1962: The 13 Kumaon was attacked by an entireChinese division. Fatally wounded, Maj Shaitan Singh stood ground and coveredthe retreat. 13 Kumaon suffered a total of 109 killed and hundreds wounded. MajShaitan Singh was awarded the Paramvir Chakra and the C company received eight posthumousVir Chakras as well. Brig T.N. Raina was awarded a Mahavir Chakra for hisresolute defence of the sector.
Chamb-Jaurian, 1965: Facing six squadrons of superior Pattons, C squadronof the 20 Lancer met the Pakistani thrust. It was vital they hold on until theycould be reinforced by the 191 Infantry Brigade Group in Akhnoor. The Pakistaniswere finally halted and the Pathankot-Jammu road remained under Indian control.
Longewala, 1971: The massive Pakistani attack on December 5 along thewestern front was resisted by Maj Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri and his men of the 23Punjab. They, at the cost of the lives of many soldiers, held on till IAFstepped in the next morning.