Post by State Bank of India

During the 1999 Kargil War, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was deployed in the Siachen Glacier and was tasked with clearing the Khalubar Ridge, which had been occupied by the enemy. It was crucial to evict the enemy to reclaim the lost territory. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was the Commander of Number 5 Platoon and his platoon’s mission was to eliminate the interfering enemy positions that posed a threat to the advancing battalion, which would otherwise be exposed to enemy fire during daylight while moving towards Khalubar Ridge. On the night of 2nd/3rd July 1999, as his platoon approached its objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey swiftly manoeuvred his platoon to a tactically advantageous position and ordered one section to neutralise the enemy positions on the right, while he cleared four hostile positions on the left. He fearlessly attacked the first enemy position and killed two enemy personnel. He then charged at the second position and captured it by killing two more enemy soldiers. While clearing the third position, Captain Pandey was hit in the shoulder and legs by enemy fire. Undeterred by his severe injuries, he led the assault on the fourth position, rallied his men and destroyed it using a grenade. During this final assault, he was fatally wounded by a burst from a medium machine gun that struck his forehead. It was this singular act of daredevil and exemplary leadership that enabled his battalion to establish a firm foothold and ultimately capture Khalubar. For displaying the most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, exemplary personal valour, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty of the highest order, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was posthumously awarded country’s highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra. To know more: https://lnkd.in/eWUCkNs #SBI #TheBankerToEveryIndian #SBISalutesTheBrave