MINISTRY OF DEFENCE GOVERNMENT OF

Param Vir Chakra Awardee of India Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey . (Posthumous), 11 Gorkha Rifles

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (IC-56959W). son ofShri Gopi Chand Pandey. was born on June 25. 1975. in . . He was commissioned in II Gorkha Rifles on June 7. 1997. 111 I Gorkha Rifles after completing their tenure in Siachen area were deployed in 11 Gorkha Rifles Sector during the Operation VUay. The Battalion fought bravely in the BataJik Sector and recaptured Jubar Top on June I 1.1999. Lt Pandey led his men bravely in these operations. On the night ofJuly 2 - 3. 1999. B Company of 111 I Gorkha Rifles was assigned the task of capturing Khalubar. No. 5 Platoon led by Lieutenant Pandey led the advance to the objective. When the Platoon approached the objective. itcame underheavy enemy fire from the surrounding heights and bunkers. Lt Pandey was tasked to clear these bunkers so as to prevent the Battalion from getting daylighted. He quickly moved his Platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire. sent one section to clear the enemy bunkers from the right and himself June 25, 1975 . July 3, 1999 proceeded to clear the enemy bunkers from the left. Fearlessly assaulting the enemy position. he killed two defenders and killed two more after destroying a second position. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Unmindful of his injuries. he led an assault on the fourth position and destroyed it with a grenade. Meanwhile. he got a fatal MMG burst on his forehead and later succumbed to his injuries. However. he had been able to provide a firm base to his men to capture Khalubar. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey displayed most conspicuous bravery and outstanding leadership and made the supreme sacrifice in the

Shri GC Pandey. father of Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey receiving PVC from the President Shri KR Narayanan

highest tradition of the . He was honoured with Param Vir Chakra. posthumously.