Kargil war hero - Lt Manoj Pandey 1/11 Gorkha Rifles

12 Apr 2010 8ak: On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective; it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and he proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of Khalubar. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, thus, displayed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

For his brave act and display of unparallel courage, Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey was awarded the nation’s highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. His father, Mr. Gopi Chand Pandey, received the award from the President of India on the 52nd anniversary of Indian Independence.

Born on 25 July 1975 in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey, was the son of Shri Gopi Chand Pandey. The gallant officer did his early schooling from UP Sainik School based at Lucknow and subsequently joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) to achieve his goal of becoming an army officer.

After completing his three year tenure, Pandey joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) to complete his final phase of training and was commissioned into 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, a unit renowned for its heroics and bravery. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to Pandey comes from the time he was being questioned by the interviewing officer during his SSB. The officer had asked him as to why did he want to join the Indian Army, to which, the bright Pandey had replied: “I want to win the Param Vir Chakra.”