Pradip Kumar Gour
Captain Pradip Kumar Gour, MVC (15 April 1945 – 14 December 1971) was an officer in the Indian Army. He was awarded the second highest Indian military honour, Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for his actions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.[2]
Pradip Kumar Gour | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 April 1945 Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Died | 14 December 1971 Shakargarh, Western Sector |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ |  |
| Years of service | 1964-1971 |
| Rank |  |
| Unit | Regiment of Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Awards |  |
Personal life
Captain Pradip Kumar Gour was born on 15 April 1945 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. His father's name was Shri Mata Prashad Gour.
Military Career
Captain Pradip Kumar Gour was commissioned into the 85 Light Regiment of Artillery, in 1964. Subsequently, Capt Gour was trained as a helicopter pilot and served in 660 Air Op Squadron.
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Captain Pradip Kumar Gour was with the 36 Artillery Brigade operating in Shakargarh sector and was tasked to locate and direct the artillery fire on enemy positions. Many of his missions required him to fly inside enemy territory facing small arms and artillery fire.
On 11 December 1971, eleven Pakistani tanks had encircled the Indian posts at Malidpur. This troop movement was noticed by Captain Pradip Kumar Gour who immediately cautioned the Indian post about the direction, strength and likely aim of the enemy tank force. He directed artillery fire on the enemy tanks and as a result eight enemy tanks were destroyed and two badly damaged.
On 14th December, the operation for crossing the Bein River guarding the eastern approach to Shakargarh, was launched. Captain Gour was airborne for three hours to locate targets inside Pakistani territory. However, he was spotted by Pakistani F-86 Sabre Jets and three enemy jets closed in on him. Despite the eminent attacks he continued his task while undertaking evasive maneuvers. However, he was surrounded by enemy jets and was shot down, and killed in the crash. For his bravery and leadership and holding his post under heavy fire, he was posthumously awarded India's highest Indian military honour, Maha Vir Chakra.[3]
References
- "Captain Pradip Kumar Gour MVC". Indian Army, Govt of India official website.
- "Captain Pradip Kumar Gour MVC". Honourpoint.
- Chakravorty, B. (1995). Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners. 182: Allied Publishers. p. 387. ISBN 9788170235163.CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: date and year (link)