Rattan Nath Sharma
Brigadier Rattan Nath Sharma, MVC was an officer in the Indian Army who served with the 21 Punjab battalion. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, during the Battle of Poonch in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Rattan Nath Sharma | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 Nov 1926 Ghugar village, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Died | 24 Dec 2011 (aged 85) Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ |  |
| Rank |  |
| Unit | 21 Punjab |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Poonch - Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Awards |  |
Early Life
Brigadier Rattan Nath Sharma was born on November 23, 1926, in Ghugar, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
Military career
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Brigadier Rattan Nath Sharma held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. On December 10, 1971, in the Battle of Poonch, Lt. Col. Rattan Nath Sharma was the commanding officer of 21 Punjab. The 21 Punjab was tasked with capturing a fortified Pakistani position named Nangi Tekri, overlooking Poonch river in Jammu and Kashmir. In spite of heavy enemy counter fire and casualties, Lt. Col. Rattan Nath Sharma led the attack from the front and the 21st Punjab was successful in capturing the position. Lt. Col. R.N. Sharma was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest award for gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy, for displaying conspicuous bravery and leadership.[2]
Lieutenant Colonel Rattan Nath Sharma later rose to the rank of Brigadier. He passed away on December 24, 2011 due to a road accident.[3]
See Also
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Battle of Poonch
References
- "LT COL RATTAN NATH SHARMA VIR CHAKRA". Indian Army, Govt of India official website.
- "Brig Rattan Nath Sharma, MVC". The War Decorated India & Trust.
- "Maha Vir Chakra awardee who died in accident cremated with full military honours". The Times of India. 27 December 2011.