Shamsher Singh Samra
Second Lieutanent Shamsher Singh Samra, MVC ((10 Jun 1945 - 17 Dec 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]
Second Lieutenent Shamsher Singh Samra | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 June 1945 |
| Died | 17 December 1971 (aged 26) Bangladesh |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ |  |
| Rank |  |
| Unit | 8 Guards |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Awards |  |
Military Career
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Second Lt. Samsher Singh Samra's unit, the 8 Guards battalion was tasked to capture Hilly Complex in the eastern sector. The mountainous complex was well defended, and the Pakistanis had constructed concrete shelters by burrowing through the hills. Halfway towards its objective, Lt. Samsher Singh Samra's company came under heavy Pakistani fire from a machine gun and was unable to proceed. The advance of the Guards had been stalled by accurate enemy firing. 2nd Lt. Samra took charge at this juncture and escorted his men to advance along the left flank. Even as Pakistani troops kept firing, 2nd Lt. Samra moved to within 25 meters of the machine gun position. However, he was struck by machine gun fire and was wounded. Ignoring his wounds he charged at the machine gun bunker and destroyed it with an accurately aimed grenade. Then he charged another bunker, but was hit fatally. He fell to the ground, with the grenade still in his hand. For his bravery, 2nd Lt. Samra was posthumously decorated with the Mahavir Chakra.[3]
References
- "2/LT SHAMSHER SINGH SAMRA MAHA VIR CHAKRA (Posthumous)". Indian Army, Govt of India official website.
- "Mahavir Chakra Second Lt Shamsher Singh Samra". All About Sikhs.
- "Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: 2nd Lt. Shamsher Singh Samra, MVC". The War Decorated India & Trust.