Vir Chakra (VrC)

During "OperationVijay", Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar, commanding officer of Delta Company, was tasked to capture Tiger Hill top in the Drass sector from the East in a multi-pronged attack on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The approach was unexplored and the enemy position impregnable. Captain Nimbalkar led his men from the front over inhospitable terrain at a height of 16,500 feet negotiating torrents amidst intense enemy artillery shelling and fire. Undeterred and retaining his nerves he advanced towards the enemy position for over twelve hours through darkness and inclement weather. Once close to the enemy position, he established a firebase and with his men commenced cliff assault using mountaineering equipment. He reached the Top and caught the enemy unaware. He directed his men to encircle the enemy and fixed automatic weapons to cover enemy's aggression. He started clearing the enemy using combat knives and bayonets. The hand-to-hand scuffle continued till daybreak when the enemy realised what had befallen them and opted to flee. Captain Sachin Nimbalkar had however left no scope for the enemy to flee. Twelve enemy soldiers were killed and a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered in this operation. Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar displayed inspirational leadership, ferocity, unparalleled courage and bravery in the face of the enemy, which led to the capture of Tiger Hill.