Vir Chakra (VrC)

Operation IBEX was launched in the Chumik Gyongla Glacier Area of Siachen on the 11 April 1989. The operation aimed at the occupation of a particular Area Point. It involved the establishment of a post, the opening of a surface route and the establishment of a support base and numerous staging camps from the nearest administrative support base in the Gyongla Glacier, Lance Naik Prem Singh was inducted in the operation as a reinforcement on the 27April,1989. He set about his assigned task with cheerful enthusiasm and soon completed an ice-tunnel, which allowed observation over the forward slope swept by enemy fire. On the eveningof30April, 1989, he was on sentry duty whilst the remaining members of his team were taking a well-earned break. The enemy, taking advantage of poor visibility, closed-in on the post surreptitiously. Suddenly, Lance Naik Prem Singh saw three enemy soldiers looming out of the fog at a distance of mere 10 metres. In quick reflex action, he opened fire from his rifle and downed the leading enemy soldier. However, his weapon immediately suffered cold arrest. He shouted "Dushman-Dushman" alerting his comrades who tumbled out of their makeshift shelter. At the same time the enemy fired a long burst that hit Lance Naik Prem Singh in the stomach and chest. Although he was mortally wounded, this young soldier did not give up the fight. He pulled out the pin of a grenade and lobbed it at the enemy even as he was collapsing. His gallant act of self-sacrifice allowed his group the reaction time needed to beat back the enemy attack.

Lance Naik Prem Singh, thus, displayed conspicuous courage and valour in the face of the enemy.