Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 14 February 1948 near Ramgarh in Jammu & Kashmir, CHM Pushpanathan was in charge of a Bren gun crew of one of the Bren carriers, which went out to clear a hideout of armed raiders. As his carrier reached the objective the raiders brought I down very accurate automatic fire. While engaging the enemy in front, he noticed one of the raiders advancing towards the Bren group of the other carrier on his flank. He jumped out of his carrier and advanced twenty yards through bullet swept area to save the lives of his comrades. As he was approaching he saw the other Bren group commander was about to be slashed with a sword, CHM Pushpanathan charged the enemy with fixed bayonet and killed him. By his prompt and spirited action he saved three lives, including that of a VCO.

Immediately after this bayonet charge he led another charge against the enemy killing four. CHM Pushpanathan set an example of bravery of the highest order and his action was so inspiring that the other men instantly followed him which not only resulted in the killing of all 25 of the enemy, but also capture of two prisoners, including the commander of enemy patrol.