Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lance Naik Gayanendra Kumar Rai was part of the Commanding Officer’s party on 03 July 1999 as it advanced towards ‘Khalubar Top’ in Jammu & Kashmir. The column advanced under intense and effective enemy machine gun and RPG fire from the bunkers on KHALUBAR TOP. The party managed to secure a small lodgment in between the enemy defences. The CO directed Lance Naik Gyanendra Kumar along with three other men to move to the flank and bring down fire into the enemy bunkers. 

Undaunted by the close proximity and intense fire, Lance Naik Gyanendra Kumar engaged and shot dead one enemy while approaching the bunker. He then lobbed two grenades inside the bunker killing two more enemy soldiers. He was overpowered and captured by the enemy while lobbing the grenades. He was tortured, shot through the neck and his left arm was broken. However, he did not lose his aggressive spirit and kept looking for a chance to escape. During an assault by the CO's column on the bunker, Lance Naik Gyanendra Kumar seized the opportunity and managed to escape and rejoin the CO's column. 

Lance Naik Gyanendra Kumar Rai, with total disregard for his own safety and despite grievous injuries, displayed conspicuous courage and aggressiveness of a very high order in the face of the enemy.