Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lieutenant BVR Rao was commanding a company of Gorkha Rifles, which was ordered to carry out an attack on enemy positions in the Akhnoor-Chhamb Sector. The enemy closed in from all sides trying to cut off the route of withdrawal. Lieutenant Rao immediately organised covering fire for the withdrawal of his company. Despite heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, he moved from post to post and personally directed the MMG, LMG, mortar and AMX tank fire. At one stage, when an LMG developed some mechanical defect, he jumped into the trench, personally rectified the defect and started firing. The company made a clean break, but he was seriously wounded by a shrapnel in the head. In this action, Lieutenant BVR Rao displayed exemplary courage, initiative and determination in the best traditions of the Army.