Vir Chakra (VrC)

Captain Risal Singh was 2nd in command of 1 J&K Mountain Battery which was in support of77 Para Brigade during the Zoji La operations in November 1948. In addition, he performed the duties of forward observation officer with every battalion that attacked.

On 6 November, his battery was in support of 1/5 Gorkha Rifles which attacked a feature. As they advanced, the enemy opened fire but as Captain Risal Singh had registered various points on the feature, he was able to neutralise the hostile fire successfully Throughout that night, he continued to observe and neutralise the enemy fire in bitterly cold weather. Subsequently, during the actions on 8, 14 and 15 November also he provided effective artillery support to other battalions of the bridge. He directed fire with great coolness and accuracy, although most of the time he himself was under enemy fire. This helped a great deal to capture the objective.

Throughout the advance from Dras to Zoji La, this officer worked with great skill, zeal and endurance in the most adverse conditions.