Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 28 June 1999, Major Rajesh Sah, Company Commander, 18 Garhwal Rifles, was tasked to capture an adjoining feature of Point 4700 in the Drass sector during 'Operation Vijay'. The feature was strongly held by the enemy with eight sangars. Major Sah made the treacherous climb through boulders in spite of heavy artillery shelling and automatic fire. With total disregard to his personal safety and displaying courage beyond all bounds, he surged his way to the top with just ten men to find himself in front of a heavily fortified enemy sangar, which was indiscriminately firing automatic weapons. Using his presence of mind, he deployed his men, crawled upto the sangar, lobbed a grenade through the loophole and charged at the sangar. In a fierce hand-tohand fight, he killed four infiltrators and occupied the sangars. The enemy was panic-stricken and was totally taken by surprise. The enemy thereafter fled, leaving behind their dead and huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

Major Rajesh Sah displayed indomitable courage, set a spirited personal example, showed exemplary leadership and dedication beyond all bounds and showed conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy.