Vir Chakra (VrC)

Operation IBEX was launched in the Chumik Gyongla Siachen Glacier area on 11 April 1989. The operation aimed at the occupation of the ground of tactical importance on the Saltoro ridge in order to preempt the enemy and thwart their aggressive design. The area of operations was at an altitude varying between 15,000 and 22,000 feet. The temperature was extremely low, going down even to minus 30 degree Celsius. Wind velocities touched 80 krns an hour. Massive avalanches triggered both by natural causes and enemy shelling were common occurrences. Sepoy Sardar Singh was selected as a member of the special team to open the route from Kamen to Ice Wall 1.

On the night of 30 April 1989, Sepoy Sardar Singh was a member of a small group on the bump guarding the South Western approach. When the enemy launched an attack on the bump, he had just returned to his tent, taken off his boots and was warming his hands, feet and weapon at a small stove. On hearing the sentry, Lance Naik Prem Singh's alarm, he picked up his weapon and rushed out barefoot into the snow and ice, to his post.

Almost instantaneously, he saw enemy soldiers barely 10 metres away crouching and firing at the sentry. He opened fire with his rifle immediately, and calmly picked off three of the enemy soldiers. Turning to his right, he observed a soldier firing at him from the rear. Sepoy Sardar Singh shot him dead. He was thus instrumental in breaking up the enemy's attack on the bump that night.

Sepoy Sardar Singh displayed conspicuous gallantry and valour in the face of enemy assault.