Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Brigadier Khem Karan Singh, commander of an armoured brigade, led his brigade and some additional armoured units into action during the operations in the Sialkot Sector from 6 to 22 September 1965. He was to cope with enemy tanks which were superior in number and better in technical performance. During the first three days of battle, the force under the command of Brigadier Singh destroyed over 75 enemy tanks at the cost of a small number of our own tanks. This was possible due to Brigadier Singh's personal example, as he, in his own task, was present at the point of maximum enemy threat. He fought the battle of Phillora for three days and nights, throwing out the enemy from this important communication centre. The enemy's morale was so much demoralised because of this action that he avoided close combat and engaged our forces only at extreme range.