Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 8 September 1965, Major Mohammed Ali Raas Sheikh who was in command of a squadron of an armoured brigade in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan, was ordered to outflank an enemy force from the east of Gadgor to cut it of6 As Major Sheikh advanced about 3000 yards, he encountered enemy armour supported by dug-in recoilless guns. A fierce tank battle ensued in which Major Sheikh himself took a prominent part and destroyed two enemy tanks. He was hit and severely wounded. Even so, he kept engaging the enemy till he was evacuated to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The exemplary courage and leadership displayed by Major Sheikh were in highest traditions of the Army.