Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

Tithwal in J&K was captured on 23 May 1948. After that date, the enemy made numerous attempts to recapture Richhmar Gali and thence Tithwal on 13 October 1948, coinciding with ID, the enemy decided to launch a brigade attack to retake Richhmar Gali and bypassing Tithwal advance into the Srinagar valley. Lance Naik (later Sub & Hony Captain) was commanding a section. The enemy commenced his attack with heavy shelling of guns and mortars. The fire was so accurate that not a single bunker in the platoon locality was left unscathed. Communication trenches caved in. Bravely Lance Naik Karam Singh went from bunker to bunker, giving succor to the wounded and urging the men to fight. The enemy launched eight separate attacks that day. In one such attack, the enemy managed to obtain a foothold in the platoon locality. Immediately lance Naik Karam Singh, who was severely wounded by then, with a few men, hurled himself in a counter-attack and evicted the enemy after a close quarter encounter which accounted for many enemy dead, having been dispatched by the bayonet.

Lance Naik Karam Singh proved himself to be a dauntless and born leader of men in crisis. Nothing could subdue him and no amount of fire or hardship could break his spirit. His gallant actions on the day inspired his colleagues to face the massive onslaught unflinchingly. It was his fiercely proud spirit, which was largely responsible fo the gallant stand at Tithwal that day.