Vir Chakra (VrC)

On September 1965, Captain Surendra Shah's company was given the task of capturing a strongly held feature in Tithwal Sector in Jammu & Kashmir across the cease-fire line. Captain Shah led his assaulting troops despite heavy enemy opposition. When the leading platoon was held up for some time by enemy mines and the platoon commander was killed, Captain Shah went forward and himself guided his men to the objective.

The company suffered eight wounded and he received a small grenade wound in the stomach. Despite casualties Captain Shah pressed home the attack. He was wounded in the leg but saw his men on to the objective. During the enemy counter-attacks he remained in full control of the situation despite his wounds. He directed the artillery and mortar fire. He was a source of inspiration to his men and refused to be evacuated until all his wounded men had been evacuated. In this action one officer and 57 Other Ranks of the enemy were killed and large quantities of arms and ammunition captured.

This young officer with less than three years' commissioned service, having taken command of this company a few days earlier, displayed outstanding courage, leadership and determination.