Vir Chakra (VrC)

Major Appasaheb Dadasaheb Surve was commanding a company of Gorkha Rifles in the first phase ofthe attack on Chattrana in the Battle of Shakargarh. He led his company with courage and in utter disregard of his fife and captured a well coordinated enemy defensive position, which included numerous medium machine gun bunkers and minefields. He held his position despite two determined enemy counter-attacks and heavy casualties.

Later the position became untenable and the commanding officer ordered him to extricate. During disengagement, he stayed back and gave covering fire himself. He was hit in the thigh from an enemy medium machine gun burst and was grievously hurt. But he continued to engage the enemy till his men extricated. By his personal courage and tenacity, he infused in his men the determination to hold onto the objective in spite of depleted strength and under heavy enemy fire.

In this action, Major Surve displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.