Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lance Naik Hira Bahadur Thapa of the 4th Gorkha Rifles was inducted into a post in the Bilafondla Complex in the Siachen Glacier area. On 23 September 1987, he was on duty on an observation post. During his vigil in the face of sub-zero temperature, and the fierce glacial winds, he detected some movement in front of the post and immediately informed his platoon commander, who alerted his troops. The adversary's attack on the post was repulsed with heavy casualties due to the timely warning. On the same night, the enemy launched two more determined attacks. Lance Naik Hira Bahadur Thapa and his commander put up a gallant fight and beat back the attack.

Again on the night of 24/25 September 1987, the adversary launched another attack in overwhelming numbers on a neighbouring post. Lance Naik Thapa and a few others were ordered to reinforce the post. As the party was progressing towards the neighbouring post overran exposed terrain, they were pinned down by effective fire from the enemy's medium machine gun detachment. When others were searching for cover, this gallant soldier, with utter disregard for his own safety, charged on the enemy's medium machine gun detachment. En-route, he got a burst on his chest and succumbed to his injuries.

Lance NaikHira Bahadur Thapa displayed conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy and died fighting.