Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

on 8 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel H.L. Mehta, while commanding a battalion in the attack on the Sialkot Sector, found that one of his companies was held up by heavy Pakistani machine gun, mortar, rifle and automatic fire. The enemy defences were sited in cane fields and visibility was poor. Seeing the delay in the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Mehta deployed one of his reserve companies to deal with the enemy's machine gun, but this company was also held up by unforeseen opposition from the flank. Disregarding personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Mehta went forward and personally led the assault. Inspired by his presence in the foremost line of assault, his men pressed home the attack, which resulted in the collapse of the enemy's stronghold.

In this action, Lieutenant Colonel Mehta was fatally wounded. His example of personal courage, leadership and sacrifice were in the highest traditions of the Army.