Vir Chakra (VrC)

Captain Kunhiram Venugopal was commanding a company of 1 Madras in the Tithwal area of Jammu & Kashmir during the 1947-48 Kashmir operations. The company which was holding a defensive position at a point called 'Ring Contour' was attacked by the Pakistani troops and Pathan raiders with automatic weapons on 11 June 1948. The, enemy fired 70 bombs in a matter of 90 minutes besides firing other weapons. Under cover of this fire as well as dense early morning mist, the enemy was able to advance within 30 yards ofthe position held by the company. With fixed bayonets and shouting war cries the enemy charged on to the position. But the company successfully beat off this attack with just the small arms fire. The enemy made many more attempts to over-run the company position and also tried to demoralise the company troops by shouting war cries and hurling foul abuses. But every time the attack was repulsed with heavy casualties to the enemy. Though the enemy was far superior in numerical strength and firepower, Captain Venugopal failed their all attempts to capture this position which was vital in the defence plan of Tithwal. When his bren gunner became causality, he himself took over the LMG and kept the enemy at bay. He personally supervised the replenishment of ammunition and attended the wounded among his men. He infused such spirit in his men that they bravely fought to repulse the attack in an encounter lasting eight hours.

With complete disregard of his personal safety, Captain Kunhiram Venugopal set an example of dynamic leadership, dash and devotion to duty in the finest traditions of the Indian Army.