Mahavir Chakra (MVC)
Awardee: Nar Singh MVC
Citation
On 31 May 1948, Naik Nar Singh, in command of a section of 4 Kumaon, was wounded during the attack on a hill feature named Master feature in J&K but refused to be evacuated. The Master feature was a narrow steep feature covered with dense pine forests. The approach to this feature was along a very narrow and bridle path. The enemy was holding this feature with two companies, a section of MMGs and a detachment of 3-inch mortars.
The attack commenced at 0530hours. All advantages lay in the enemy hands as he was holding the high ground. Twice the feature was attacked but owing to lack of space for manoeuvring and intense enemy fire, the company had to stay put at the same place where they had been pinned down.
During the second assault Naik Nar Singh was hit by an enemy bullet in the right shoulder. He was ordered by the company commander to be evacuated to the RAP. But as the third wave of the attack started, this NCO quietly slipped out unnoticed and went on to lead his section which was the leading section of the assault wave. Shouting in his faint but courageous voice he inspired his men by telling them in his Kumaoni language, "Kumaoni ko bachhao; jan chali jae lekin dushman ke aj tukre kar dalo. Picche nahin hatna", With his bayonet fixed, firing his sten gun from the hip he jumped mto an enemy LMG bunker – his pre-selected target bayoneted two of the enemy LMG gunners and captured the gun. By this time he had lost much blood. The attack had gone on successfully. The feature was in our hands by 1130 hrs. But nobody could hear a single word from Naik Nar Singh. He was found lying dead in the enemy bunker on top of his two victims-one of his hands still clutching the Bren gun that he so gallantly captured.
Naik Nar Singh's supreme example of selfless sacrifice, devotion to duty, determination to exterminate the enemy and guts are among the rare examples of gallantry.
The attack commenced at 0530hours. All advantages lay in the enemy hands as he was holding the high ground. Twice the feature was attacked but owing to lack of space for manoeuvring and intense enemy fire, the company had to stay put at the same place where they had been pinned down.
During the second assault Naik Nar Singh was hit by an enemy bullet in the right shoulder. He was ordered by the company commander to be evacuated to the RAP. But as the third wave of the attack started, this NCO quietly slipped out unnoticed and went on to lead his section which was the leading section of the assault wave. Shouting in his faint but courageous voice he inspired his men by telling them in his Kumaoni language, "Kumaoni ko bachhao; jan chali jae lekin dushman ke aj tukre kar dalo. Picche nahin hatna", With his bayonet fixed, firing his sten gun from the hip he jumped mto an enemy LMG bunker – his pre-selected target bayoneted two of the enemy LMG gunners and captured the gun. By this time he had lost much blood. The attack had gone on successfully. The feature was in our hands by 1130 hrs. But nobody could hear a single word from Naik Nar Singh. He was found lying dead in the enemy bunker on top of his two victims-one of his hands still clutching the Bren gun that he so gallantly captured.
Naik Nar Singh's supreme example of selfless sacrifice, devotion to duty, determination to exterminate the enemy and guts are among the rare examples of gallantry.