Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Brigadier A.V. Natu was commanding an infantry brigade in the Poonch sector. The enemy launched a massive attack on the night of 3 December 1941 with two infantry brigades supported by three artillery regiments against the brigade sector. Thereafter, for four days and nights the enemy repeatedly attacked the Gurpur and Banwat features held by his brigade. Brigadier Natu planned, organised and conducted the defences with great skill and professional competence. Cool and collected, this officer inspired his command with exceptional courage and total disregard for his personal safety and repulsed enemy attacks. In the process of heroic defence ofthe Poonch sector, his brigade inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

Throughout, Brigadier Natu displayed exemplary courage, outstanding leadership and commendable devotion to duty.