Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Brigadier Tapishwar Narain Raina took over the command of an infantry brigade in Ladakh just before the Chinese invasion.The brigade at that time was responsible for the overall defence of Ladakh. On 26 October 1962 he moved to Chushul at very short notice and strengthened the defences there. Within a short time, with his determination and boundless energy, he organised the brigade and raised it to a state of remarkable preparedness.

During the battle of Chushul, he visited the forward posts in complete disregard of his personal safety, directed the operations and adjusted the defences effectively. On 19 November, when Gurung Hill was lost, he organised a systematic withdrawal of troops who would have been cut off, thus saving valuable men and material from falling into enemy hands. By the morning of 20 November, he had readjusted his defences and was once again ready to repulse any enemy onslaught.

Brigadier Raina showed commendable devotion to duty, conspicuous courage and exemplary leadership in handling his brigade.