The War Decorated India & TrustGallantry medals awarded by War Decorated India

“When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.” — U.S. Marine Corps

Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Awardee: Rama Chander MVC

Gazette Notification
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Operation
1947 Indo Pak Kashmir War (1947)
Date of Award
18 Dec 1947

Citation

Civilian Dhobi Ramachander was part of a convoy proceeding to Jammu under the command of Lieutenant F.D. W. Fallon on 18 December 1947. When the convoy reached Bhambla, it was ambushed by the enemy who had created a roadblock by removing the decking on a bridge. Dhobi Ramachander helped the convoy commander to replace the decking while the bridge was under continuous fire. On Lieutenant Fallon being wounded, he took the officer's rifle and helped in holding the enemy He provided covering fire to Lieutenant Fallon's vehicle when it got over the bridge and was responsible for inflicting five to six casualties on the enemy.

However the convoy commander was forced to abandon his vehicle due to heavy enemy firing and in the process both he and the convoy commander got separated from the rest of the convoy. He helped Lieutenant. Fallon, who was in a state of collapse due to loss of blood, to the nearest post which was eight miles away. He refused to leave him and acted as an advance scout to see that the way was clear. 

His devotion to the officer was far beyond the call of duty. His coolness and courage under fire were unequalled by any of the enrolled personnel in the convoy.

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