Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Naik M. Thapa was a section commander in the rearguard platoon of the relief force withdrawing from Lufira Bridge in Congo. The force was ambushed at a roadblock a few miles from Elizabethville. The road had been mined by the enemy and the ambush site covered with fire. Although wounded even before he reached the roadblock, Naik Thapa deployed his section boldly and engaged the enemy with fire while manoeuvring to get to the flank of the ambush. He was grievously wounded by machine gun bullets. Despite this, he continued to lead his section and engage the enemy. Naik Thapa's section withdrew after everyone of the retreating force had a safe passage over the ambushed area. He was the last man to leave the area and a little later succumbed to his injuries.  

During the operation, Naik Thapa showed leadership and courage of the highest order. His gallant devotion to duty saved many lives and made an orderly withdrawal of the force possible.