Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Captain Shankar Rao Shankhapan Walkar was the mortar officer of a battalion of Madras Regiment during the operations against Pakistan on the western front. On 16 December 1971, when the battalion reached Hingore Tar after advancing 42 miles, it came under very heavy shelling from enemy positions. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Captain Walkar went to each company position to tie up defensive fire tasks. In doing so, he was hit twice by splinters and sustained injuries, but he refused to be evacuated and carried on with his task, displaying outstanding courage and devotion to duty. Heavy enemy shelling continued during the night and early next morning the enemy assaulted two company positions. Although wounded Captain Shankar Rao Shankhapan Walkar stuck to his. job and brought very accurate mortar fire on the enemy and inflicted heavy casualties. 

During a subsequent attack he himself shot at least four enemy personnel and forced the enemy to pull back. He was, however, fatally wounded in this action. After firing the last round, he succumbed to the injuries. 

Throughout Captain Shankar Rao Shankhapan Walkar displayed conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership and exemplary devotion to duty. He fought bravely to the last.