Vir Chakra (VrC)

On the morning of 16 December 1971, Second Lieutenant Avtar Singh Ahlawat, a troop commander in 17th Horse, was ordered to reinforce his regimental pivot in an area in the Shakargarh Sector. The bridgehead across the Basantar River had not been fully cleared of the enemy. As his troop moved towards the assigned position, they were fired upon from enemy strong points. Second Lieutenant Ahlawat, with utter disregard for his safety, attacked the enemy strong points, over-ran the defence works with his tankand captured the enemy infantry and weapon crew. He had barely got into position when the enemy launched a counter-attack with a squadron of armour to effect a breakthrough. A fierce tank battle ensued, and a number of enemy tanks were destroyed. Second Lieutenant Ahlawat had knocked out three enemy tanks when his own tank was hit, wounding his gunner. Taking over the gun control, he continued to fight from his tank. A direct hit put his tank out of action and he himself was wounded, but undeterred he continued to fight till the enemy attack was repulsed.

In this action, Second Lieutenant Ahlawat displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.