Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Captain D.S. Ahlawat was leading a Dogra company during the attack on the Dera Baba Nanak bridgehead on the night of 5 December 1971. The enemy defences were based on a series of concrete embankments with anti-tank guns and heavy and light automatics. The company led by Captain Ahlawat came under heavy medium machine gun fire from a concrete pillbox. With complete disregard for his life Captain Ahlawat charged the pillbox, grabbed the burning machine gun barrel with his right hand and threw a grenade into the pillbox and silenced the gun, thus making it possible to maintain the momentum of the attack and over-run the objective. Captain Ahlawat lost his life in the action. His body was found with six bullet wounds-his still clutching the machine gun barrel.

Captain D.S. Ahlawat displayed conspicuous gallantry, outstanding leadership and determination in the best traditions of the Army