Vir Chakra (VrC)

On the night of 16 December 1971, Major Vinod Bhanot, who was commanding a company of Gorkha Rifles, was assigned the task of capturing an enemy post in the Kargil Sector. He planned to approach the post from the rear along a most difficult and unexpected route. The advance was slow because of the difficult terrain. Enemy was able to bring down effective machine gun fire on the advancing column. Under his inspiring leadership, the advance was continued. On nearing the objective, Major Bhanot rushed to the machine gun post, which was causing the maximum hindrance, and neutralised it. The foothold thus gained was exploited with speed and the position captured after a fierce battle. Though completely exhausted, he also captured all the adjoining enemy positions.

In this action, Major Bhanot displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.