Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 20 April 1948, at Mahura in Kashmir, Major H.S. Bolina's Company was given the task of attacking and capturing a strongly held feature. This feature necessitated a climb of over 2500 feet over a very steep clay soil. The enemy had held this position for over3 months and was in well-sited dug-in positions on top of the hill.

After a very careful and methodical recce, Major Bolina commenced his advance at 0200 hours in very heavy rain and thunderstorm. By his personal example and encouraging words he kept his company advancing. When they were about three to four hundred yards from the enemy, the leading platoon came under heavy fire from the front and right flank and a number of men were wounded. 

Quickly appreciating the situation, Major Bolina detailed his second platoon towards the right flank and with his reserve platoon personally leading them rushed forward to the help of leading platoon, shouting "Ahir Ke Bacho Agai Baro". The leading platoon then got within 25 yards of the enemy and was held up due to enemy grenades. Major Bolina then very cleverly manoeuvred his platoon behind the enemy and captured Pt. 7760. He then quickly consolidated in fifteen minutes and asked for permission to go on to the second objective and capture that too. This was not allowed. 

Major Bolina set an example of courageous, cool and clever handling of a very hard attack over extremely difficult ground in a heavy thunderstorm and set an example to his brother officers.