Vir Chakra (VrC)

Colonel Madan Lal Chadha was commandant of the High Altitude Warfare School in J&K. On receiving reports that infiltrators were trying to interfere with our troops who were using the vital Srinagar-Leh road, he organised a garrison at Sonemarg for close defence and vigorous patrolling and thus ensured safe passage of convoys. At one stage, he was ordered to form up an ad hoc company from within the School's resources for a task which involved operating about 30 miles from Sonemarg at heights of over 12,000 ft.

When the company consisting of NCO students and NCO instructors came under enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Chadha quickly organised his men and drove away the enemy. During further advance of the company, the enemy fired at the leading platoon. While Lieutenant Colonel Chadha was deploying his men and directing the operation, he was hit by an enemy bullet and killed. 

Throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Chadha displayed exemplary courage, initiative and resourcefulness.