Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 24 August 2000, Major Manoj M. Deshpande led a Special mission operation at the Line of Control in Doda-Poonch Sector in Jammu and Kashmir and successfully, thwarted enemy's attack to capture own forward post. Based on reliable intelligence sources that the enemy intends to attack, immediate steps were taken to suitably reinforce own post by Ghatak platoon under the leadership of Major Manoj M. Deshpande. During heavy shelling that preceded the enemy attack, the officer displayed undaunted bravery in moving from bunker-to-bunker and motivating his troops.

Subsequently, he inspired his men by personal example to fight a close quarter battle in open trenches. Observing an enemy solider about to lob a grenade in a bunker. Disregarding own safety, Major Manoj M. Deshpande rushed at him and shot him dead. Taken by surprise at the ferocity of this pro-active stance by own troops, the enemy retreated, suffering twelve dead, and leaving several weapons at our post.