Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lieutenant David Alexander Devadasan was commanding a platoon of Mahar Regiment during the operations against Pakistan. On the night of 10 December 1971, his battalion was given the task of capturing an enemy position in an area in the Shakargarh Sector. This position was held in strength by the enemy and protected by a minefield. During the attack, the assaulting troops were held up by a heavy volume of fire from a machine gun. Realising the necessity of silencing this gun, Second Lieutenant Devadasan, in utter disregard of his safety, rushed towards it inspiring his platoon to follow him. The enemy directed intense and accurate small arms and artillery fire on his platoon, inflicting heavy casualties. Undeterred he charged the enemy machine gun position and silenced it. This enabled the capture of the objective. In this process, he was hit by a burst from the enemy machine gun as a result of which he died. In this action, Second Lieutenant Devadasan displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order.