Mahavir Chakra (MVC)
Awardee: Bejoy Mohan Bhattacharjea PVSM, MVC
Citation
Lt Col Bejoy Mohan Bhattacharjea was commanding a battalion of Garhwal Rifles, which fought a withdrawal action from Towang Jan on 25 December 1962. The morale of his troops had been shaken but they regained it under his inspiring leadership. Lieutenant Colonel Bhattacharjea himself accompanied some patrols
On 17 November, the enemy put five successive attacks on Sela, but all of them were repulsed under his courageous leadership. At one time, when the enemy brought medium machine gun fire on his flankand rear, he immediately sent out a party of volunteers, which destroyed the enemy position and captured the machine gun. On the night of 17 November, when the forward troops came under sudden enemy fire from a ridge, Lieutenant Colonel Bhattacharjea led his men gallantly, cleared the ridge area, but was captured.
Throughout this period of over three weeks, Lieutenant Colonel Bhattacharjea led his men bravely with courage and determination disregarding his own safety.
On 17 November, the enemy put five successive attacks on Sela, but all of them were repulsed under his courageous leadership. At one time, when the enemy brought medium machine gun fire on his flankand rear, he immediately sent out a party of volunteers, which destroyed the enemy position and captured the machine gun. On the night of 17 November, when the forward troops came under sudden enemy fire from a ridge, Lieutenant Colonel Bhattacharjea led his men gallantly, cleared the ridge area, but was captured.
Throughout this period of over three weeks, Lieutenant Colonel Bhattacharjea led his men bravely with courage and determination disregarding his own safety.