Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 4 March 1948, a platoon of 4 Kumaon commanded by Jemadar Har Singh was given the task of left flank protection to another company in Nikhaura, Kashmir, and to stage a false attack towards another feature. This was a very steep feature with barely a few holds and under four to five feet of snow. The enemy was holding this dominating hill.

During the attack, the platoon came under heavy automatic and rifle fire. Jemadar Har Singh immediately ordered his men to take up positions and then crawled forward to the leading section. After a quick recce, he ordered the leading section to hold the enemy and draw their attention towards them. He then very skillfully and bravely manoeuvred his remaining two sections to as near as 25 yards of the enemy defences. From here, personally controlling the fire of his two sections with extremely heavy accurate rifle and LMG fire and by use of grenades, his platoon took a heavy toll of the enemy. He then charged the enemy with fixed bayonets and captured the feature. He quickly reorganised his platoons and beat off two very strong enemy counter-attacks. He held this feature for two hours and inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy Having completed his task, he withdrew under orders from the rear. 

By his cool, calm and quick appreciation of the situation, his determined action and offensive spirit, this JCO dealt a shattering blow to the enemy. During the withdrawal he carried a severely wounded sepoy on his shoulders all the way back (a distance of 1,200 yards) under heavy fire.

He set an example of excellent leadership, bravery and quick offensive action to all ranks in the battalion.