Vir Chakra (VrC)

Captain Ashok Kumar Karkare of the Regiment of Artillery was the forward observation officer with a company of a Rajput Regiment during their attack on Khalra in the Western Sector. The enemy immediately brought down intense artillery fire inflicting heavy casualties on our troops. Captain Karkare secured a captured enemy artillery radio set and through it misguided the enemy, thereby diverting enemy artillery fire and saving casualties to our troops. On the morning of 8 December, the enemy launched determined counter-attacks with infantry supported by armour.

Undeterred by the heavy shelling and small arms fire, Captain Karkare directed own artillery in an accurate manner and was instrumental in repulsing the attacks. He continued to engage the enemy till our troops had extricated themselves from the position. While he was himself withdrawing, he was hit by a machine gun burst and killed on the spot. Throughout, Captain Karkare displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.