Vir Chakra (VrC)
Awardee: John Britto Kiro VrC
Citation
On 13 September 1989, Sepoy John Britto Kiro, Light Machine Gun Number One, was navigating a heavily mined nullah when suddenly a heavy volume of fire came from the front and the right flank. He immediately went into firing position. In the process, he stepped on an anti-personnel land mine. His right foot was blown off. Despite being grievously wounded, he brought down accurate and effective fire on the militants.
By firing his light machine gun, he gained precious time for his comrades. Sepoy Kiro, now a casualty, was being carried on a stretcher. The column had hardly moved 200 yards when it was again ambushed. The column came under fire from the front and the right flank. Even in the casualty state, he fired back at the militants. The firing continued for 15 to 20 minutes. He kept firing till he was fatally hit in the throat by a bullet.
In this action, Sepoy John Britto Kiro displayed conspicuous courage, bravery and valour in action against the militants dying in the best tradition of the Army.
By firing his light machine gun, he gained precious time for his comrades. Sepoy Kiro, now a casualty, was being carried on a stretcher. The column had hardly moved 200 yards when it was again ambushed. The column came under fire from the front and the right flank. Even in the casualty state, he fired back at the militants. The firing continued for 15 to 20 minutes. He kept firing till he was fatally hit in the throat by a bullet.
In this action, Sepoy John Britto Kiro displayed conspicuous courage, bravery and valour in action against the militants dying in the best tradition of the Army.