Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 12 December 1947, the First battalion of Sikh Regiment was sent as a fighting patrol against tribesmen operating in Uri Sector of J & K. At around 1430 hours, the battalion came into contact with the enemy in strength. The 'C' Company, which was then acting as a rear guard, was ordered to occupy a high feature which the enemy too was trying to occupy. The Company started for its objective with platoon commanded by Jemadar Mall Singh leading it. Just before the platoon got on to its objective, it came under heavy enemy automatic fire. However Jemadar Mall Singh bravely led his platoon up the hill and occupied it. In the process, he lost three of his men while another four were wounded. He himself was wounded in the jaw by a grenade splinter. Despite his wound, he continued to lead his platoon and give directions. When the enemy again attacked his position, Jemadar Mall Singh with two sections of his platoon counter attacked the enemy and repulsed the attack thus saving the hill feature from falling to the enemy. He refused to be evacuated and volunteered to lead his platoon again. In spite of his wound, he stayed in command of his platoon throughout the operation.