Vir Chakra (VrC)

At about 0915 hours on 15 November 1987, Bravo Company of 5 Rajput under Major Ramesh Pratap Singh was assigned the task of clearing Road Axis Murakkoddanchenai-Eravur. This involved searching the maze of built-up area and locating landmines so that the maintenance convoy, of which two Jammer vehicles were a part, could move uninterruptedly.

Havildar Naipal Singh was Section Commander of the leading section, entrusted with clearing the western flank of Road Murakkoddanchenai-Eravur. Havildar Naipal Singh had positioned himself in the middle of the section and personally supervised the advance. At about 1105 hours on 15 November 1987, Havildar Naipal Singh's section came under heavy automatic fire. The firing was so intense that the leading elements were pinned to the ground. Havildar Naipal Singh broke cover, moved from man-to- man directing them to positions of advantage and thus repeatedly exposed himself to LTTE militant fire. With indomitable courage, he manoeuvered his section to a position of advantage, brought down effective fire on the LTTE militants and inflicted heavy casualties on them. At about 1205 hours as Havildar Naipal Singh was moving his men up he was hit by a bullet in the right thigh. Undeterred, he continued to urge his men to engage the LTTE militants. In doing so, he received two more bullet injuries and fell unconscious. 

Havildar Naipal Singh was evacuated from the site of action and died on 15 November 1987. He displayed indomitable courage and sterling leadership qualities, which set an example for others to emulate.