The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
We welcome additional materials about Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa - pre-Army, in-Army, post-Army - from relatives, friends, colleagues and other people who have relevant materials.
In the 1980s, Doordarshan commissioned Chetan Anand, a well-known film director, to produce TV episodes (in Hindi) on Param Vir Chakra awardees. The episode on Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa is avaiable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei75FShf1CI
We also welcome similar materials - for separate stories - about other heroes and martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces, provided the time of the event was at least 30 years ago. Our contact is indiaofthepast@gmail.com
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Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa
Param Vir Chakra Citation
MAJOR DHAN SINGH THAPA
1/8 GORKHA RIFLES (IC-7990)
Major Dhan Singh Thapa was in command of a forward post in Ladakh. On 20 October it was attacked by the Chinese in overwhelming strength after being subjected to intensive artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command, the greatly outnumbered post repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the aggressors. The enemy attacked again in greater numbers after heavy shelling by artillery and mortar fire. Under the leadership of Major Thapa, his men repulsed this attack also with heavy losses to the enemy. The Chinese attacked for the third time, now with tanks to support the infantry. The post had already suffered large numbers of casualties in the earlier two attacks. Though considerably reduced in number it held out to the last. When it was finally overrun by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Major Thapa got out of his trench and killed several of the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting before he was finally overpowered by Chinese soldiers. Major Thapa’s cool courage, conspicuous fighting qualities and leadership were in the highest traditions of our Army.
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