Major Somnath Sharma, along with his brave soldiers of 4 Kumaon challenged the Pakistani hordes in the historic Battle of Budgam. The brave troops of 4 Kumaon did not give an inch to the enemy despite many casualties including Major Somnath Sharma who fell to a hero’s death on the battlefield.

Major Somnath Sharma

The Ashok Chakra

The Ashok Chakra

An order issued on 11 July 2019 by the Indian Army’s “Ceremonial and Welfare Adjutant General’s Branch” made it permissible for the close relatives of the deceased military personnel to wear their medals on the right side of chest while attending homage ceremonies at war memorials, cemeteries and funerals. These gallantry or service awards of deceased can be worn by their family members, such as spouses, children, parents, forefathers while wearing civil clothes.

The Indian Independence Medal was instituted by the Dominion of India and approved by King George VI by way of a Royal Warrant dated 21 July 1948. It was awarded to all those who, on 15 August 1947, were members of the armed forces of India, including the forces of princely states that acceded to Indian rule before 1 January 1948. British military personnel who remained in India after independence and who served with Indian forces up to 1 January 1948 qualified, although those with British units awaiting repatriation did not.

Indian Independence Medal 1947

Indian Independence Medal 1947 Reverse

The MacGregor Medal (also referred to as the MacGregor Memorial Medal) is awarded for valuable military intelligence through reconnaissance, exploration, survey or other similar activities of national importance. Awardees have included Survey of India personnel, military attaches, consuls, political officers and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

The last time it was awarded was in 2020 to Sanjay Kumar, EA (P) 3 of INS Valsura for winning the fourth edition of the ‘Hell race’ – one of the toughest races in the world. The race was conducted in the Himalayas from 15 to 23 Jun 19, wherein he set a new course record with a timing of 28Hrs 45min 12 sec.

MacGregor Medal

Sanjay Kumar, Indian Navy

The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. Param Vir Chakra translates as the “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave”, and the award is granted for “most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy”.