Lt. Manoj Pandey
|
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey PVC |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
25 June 1975 Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Died | 3 July 1999 (aged 24) Bunker Ridge, Khalubar, Batalik sector, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Allegiance |
 Republic of India
|
| Service/branch |
 Indian Army
|
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Unit | 1/11 Gorkha Rifles |
| Battles/wars |
Kargil War Operation Vijay |
| Awards |
 Param Vir Chakra
|
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC (25 June 1975 – 3 July 1999), was an Indian Army officer of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, posthumously awarded the India's highest military honour, Param Vir Chakra for his audacious courage and leadership during adverse times. He died during the attack on Jubar Top, Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector, Kargil.
Captain Manoj Pandey, PVC belonged to Vill Rudha - Post - Kamlapur District-Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Shri Gopi Chand Pandey, a small-time businessman living in lucknow. He was eldest in his family. He was educated at Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and Rani Laxmi Bai Memorial Senior Secondary School. He had a keen interest in sports with boxing and body building in particular. He was adjudged the best cadet of junior division NCC of Uttar Pradesh directorate in 1990. He passed out from National Defence Academy in 90th course and stayed in MIKE squadron. He wanted to join Gorkha Rifles and got commissioned in the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army.
Prior to his selection, during his Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, the interviewer asked him, "Why do you want to join the Army?" He immediately replied, "I want to win the Param Vir Chakra." True to his words, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey did win the country's highest gallantry honour but posthumously.
He forced back the intruders on 11 June 1999 at Batalik Sector in the Kargil War. He led his men to capture the Jubar top which was considered as important due to its strategic location. Quickly sizing up the situation, the young officer led his platoon along a narrow, treacherous ridge that led to the enemy position. While still short of the objective, the enemy fired upon the Indian soldiers effectively stalling the Indian attack. Displaying great courage, he surged ahead of his troops and charged at the enemy with a full-throated battle cry through a hail of bullets.
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Wikipedia