5 Heroic Stories of Indian Soldiers Who Became Legends

India has a long history of military prowess, and its soldiers have always been admired for their bravery and dedication to duty. Over the years, there have been many heroic stories of Indian soldiers who have become legends. Here are five such stories that continue to inspire generations of Indians.

Major Somnath Sharma - The First Param Vir Chakra Recipient

Major Somnath Sharma was a brave Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour, for his bravery during the 1947 Indo-Pak War. On 3 November 1947, the Pakistani Army launched an attack on the Srinagar airfield in Kashmir. Major Sharma, who was the company commander of the 4th Kumaon Regiment, led his troops in the defence of the airfield.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Major Sharma inspired his troops to fight bravely. He was killed in action while leading a charge against the enemy. His bravery and sacrifice helped the Indian Army hold on to the airfield, and it was a turning point in the war.

Captain Vikram Batra - The Hero of Kargil War

Captain Vikram Batra, popularly known as 'Sher Shah' in the Indian Army, was a young officer who served during the Kargil War in 1999. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and leadership in the war.

During the war, Captain Batra led his men in several successful missions, including the capture of a crucial peak in the Dras sector. In one of the most famous incidents of the war, he said, "Yeh dil maange more!" (This heart wants more!), before leading a charge against the enemy. He was killed in action while rescuing a wounded comrade, and his bravery continues to inspire the Indian Army.

Major General Ian Cardozo - The First Amputee to Command an Army Division

Major General Ian Cardozo is a legendary Indian Army officer who lost his leg during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Despite his disability, he continued to serve in the Army and became the first amputee to command an Army division.

During the war, Major General Cardozo was leading his battalion in an attack on a Pakistani position when he stepped on a landmine and lost his leg. Undeterred by his injury, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his troops. After his recovery, he went on to have a distinguished career in the Army, serving in various positions of command and responsibility.

Lance Naik Albert Ekka - The Braveheart of the 1971 War

Lance Naik Albert Ekka was a brave Indian Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. On 3 December 1971, Lance Naik Ekka was part of a patrol in the Bari Khas area of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) when his unit was ambushed by the enemy.

Despite being severely outnumbered and outgunned, Lance Naik Ekka fought valiantly, using his grenades to take out several enemy bunkers. He was killed in action while charging at the enemy with his bayonet. His bravery helped his unit to hold on to their position and was a major factor in the Indian Army's victory in the war.

Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa - The Hero of the 1962 War

During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa showed immense bravery and leadership while commanding a company of the 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, he and his men fought fiercely, engaging the enemy in close combat and launching successful counter-attacks.

During one of these attacks, Lieutenant Colonel Thapa was severely injured but refused to be evacuated until the enemy had been repelled. His inspiring leadership and bravery under fire not only boosted the morale of his troops but also helped to delay the Chinese advance, giving the Indian Army time to prepare for a counter-offensive.

For his exceptional bravery, Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour, and he remains a symbol of courage and determination for generations of Indians.