Captain Sahil Sharma VrC

Captain Sahil Sharma was born on February 26, 1971, and from a young age, he nurtured a deep aspiration to serve in the Armed Forces, driven by his innate patriotism and sense of duty. His dream eventually materialized when, after completing his education, he joined the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 237 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a distinguished and vital combat support arm of the Indian Army, renowned for its precision and power.

The Regiment of Artillery plays a pivotal role in battlefield operations, providing effective firepower support to infantry and mechanized units. This prestigious arm of the Army comprises various specialized regiments, including Medium Regiments, Light Regiments, Missile Regiments, Rocket Regiments, and Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) Regiments. Each regiment is equipped with advanced weaponry and state-of-the-art systems, tailored to fulfill specific operational roles. Captain Sahil Sharma's association with the 237 Field Regiment placed him within this illustrious tradition of expertise and excellence, where he honed his skills to serve the nation with distinction.

Operation Meghdoot: 22 Feb 1995

During Feb 1995, Captain Sahil Sharma was on attachement to 118 Field Regiment and was deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of ‘Operation Meghdoot’, a mission to secure India's strategic dominance over the world's highest battlefield. At just 24 years old, Capt Sahil Sharma embodied the ideals of courage, dedication, and leadership, braving one of the most hostile and unforgiving terrains on Earth. Siachen Glacier, with its sub-zero temperatures plummeting below minus 30 degrees Celsius, wind speeds exceeding 90 kilometers per hour, and unrelenting blizzards, posed a monumental challenge for any soldier. Beyond the treacherous weather, Capt Sahil Sharma and his troops were stationed at forward posts, constantly facing unprovoked enemy fire across the undefined border. Despite these adversities, Capt Sharma’s exemplary leadership and strategic acumen ensured that his team effectively retaliated against the enemy's aggression, causing significant destruction to their assets. Among his remarkable achievements, Capt Sharma destroyed an enemy observation post, six fortified bunkers, a fiberglass shelter, and an extensive cache of ammunition, rendering their 105-mm artillery guns non-operational. His actions demonstrated not only tactical brilliance but also unyielding commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty.

On February 22, 1995, in yet another ceasefire violation, the enemy launched an intense and well-coordinated attack on Indian positions. This assault involved small arms fire and heavy artillery shelling, signaling a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions. The Indian forces, led by Capt Sahil Sharma, responded with a counter-offensive, delivering a crushing blow to the enemy. During the exchange, the enemy concentrated their retaliatory fire on the Observation Post manned by Capt Sharma’s team. Recognizing the criticality of maintaining accurate fire control, Capt Sharma ordered his team to retreat to the safety of the bunker while he exposed himself to the open battlefield for better observation of artillery fire. Despite being under heavy enemy shelling, he continued to direct fire with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring maximum impact on the enemy positions. Amidst the chaos, Capt Sahil Sharma was tasked with engaging the enemy’s strategically important Three Pimple Post. As the operation progressed, an airburst shell exploded near his position, and a splinter struck him on the head. Gravely injured and bleeding profusely, Capt Sharma displayed extraordinary courage, braving the life-threatening conditions to complete his mission. Ignoring his injuries, he continued to direct artillery fire until the enemy post was entirely destroyed.

Despite his valiant efforts, Capt Sahil Sharma eventually succumbed to his injuries. Capt Sahil Sharma laid down his life defending India’s honour, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice. For his indomitable spirit, exceptional gallantry, and supreme sacrifice, Captain Sahil Sharma was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra", India’s third highest gallantry award. 

The citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Captain Sahill Sharma, Artillery, 237 Field Regiment attached with 118 Field Regiment volunteered to man the Amar Observation Post in Bilafondla Glacier in 'OP Meghdoot' and in his tenure destroyed an enemy's observation post, six bunkers, one fibre glass hut, large quantity of ammunition and neutralised 105 mm Guns.

On 22 February 1995 at 1300 hours he commenced shooting with the guns after being ordered to engage enemy's Three Pimple Post. At 1500 hours enemy retaliated with accurate and heavy volume of air burst artillery lire. He had barely directed 19 rounds when he was struck with the air burst splinter on his head. Inspite of bleeding profusely he continued to direct the fire till the enemy post, was destroyed completely. The officer, braving temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius, wind velocity of 90 kilometer per hour and intense enemy shelling kept on directing artillery fire on the post till the last. The officer died of his wounds.

Captain Sahill Sharma, thus, exihibited physical courage, professional brilliance, dedication and maturity and made supreme sacrifice in accomplishing the assigned operational task in the face of enemy.