Service No : 15143104W
Place of birth : Bhagalpur Dist (Bihar)
Last Rank : Gunner
Unit : 282 Med Regt
Arm/Regt : The Regiment of Artillery
Operation : Op Parakram
Martyrdom : December 9, 2002
Gunner Pankaj Kumar
Gunner Pankaj Kumar, son of Shri and Smt Bharti Devi, hailed from Bhawanipur village in Bhagalpur district of Bihar—a region known for its rich tradition of courage and service to the nation. Born into a humble family, he was raised in a simple and close-knit environment where values such as discipline, determination, and hard work were deeply instilled in him from an early age. These formative influences shaped his character and instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, along with a deep respect for the Armed Forces. Inspired by the spirit of patriotism and the example set by soldiers from his region, he developed a firm aspiration to serve the nation in uniform. With determination and perseverance, he pursued this goal and successfully joined the Indian Army, fulfilling a long-cherished dream. Upon his induction into the Army, Gunner Pankaj Kumar was enrolled in the 282 Medium Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery—one of the Army’s vital combat support arms, known for its formidable firepower and crucial role in battlefield operations. Service in such a distinguished regiment demanded high standards of training, technical skill, endurance, and discipline. He rose to these expectations with sincerity and dedication, consistently demonstrating the qualities of a committed and dependable soldier.
Op Parakram (Drass Sector): 09 Dec 2002
During the period of heightened military preparedness under Operation Parakram in 2002, Gunner Pankaj Kumar was serving with the 282 Medium Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, deployed in the Drass sector of Kargil district along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The area, marked by treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions, posed constant operational challenges. Despite sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the looming threat of avalanches, Gunner Pankaj Kumar and his fellow soldiers maintained relentless vigilance over the sensitive forward posts. On 02 July 2002, Pakistani Army troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian positions in the Drass sector. Gunner Pankaj Kumar was manning a forward post when the enemy launched intense shelling using mortars and heavy weapons. Displaying exceptional courage and steadfastness, he remained at his post and continued to perform his duties amidst the heavy exchange of fire. The Indian troops responded with determination, engaging the adversary in a prolonged and fierce firefight.
During the course of this intense engagement, Gunner Pankaj Kumar sustained multiple splinter injuries due to continuous enemy shelling. Despite being critically wounded and in immense pain, he showed remarkable resilience and did not waver in his commitment to duty. The ongoing enemy fire made immediate evacuation impossible, and he remained at the post for several hours, battling his injuries with extraordinary grit.Ultimately, Gunner Pankaj Kumar succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. His actions under fire exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army—courage in the face of adversity, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the nation. His sacrifice stands as a lasting testament to his bravery and indomitable spirit. In the same operation, Gunner Kumar Singh also laid down his life in the line of duty on 09 Dec 2002, further underscoring the courage and commitment displayed by the soldiers defending the nation’s borders.
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