Jemadar Thambu Ram VrC

Jemadar Thambu Ram hailed from Purkhas Rathi village at Ganaur tehsil of Sonipat district in Haryana and was born on 08 Apr 1913. He was recruited into the 2 Jat battalion of the Jat Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours. Jemadar Thambu Ram after completing his training, served in various operational areas and also took part in World War II. However, he proved his mettle as a brave soldier in the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48.

1947-48 Indo-Pak War : 02 Mar 1948

During March 1948, Jem Thambu Ram's unit 2 Jat was deployed in J&K and was engaged in operations against the Pak forces. On 2nd Mar 1948, the 2 Jat battalion was tasked to attack a feature named Mameli Dhar as part of ongoing operations. Jemadar Thambu Ram was the 'Platoon Commander' of Second Company detailed for exploitation at the battle of the Mameli Dhar on 2 March 1948. Soon after the capture of the objective by the First Company, his platoon took up position on the West and engaged the enemy with all available weapons at very close range. He himself first fired 2" mortar and then the LMG inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The enemy battalion retreated but again started collecting behind a "nulla". Sensing danger by the build up of the enemy soldiers, he charged the enemy by personally leading his platoon. While doing so, he was hit by a gun burst and fell down.

However, without caring for his own safety, he again got up, shouted at his platoon and advanced to face the enemy who had by then started fleeing. While fleeing, the enemy resorted to indiscriminate firing and Jemadar Thambu Ram was again hit by a bullet on his head.  As a result Jem Thambu Ram collapsed and was martyred. Jem Thambu Ram showed outstanding courage and grit with utter disregard to his personal safety and laid down his life at the age of 34 years in the line of his duty. Jem Thambu Ram was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.