Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru SC

Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru hailed from Ranchi district in Bihar (now Jharkhand). He was born to Shri Albis Tiru and Smt Philomina Tiru, who instilled in him the values of discipline, courage, and service to the nation. After completing his schooling, he was driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve the country. This unwavering commitment led him to join the Indian Army, where he was recruited into the 1st Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (1 BIHAR)—a regiment renowned for its illustrious history and numerous battle honors. Following his enlistment, L/Hav Theophil Tiru underwent rigorous military training at the Bihar Regimental Centre, where he honed his combat skills, endurance, and leadership abilities. His dedication, discipline, and exceptional performance earned him respect among his peers and superiors alike. Over the years, he displayed commendable courage and determination, steadily rising through the ranks. By 1994, he had gained substantial experience and was promoted to the rank of Lance Havildar in recognition of his unwavering dedication and service.

United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (Somalia): 28 Mar 1994

In 1994, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru, along with his battalion, was deployed as part of the United Nations Operation in Somalia-II (UNOSOM-II)—a mission aimed at restoring peace and stability in the war-torn nation. The operation was particularly challenging, as Somalia was plagued by civil unrest, armed militias, and lawlessness, making peacekeeping efforts highly dangerous. On March 28, 1994, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru and his comrade, Lance Naik Bikram Tudu, were assigned to escort a UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Fund) vehicle in the strategic southern port city of Kismayo, Somalia. Their mission was crucial, as UNICEF staff members were working to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations amidst the ongoing conflict.

While traveling from one secured compound to another, their convoy was intercepted by two armed Somali militants, who signaled for them to stop. Recognizing an imminent threat to the UNICEF personnel, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru, without hesitation, leaped out of the slow-moving vehicle to confront the attackers. In a sudden escalation, a group of twelve to fourteen heavily armed Somali militants ambushed the convoy, opening fire from multiple directions. Despite being struck in the thigh, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru continued to engage the assailants with fierce retaliatory fire, demonstrating extraordinary bravery. Meanwhile, Lance Naik Bikram Tudu also fought valiantly but was soon overcome by the enemy's relentless gunfire. Even after sustaining severe injuries, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru displayed remarkable resilience. Ignoring his personal safety, he held his ground, fighting till his last breath to defend the mission and protect the UNICEF personnel. His relentless counterattack thwarted the enemy’s plan, buying crucial time for the convoy. However, after being shot multiple times, including fatal wounds to his jaw and head, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru’s heroic actions not only saved lives but also upheld the honour and integrity of the Indian Army. In recognition of his supreme sacrifice, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. His comrade, Lance Naik Bikram Tudu, was also posthumously honoured with the Sena Medal for his bravery.

Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru is survived by his wife Smt Silwanti Tiru.

The citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" award reads him to:

On 28 March 1994 Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru alongwith his comrade Lance Naik Bikram Tudu was entrusted with the task of escorting a UNICEF Vehicle to coordinate a relief mission in Kismayu, the strategic Southern Port town of Somalia as part of UNOSOM II. While moving from one compound to another the vehicle. signalled to hait by two armed Somalis. Sensing danger to the UNICEF staff, Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru jumped out of the slowing vehicle to challenge the miscreants.

Almost simultaneously the vehicle came under fire from three directions by twelve to fourteen armed Somalis. Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru was hit on the thigh. His Comrade, Lance Naik Bikram Tudu also returned the fire but was felled by a hail of bullets. Though Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru with utter disregard to his personal safety, thwarted the evil designs of armed Somalis by effectively engaging them with fire. Only after Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru was shot through his jaw and head did the Somalis escape the wrath of the gallant Indian.

Lance Havildar Theophil Tiru, thus, displayed bravery, courage, devotion to duty and spirit of self sacrifice.