Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan MVC

Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan was born on 14 December 1937 in Gurdaspur, Punjab. He was the son of Shri Rup Trehan, who, from an early age, instilled in him the values of discipline, integrity, and selfless service. Growing up in a culturally rich and deeply patriotic environment, young Ved Prakash developed a strong admiration for the Armed Forces and gradually nurtured the aspiration to serve the nation in uniform. Driven by this sense of purpose, he pursued formal military training and worked steadfastly towards his goal. His dedication bore fruit when, at the young age of 21, he achieved a defining milestone in his life. On 14 December 1958—coincidentally his birthday—he was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army and allotted to the 4th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (4 Raj Rif). This moment marked not only the beginning of his military career but also the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream to serve the nation with honour and dedication.

The Rajputana Rifles Regiment is among the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Raised in 1921 as the 6th Rajputana Rifles through the merger of six British Indian Army regiments, it was renamed The Rajputana Rifles in 1945, with the numeral “6” being dropped. Significantly, it holds the distinction of being India’s first rifle regiment, renowned for its rich legacy of valour, discipline, and battlefield excellence. By being commissioned into 4 Raj Rif, Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan became part of a regiment with a proud martial heritage and a long tradition of gallantry.

UN Operation (Congo): 29 Dec 1962

From 1961 to 1963, the 4th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (4 Raj Rif) was deployed overseas as part of 99 Infantry Brigade Group with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). This deployment marked one of the earliest and most significant international peacekeeping commitments undertaken by the Indian Army. The Republic of the Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) gained independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1960. Almost immediately thereafter, the country descended into widespread political instability, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Faced with a rapidly deteriorating security situation, the Congolese government appealed to the United Nations for international assistance to restore law and order and prevent further escalation. In response, the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) was established on 14 July 1960 under UN Security Council Resolution 143. The initial mandate of the mission was to ensure the withdrawal of Belgian forces, assist the Congolese government in maintaining internal security, and provide technical and administrative support. However, as the internal situation worsened, ONUC was compelled to evolve into a full-fledged peacekeeping operation with a limited mandate for the use of military force as a last resort.

By 1961–62, ONUC was operating in an extremely complex and hostile environment. Secessionist forces, particularly in the Katanga province, supported by foreign mercenaries and advisers, frequently clashed with UN troops. The mission expanded its role to prevent civil war, expel foreign mercenaries, curb armed violence, and protect civilians and UN personnel. At its peak, ONUC comprised nearly 20,000 troops, including a substantial Indian contribution, with 99 Infantry Brigade Group playing a key role. During this period, Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan was serving on deputation with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Congo. As part of the Indian contingent, he operated in a volatile and dangerous operational environment marked by armed rebel activity, ambushes, and frequent confrontations. The threats faced by UN troops were not limited to conventional combat but included unpredictable attacks by irregular forces and mercenaries, requiring constant vigilance and professional competence.

On 29 December 1962, Lieutenant Trehan was entrusted with a crucial and high-risk assignment. He was placed in command of a special patrol tasked with carrying out reconnaissance ahead of an impending attack by the 4th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles on a strategically significant enemy position located at a road junction. The information gathered by his patrol was vital for the success of the planned operation. Displaying exemplary leadership, Lieutenant Trehan advanced with his patrol through extremely dense jungle terrain, maintaining stealth and ensuring that the element of surprise was preserved. As they closed in on the objective, the patrol managed to reach to within approximately 100 yards of the enemy trenches. At this point, they suddenly came under intense machine-gun and rifle fire from well-fortified enemy positions.

Realizing the danger of being pinned down in the open, Lieutenant Trehan attempted to manoeuvre his patrol towards the right flank in an effort to find a safer approach and to continue gathering critical information. However, the enemy had anticipated such movement, and the patrol immediately drew heavy fire from that direction as well. Despite the perilous situation, Lieutenant Trehan continued to lead from the front, demonstrating remarkable bravery and presence of mind in the face of overwhelming odds. Lieutenant Trehan realized that the troops had been surrounded and decided to launch an all-out daring attack on the enemy positions. In an act of great courage and determination, Lieutenant Trehan managed to silence the enemy positions. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, Lieutenant Trehan got seriously wounded and later succumbed to his injuries. The supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan were in the best traditions of the army, for which he was given the nation’s second highest gallantry award “Maha Vir Chakra”.

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

On 29 December 1962, Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan was in command of a special patrol prior to an attack by the fourth battalion of Rajputana Rifles on an enemy position at a road junction in Congo. Lieutenant Trehan pushed forward with his patrol through dense jungle and reached about 100 yards from the enemy trenches where he came under intense machine gun and rifle fire. Trying to maneuver to the right flank, the patrol came under heavy enemy fire from that direction also. Realizing that the patrol was being surrounded, he charged the enemy positions with great determination and silenced them. He thus extricated his patrol and fulfilled the task assigned to him, but was mortally wounded and killed in action.

The supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Ved Prakash Trehan were in the best traditions of the army.