Major Ranbir Singh VrC

Major Ranbir Singh hailed from Nangal village of Meerut District in Uttar Pradesh and was born on 30 August 1938. Son of Subedar Major Ram Singh, he did his schooling from Jat Heroes School, Baraut, and KG School, Bangalore. He was fascinated with army life, since his younger days and had made up his mind to follow in the footsteps of his father.  Following his passion, he consequently got selected for the prestigious NDA Khadakvasla after completing his schooling. He later went to IMA Dehradun for further training and passed out as Second Lieutenant on 14 December 1958 at the age of 20 years. He was commissioned into the 19 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, an infantry Regiment of the Indian Army well known for its intrepid soldiers and numerous battle & theater honours. 

Operation Riddle(Indo-Pak War): Aug-Sep 1965

During August 1965 Major Ranbir Singh's unit 19 Punjab was deployed in J & K. Pakistan launched ‘Operation Gibraltar’ in Aug 1965, wherein thousands of infiltrators were sent across the border to carry out sabotage and subversion. The first clash with the infiltrators took place on 07 Aug in Sunderbani area. On the night of the 9th/10th August 1965, a patrol under Major Ranbir Singh was sent to round up infiltrations in the Uri Sector. The infiltrations opened fire on the patrol from two positions. Ordering two of his sections to provide covering fire, Major Ranbir Singh led another section and positioned it behind the enemy. Then with lightning speed, he attacked and annihilated the entire enemy force much superior in number and captured a number of automatic weapons.

Again on the 21st of September 1965, Major Ranbir Singh was ordered to capture an objective in Jammu and Kashmir. When he came near the objective, he was met with heavy enemy fire and was wounded in both legs. Despite his wounds, he led his party forward but was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and got severely injured. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. However, inspired by his leadership, his soldiers, captured the feature, along with a number of automatic weapons and wireless equipment. Major Ranbir Singh was a committed soldier and determined officer, who led from the front like a true military leader. Major Ranbir Singh was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his dauntless courage, exceptional leadership, and supreme sacrifice.

Citation for the Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:-

On the night of the 9th/10th August 1965, a Patrol under Major Ranbir Singh was sent to round up infiltrations in the Uri Sector. The infiltrations opened fire on the patrol from two positions. Ordering two of his sections to provide covering fire, Major Ranbir Singh led another section and positioned it behind the enemy. Then with lightning speed, he attacked and annihilated the entire enemy force much superior in number and captured a number of automatic weapons.

Again on the 21st of September 1965, Major Ranbir Singh was ordered to capture an objective in Jammu and Kashmir. When he came near the objective, he was met with heavy enemy fire and was wounded in both legs. Despite his wounds, he led his party forward but was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and killed. His Party, however, captured the feature, together with a number of automatic weapons and wireless equipment.

Throughout, Major Ranbir Singh displayed gallantry, resourcefulness and leadership in the best traditions of the Army.