Naib Subedar Shiv Kumar Pal

Naib Subedar Shiv Kumar Pal hailed from Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Son of an army veteran Captain TR Pal (Retd) and Smt Sita Laxmi, he had three brothers Ashok, Pradeep, and Devendra, and a sister Indu as his siblings. As his father served in the Army, he too wanted to serve in the Armed Forces since his childhood like his father. His inclination to join the armed forces grew with his age and he continued to prepare himself for that. Following his passion, he eventually joined the army in the year 1988 after completing his graduating from CMP College in Allahabad (Presently Prayagraj). He was recruited into the 6 Mahar Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, a regiment of the Infantry known for its fearless soldiers and numerous battle honours

After putting in a few years of service he got married to Ms Madhu and the couple had a son Sudhanshu and a daughter Ankita. By the year 2013, he had put in over 25 years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Naib Subedar. During his service, he served in various operational areas and proved his mettle as a committed soldier. During the Kargil War, he took part in various operations and acquitted himself very well. Later he got selected to be part of the Indian contingent in the UN Peace Keeping Force in Sudan. 

UN Operation: 09 Apr 2013

During 2013, Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal was serving with UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) as part of the Indian contingent. At that time India had about 2,200 army personnel in South Sudan as part of the UNMISS. They were two Indian battalions belonging to 6 Mahar and 9 Mech Inf, out of which one was based in Jonglei and the other was in Malakal, in the Upper Nile, on the border with Sudan. South Sudan had ended decades of civil war with Sudan in 2005 and was transitioning to a peaceful existence, but the civil strife was continuing with many rebels not accepting the peace accord.  

The Government forces were battling the rebels in Jonglei, while UN peacekeepers were patrolling between the two sides. On 09 Apr 2013, Lt Col Mahipal Singh from 9 Mech Inf was leading a patrol along with a 32-member squad in Jonglei. Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal was a part of that team along with other soldiers of 6 Mahar and 9 Mech Inf battalions of Indian contingent. However as the convoy reached  Gumuruk, it was attacked by the rebels numbering over 200 with automatic weapons. Though the attack was sudden with a numerically superior enemy, Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal and his comrades swung into action to give a befitting reply. A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter lasting over an hour. Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal along with other soldiers displayed commendable courage and fighting spirit in neutralizing many rebels. However during the heavy exchange of fire Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal received gun shots which proved fatal for him. Besides Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal four other soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty which included Lt Col Mahipal Singh, Havildar Heera Lal, Havildar Bharat Sesmal and L/Nk Nand Kishor Joshi.. 

Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal was a valiant Junior Commissioned officer, who laid down his life in the line of his duty, following the highest traditions of Indian Army. He was awarded the "Dag Hammarskjold Medal" by the UN for his commendable courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

Nb Sub Shiv Kumar Pal is survived by his father Captain TR Pal (Retd), mother Smt Sita Laxmi, wife Smt Madhu, son Sudhanshu, daughter Ankita, brothers Shri Ashok Kumar Pal, Shri Pradeep Kumar Pal, & Shri Devendra Kumar Pal, and sister Smt Indu.