Service No : 3189532K

Date of Birth : October 10, 1977

Place of birth : Hathras Dist (UP)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Sepoy

Unit : 17 Jat

Arm/Regt : The Jat Regiment

Operation : Op Vijay ( Kargil )

Awards : Mention in Despatches

Martyrdom : May 30, 1999

Sepoy Gajpal Singh

Sepoy Gajpal Singh Agre hailed from Nagla Choudhary village in Sadabad tehsil of Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh, where he was born on 10 October 1977. He was the son of an Army veteran, Subedar Ramkishan Choudhary (Retd), and Smt. Phoolmati Devi. Growing up in a family with a strong military background, he was deeply inspired by his father’s dedication, discipline, and service to the nation. From an early age, he developed a strong desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve the country through the Indian Army. With determination and a clear sense of purpose, he worked steadily towards achieving this dream. After completing his school education, Sepoy Gajpal Singh Agre joined the Indian Army on 15 August 1996 at the young age of 19 years. His recruitment into the Army marked the beginning of a life devoted to courage, discipline, and national service. He was inducted into the 17 Jat Battalion of the prestigious Jat Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most renowned infantry regiments, widely respected for its rich legacy of bravery, outstanding battlefield achievements, and the gallant spirit of its soldiers. Serving in such a distinguished regiment further strengthened his commitment to duty and upheld the proud martial traditions of the Indian Army.

 

During his years of service, Sepoy Gajpal Singh Agre earned respect for his dedication, sincerity, and unwavering devotion to his responsibilities as a soldier. After serving for some time in the Army, he got married to Ms. Sunita Devi, who became his life partner and supported him through his journey of service to the nation. His life reflected courage, determination, and deep patriotism, values that continued to define his path as a proud soldier of the Indian Army.

 

Operation Vijay (Kargil War): 29/30 May 1999

 

During 1999, as part of the Kargil War, Pakistani forces had occupied several strategically important heights in the Kargil sector, including Point 4875 in the Mashkoh Valley. This area held immense tactical significance, as the Mashkoh Valley served as a possible route of infiltration into the Kashmir Valley as well as the Doda–Kishtwar–Bhadrewah regions of Jammu. Point 4875 overlooked the vital Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway between Zoji La Pass and Drass, making it critically important for the Indian Army. Enemy troops positioned at the artillery observation post on Point 4875 could easily monitor Indian military convoys moving along the highway and direct artillery fire on them. Realizing the strategic threat posed by this position, the Indian Army prioritized the clearance of Point 4875, and the mission was entrusted to the 79 Mountain Brigade under the command of Brigadier Ramesh Kakar. As part of this crucial operation, the 17 Jat Battalion, under the leadership of Colonel Umesh Singh Bawa, was inducted into the Mashkoh Valley on 26 May 1999. Before launching the assault on Point 4875, the battalion was tasked with capturing Point 4540, an important tactical feature that would pave the way for the final objective. Sepoy Gajpal Singh, serving as part of No. 2 Section of ‘B’ Company, was among the brave soldiers selected for this highly dangerous mission.
 

Following the operational plan, Sepoy Gajpal Singh, along with 37 fellow soldiers led by Subedar Harphool Singh, advanced towards the objective under difficult and hostile conditions. The enemy was heavily entrenched in fortified bunkers and maintained close surveillance over the movement of Indian troops. Despite the steep terrain and constant danger, the soldiers pressed forward with determination and courage. By around 4:00 AM, Sepoy Gajpal Singh and his comrades had reached very close to the enemy bunker, narrowing the distance to nearly 100 meters. At that critical stage, the enemy forces launched a sudden and intense attack. Sepoy Gajpal Singh and his fellow soldiers immediately responded with fierce retaliation, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. In the midst of intense shelling and relentless enemy gunfire, Sepoy Gajpal Singh displayed extraordinary bravery by continuing to advance towards the enemy bunkers and actively engaging hostile troops. Even after being hit by enemy bullets during the fierce battle, he refused to retreat and continued fighting with remarkable courage and determination. Displaying exceptional gallantry, he managed to eliminate two enemy soldiers before eventually succumbing to his injuries on the battlefield. Inspired by the courage and sacrifice of their comrades, the soldiers of 17 Jat Battalion continued the assault with unwavering determination. They successfully destroyed the enemy bunkers and captured Point 4540. This hard-fought victory proved crucial, as it eventually paved the way for the capture of the strategically significant Point 4875, contributing greatly to India’s success during the Kargil War.

 

Sepoy Gajpal Singh displayed outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice in the face of grave danger. At the young age of 22 years, he laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army while defending the sovereignty of the nation. Alongside him, other brave soldiers who attained martyrdom during the operation included Subedar Harphool Singh, Sepoy Vinod Kumar Naga, Sepoy Dharambeer Singh, Sepoy Ranveer Singh, and Sepoy Krishan Kumar. In recognition of his exceptional gallantry, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication to duty, Sepoy Gajpal Singh was posthumously awarded the “Mention-in-Despatches” honour. His courage, sacrifice, and patriotism continue to remain an enduring source of inspiration and pride for the nation.

 

Sep Gajpal Singh Agre is survived by his wife Smt Sunita Devi.

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