Sepoy Devendra Chand SC

Sepoy Devendra Chand hailed from Village Bunga, located in Post Office Shilling, Tehsil & District Pithoragarh, in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand. Born into a humble yet proud family, he was the son of Shri Daulat Chand and Smt. Naru Devi. From an early age, Sep Devendra Chand exhibited qualities of discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of patriotism, traits that would later define his distinguished service in the Indian Army. Growing up in the rugged terrains of Uttarakhand, he developed an innate toughness and a strong work ethic, characteristics often found in soldiers hailing from the hill regions. Inspired by the legacy of Indian Army warriors and motivated by a desire to serve the nation, he pursued his education with determination, knowing that his ultimate goal was to wear the revered olive-green uniform.

Upon completing his initial education, Sepoy Devendra Chand was selected to join the Indian Army, a dream he had nurtured for years. His selection marked the beginning of an illustrious journey of service and sacrifice. Following his recruitment, he underwent rigorous military training, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication, physical endurance, and sharp tactical acumen. He was inducted into the 5 Mahar Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, one of the most fearless and battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Established in 1941, the Mahar Regiment had earned numerous accolades and battle honors, owing to its soldiers' grit, bravery, and undying commitment to duty. Known for its legendary combat history and indomitable warriors, the regiment had played a pivotal role in various military operations, both within India and in overseas peacekeeping missions.

United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (Somalia): 22 Aug 1994

During 1994, Sepoy Devendra Chand, along with his battalion, was deployed as part of the United Nations Operation in Somalia. On 22 August 1994, an escort contingent from 5 Mahar Regiment was assigned to accompany a civil convoy traveling from Baledogle to Burleego in Somalia. The convoy was part of an ongoing effort to rebuild the war-ravaged infrastructure of the country, which had been severely affected by prolonged conflict and instability. Ensuring the safety of this mission was crucial, given the volatile security situation and frequent attacks by hostile militia groups operating in the region. As the convoy made its way through a predesignated route, it came under a well-coordinated ambush while passing through a vulnerable general area. Enemy forces launched a surprise attack from the northern side of the road, subjecting the Indian escort vehicles to intense and sustained automatic fire. The three escort vehicles bore the brunt of the ambush, and in the initial onslaught alone, three Indian soldiers were killed, while eight others sustained injuries. The sudden and ferocious nature of the attack put the entire convoy at grave risk.

Amidst the chaos and relentless enemy fire, Sepoy Devendra Chand sprang into action. Armed with his rifle, he immediately engaged the ambush party, returning fire with unwavering determination. Realizing the need for more firepower, he swiftly took control of a medium machine gun and directed accurate and effective suppressive fire on the enemy positions. His actions significantly disrupted the attackers’ assault and provided much-needed cover for his comrades.  Despite facing overwhelming odds, Sepoy Devendra Chand refused to back down. Braving the deadly hail of bullets from enemy automatic weapons, he continued to engage the militia forces, ensuring they could not overrun the convoy. During the exchange of fire, Sepoy Devendra Chand was struck by multiple enemy bullets. One burst shattered his left forearm, while another round hit his left shoulder with such force that he was thrown against the side of his vehicle. Gravely injured, he continued to fight, displaying extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of excruciating pain. His actions played a crucial role in repelling the attack and inflicting significant casualties on the enemy.

As the battle concluded, it was confirmed that the enemy suffered heavy losses—ten militants were killed, and eleven others were injured. In addition, three enemy bodies were recovered, and three militia fighters were captured alive by the Indian troops. Tragically, Sepoy Devendra Chand succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. His selfless bravery, determination, and unwavering commitment to his mission were instrumental in preventing further casualties and ensuring the security of the convoy. Sepoy Devendra Chand’s courageous stand against the Somali militia exemplifies the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Sepoy Devendra Chand was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. 

Sepoy Devendra Chand is survived by his mother Smt Naru Devi.

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

On 22 Aug 1994, an escort of 5 Mahar was detailed to a civil convoy proceeding from Baledogle to Burleego to carry out work as part of ongoing process to ravaged and battered infrastructure in Somalia.

When the convoy was crossing general area it was ambushed and all the three escort vehicles came under heavy automatic fire from the North of the road. The well coordinated fire from the enemy weapons inflicted heavy casualties on the Indian troops with three killed and eight injured in the first onslaught itself. All this while Sepoy Devendra Chand kept on the ambush party with his rifle. He thereafter directed effective fire from a medium machine gun on the enemy to the deadly fire of enemy automatics he continued to engage the enemy all the while. At this stage Sep Devendra Chand was hit by enemy burst and his left fore arm was shattered while another bullet hit his left shoulder with such impact that he was thrown against the side of his vehicle. At the end of operations, it was confirmed that the enemy in all had suffered ten killed and eleven injured. Three of the bodies left behind were recovered by the Indian troops and three men were captured alive.

Sepoy Devendra Chand, thus, displayed courage, determination in his fight against the Somalian militiamen and made the supreme sacrifice.