Service No : 6792413

Date of Birth : June 7, 1939

Place of birth : Rohtak Dist (Haryana)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Sepoy

Unit : 13 Kumaon

Arm/Regt : Army Medical Corps

Operation : Op Indo- China war

Awards : Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : November 18, 1962

Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh Dahiya VrC

Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh Dahiya was born on June 7, 1939, in the serene village of Nirthan, located in the Sonepat district of Haryana. Born to Shri Badlu Ram, he was nurtured in an environment that instilled values of hard work, discipline, and patriotism. From his early years, Dharam Pal Singh displayed an innate sense of responsibility and a strong desire to serve the nation. This aspiration, fueled by a deep respect for the armed forces, guided him toward his ultimate goal of joining the Indian Army. With unwavering determination, Sep Dharam Pal Singh successfully fulfilled his dream and was inducted into the Indian Army on August 7, 1958, at the young age of 19. He was recruited into the Army Medical Corps (AMC), a vital branch of the military tasked with ensuring the health and well-being of soldiers during both wartime and peacetime.

 

After a year of service in the Army, Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh embarked on a new chapter in his personal life by marrying Ms Vidya Vati. In 1962, a time of rising tensions along India's borders, Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh was attached to 'C' Company of the 13 Kumaon Battalion. As a Nursing Assistant, his role was pivotal, placing him on the frontline of medical care. He was responsible for treating wounded soldiers, providing first aid, and ensuring their survival in challenging and often hazardous conditions. His position demanded both technical skill and immense courage, as he worked under relentless pressure to save lives amidst the chaos of conflict. Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh's service was marked by his unwavering commitment to his comrades and his duties. He embodied the ethos of the Army Medical Corps, going above and beyond to ensure the welfare of those around him. 

 

Battle of Rezang La (Indo-China War): 18 Nov 1962

 

In June 1962, Sepoy Dharam Pal's 13 Kumaon battalion, under the command of Lt Col HS Dhingra, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in J&K. In Sep 1962, when the war clouds with China were on the horizon, the battalion was asked to move to Leh at short notice. The 13 Kumaon battalion was put under the operational control of 114 Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier TN Raina (who later became COAS). 114 Infantry Brigade was given the responsibility of defending about 400 km of the Indo-China border, including the Chushul area. Besides 13 Kumaon, 114 Infantry Brigade had four other battalions under its command, including 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Dharam Pal's unit of 13 Kumaon was deployed at Rezang La. Alpha Company under the command of Maj GN Sinha was the battalion reserve at the battalion HQs on high ground near Chushul. The Bravo and Delta companies were deployed on Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La Pass under the command of Capt RV Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Dharam Pal and other soldiers of Charlie company had settled in and was busy strengthening their defences.

 

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed in such a way as to have optimum tactical advantage. The soldiers were placed on the forward slopes of the hill - 7th Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram on the north flank; 8th Platoon under Jem Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by 9th Platoon under Jem Ram Chander, with the company HQ next to it. The mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was on the reverse slope. The Chinese offensive in this sector commenced on November 18th, coinciding with the attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). A two-pronged assault was launched against the Chushul defenses. The northern prong targeted Gurung Hill, while the second prong attacked the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, also known as the Ahir Company, at Rezang La. Rezang La was an isolated feature situated approximately 11 kilometers south of Spanggur Gap and dominated the lifeline of the Chushul garrison - the road connecting Leh via Dungti.

 

On that fateful morning, the Chinese forces launched a massive assault on the Indian post at Rezang La. The attack was relentless, with heavy artillery and mortar bombardments preceding waves of infantry assaults. The Chinese forces vastly outnumbered the defenders, putting immense pressure on the Indian soldiers holding the forward trenches. Despite the overwhelming odds, the soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Battalion, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, fought valiantly. The forward trenches were hit hard, resulting in numerous casualties that required immediate medical attention. In the midst of this chaos, Nursing Assistant Sepoy Dharampal Singh Dahiya exhibited exceptional bravery by moving from section to section, under continuous enemy fire, to provide first aid to the wounded.

 

As he was dressing the wounds of a critically injured soldier, Sepoy Dahiya was struck by multiple bullets. Undeterred by his own peril, he continued to focus on his duty, ensuring that his comrade received the necessary medical care. Tragically, he was hit repeatedly and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. When the dust settled and the battle was over, Sepoy Dahiya's body was found in February 1963 in the very posture of attending to his wounded comrade, holding a syringe of morphine and bandages in his hands. His actions in those final moments encapsulate the true spirit of a soldier's dedication to his comrades and his unwavering commitment to duty, even in the face of certain death. For his gallant actions and supreme sacrifice, Sepoy Dharampal Singh Dahiya was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra" one of India's highest gallantry awards. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and selflessness displayed by countless soldiers in the line of duty.

Sepoy Dharam Pal Singh Dahiya is survived by his wife Smt Vidya Vati.

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