President gives away awards to army personnel

The President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, awarded Kirti Chakras to Col Gurbir Singh Sarna and Maj James Thomas - both martyrs, here today. The gallantry awards were received by Mrs Jasleen Kaur and Mrs Nitha James, respectively. Eight Shaurya Chakras were also awarded posthumously and received by the next of kin of martyrs. These are Lt Col Vinay Rao Chauhan, Capt Shashi Bhushan Singh, Naib Subedar Raj Bahadur, CHM Sarabjit Singh, Naik Gurjant Singh, Sepoy Satnam Singh, Rifleman HB Singh,and Gunner Ranjeet Singh.

Col GS Sarna was commanding 29 Rashtriya Rifles and was martyred in a gallant action against militants in Pattan District (J&K) on 23 Dec 2006.

Maj James Thomas of 10 Sikh Light Infantry laid down his life fighting the militants in Poonch District (J&K) on 28 Jan 2006.

All those awarded Shaurya Chakras posthumously lost their lives in J&K expect Rifleman HB Singh of 7 Assam Rifle who was laid down his life in the North East.

Amongst other awardees, the seniormost to receive Param Vishisht Seva Medal is Lt Gen Aditya Singh, Southern Army Commander. Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, DGDS and Lt Gen RK Mehta, Military Advisor in UN HQ at New York are amongst other awardees for this recognition.

Ten Shaurya Chakras, and 15 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals have also been awarded to serving Army personnel.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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