5 July,1999: Remembering Kargil War Hero, Havildar Madan Lal (Vir Chakra) who led an uphill assault to evict the enemy at Tiger Hill and laid down his life establishing foothold on this day in Kargil War

 

Havildar Madan Lal (Vir Chakra) was an Indian army soldier who displayed extraordinary courage and laid down his life in the service of the nation in 1999’s Kargil War.

 

 

Havildar Madan Lal was the Section Commander tasked to capture area Top on Eastern spur of Tiger Hill in the Drass sector during "Operation Vijay". Subsequent company attack hinged on his success to capture the area Top and establish a foothold.

 

Having deployed his fire support base, he attempted to assault area Top from the most difficult approach. The enemy was holding area Top strongly having readjusted itself so as to inflict effective fire.

 

Despite heavy odds of attacking uphill at 16,500 feet against accurate enemy small arms and grenade fire, Havildar Madan Lal fearlessly pressed on with the help of mountaineering equipment and reached area top in six hours. Undeterred and without losing nerve, he approached the enemy from an unexpected direction. This daring action cut off the enemy and they started withdrawing in panic. Two intruders, who got trapped, were killed. During this firefight, Havildar Madan Lal sustained severe injuries but continued fighting till his last.

 

Enthused by his brave and determined charge and refusal to get evacuated, his section was able to capture two sangars on area Top that later facilitated in capture of area Top of Tiger Hill. Havildar Madan Lal displayed extraordinary courage and junior leadership before making the supreme sacrifice for the country. He was awarded with "Vir Ckakra" (posthumously) for exceptional courage in the face of the enemy.