When we think of the Kargil War, Captain Vikram Batra often comes to mind. However, there was another soldier whose bravery was equally awe-inspiring. Despite being hit by 15 bullets, he never abandoned his post, playing a crucial role in the Indian Army's successful capture of Tiger Hill.
This hero is none other than Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav. He is the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award, at the age of 19, for his heroic actions during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Yogendra Singh Yadav: Hero Who Survived 15 Bullets
On the night of July 3, 1999, 19-year-old Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was given a crucial mission with the Ghatak Platoon of the 18th Grenadiers Regiment. Their task was to capture three important bunkers on a steep, 16,500-foot cliff on Tiger Hill.
While the platoon was climbing the cliff with a rope, enemy forces fired many rockets at them. Yadav was at the front of the cliff and thus got hit with several bullets. Despite this, he crawled to the first enemy bunker and threw a grenade at them, killing about four Pakistani soldiers and stopping their gunfire. This allowed the rest of the Indian platoon to climb the cliff.
Yadav, along with fellow soldiers, attacked the second bunker, killing more Pakistani soldiers and helping the platoon reach the top. This was one of the toughest missions of the Kargil War.
Even with the harsh terrain, freezing cold, and heavy enemy fire, Yadav was the first in his platoon to reach the top. After being hit by multiple bullets and grenade shrapnel, he kept fighting and attacked the enemy bunkers. He didn’t leave his post till the rest of his platoon joined him at the top, thus ensuring the capture of the hilltop.
Yadav's incredible bravery during the mission made him the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).
In an interview with DD National, Yogendra Singh Yadav said, "A soldier is like a selfless lover. With this unconditional love comes determination. For his love for the nation, his regiment, and his fellow soldiers, a soldier doesn't think twice before risking his life."
Kargil War: Timeline
| Date | Event |
| May 1999 | |
| May 3 | Shepherds reports infiltrators at Batalik HQ; 70th Infantry Brigade arrives. |
| May 5 | Patrol led by Captain Saurabh Kalia sent; the war begins. |
| May 6 | NH 1A opens for traffic. |
| May 16 | 56th Mountain Brigade takes control of Dras-Mushkoh sector. |
| May 18 | Indian army captures Point 4295 and 4460. |
| May 21 | 8th Sikh Regiment begins encirclement of Tiger Hill. |
| May 23 | Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visits Kargil sector; and set operation priorities. |
| May 24 | 79th Mountain Brigade takes control of Mushkoh sub-sector. |
| May 26 | Indian Air Force begins air operations in support of 15 Corps. |
| June 1999 | |
| June 1 | HQ 8 Mountain Division completes takeover; military buildup begins. |
| June 3 | 8th Division takes charge west of Thasgam. |
| June 12 | 50 (I) Parachute Brigade arrives; talks stalled; deployment at Gumri. |
| June 13 | 56th Brigade captures Tololing and Point 4590. |
| June 14 | Indian Army captures 'Hump'. |
| June 15 | US President Bill Clinton urges PM Nawaz Sharif to withdraw. |
| June 20 | 56th Brigade captures Point 5140. |
| June 23 | General Zinni visits Pakistan; G-8 calls for withdrawal. |
| June 26 | 192 Mountain Brigade arrives in Dras. |
| June 28 | 56th Brigade captures Point 4700. |
| June 29 | 56th Brigade captures 'Black Rock', 'Three Pimple', and 'Knoll'. |
| July 1999 | |
| July 1 | 70 Brigade captures Point 5000. |
| July 3 | 70 Brigade captures Point 5287; 8th Sikh Regiment completes encirclement of Tiger Hill. |
| July 4 | 192 Brigade captures Tiger Hill; Clinton urges Sharif to talk to India. |
| July 5 | 79 Brigade captures Point 4875 Complex; Mushkoh and Dras declared clear of enemies. |
| July 12-18 | Ceasefire for safe withdrawal of Pakistani soldiers (later resumed hostilities). |
| July 24 | 192 Brigade captures Zulu Spur Complex. |
| July 26 | Official end of Kargil War. |
PM Modi’s Warning to Pakistan
PM Modi is in Kargil on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial, PM Modi said that India not only won the Kargil War 25 years ago but also set a great example of "truth, restraint, and strength."
Giving a stern warning to Pakistan for its involvement in the recent terrorist attacks in that Pakistan had failed in its past evil attempts but continues to try to stay relevant through terrorism and proxy war.
"Pakistan has not learned anything from its history. Today, I am speaking from a place where the leaders of terror can hear me directly. I want to tell these supporters of terrorism that their evil plans will never succeed. Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force, and the enemy will get a strong response," PM Modi said.
Earlier in 2022, PM Modi had celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Kargil and laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, and paid tribute to the army personnel who lost their lives here in 1999.
ALSO READ: Grevin Gold Coin: List of Honors Awarded to Shahrukh Khan for His Acting and Charity
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation