3 July, 1999: The day of Kargil War Hero, Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. “If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death.”

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (25 June,1975- 3 July, 1999) was an Indian army officer who received Param Vir Chakra posthumously-- India's highest military decoration-- for his distinguished acts of valour during the Kargil War in the year 1999.

Born in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh to Gopi Chand Pandey (father) and Mohini (mother). Manoj Kumar Pandey did his schooling from Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Lucknow. In 1990, Manoj adjudged the best cadet of junior division NCC of Uttar Pradesh directorate. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in the 90th course. He wanted to join Gurkha Rifles and got commissioned in the 1/11 Gurkha Rifles of the Indian army.

Kargil War: 03 July 1999

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks during Operation Vijay: forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Battlik including the capture of Jubar Top.

On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Captain Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left.

Khalubar Top

Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. Captain Manoj later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred at the age of 24 years.

Colonel Lalit Rai (first from left)

The troops under the command of Captain Manoj gained control over six bunkers and killed eleven enemy soldiers besides getting a good stock of arms and ammunition including an air defense gun. Khalubar was eventually captured and Captain Pandey with his supreme sacrifice not set an example of unparalleled bravery but changed the course of Kargil war.

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was given the nation’s highest gallantry award, "Param Vir Chakra" for his outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey's father receiving the Param Vir Chakra award from President KR Narayanan