On 7 July 1999, in the area of Point 4875, Mashkoh Valley Capt Vikram Batra’s company was tasked to clear a narrow feature with sharp cutting on either side and heavily fortified enemy defences that covered the only approach to it. In a speedy operation, Captain Vikram Batra assaulted the enemy positions along the narrow ridge and engaged the enemy in a fierce hand to hand fight and killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range. Despite sustaining grave injuries, he crawled towards the enemy and hurled grenades clearing the position.
With utter disregard to his personal safety leading from the front, he rallied his men and pressed on the attack that helped achieve a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries. Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon the enemy with the vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875.
For his unparalleled feats of conspicuous personal gallantry, exemplary junior leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded the Nation’s highest gallantry award the Param Vir Chakra.
