Havildar K G George, a Vir Chakra awardee and veteran of the 1965 India–Pakistan War, passed away at the age of 95 at his residence in Kottayam, Kerala, on Saturday morning. He was the last living Vir Chakra recipient from the Corps of Signals.
Gallantry in the 1965 War
Havildar George served with the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade Signal Company and played a critical role as a lineman responsible for maintaining battlefield communication during combat operations.
During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, particularly in the Wagah sector, communication lines between the Brigade Headquarters and forward battalions were repeatedly disrupted due to intense enemy shelling and air attacks.
Despite the constant danger, Havildar George led his team to restore the communication links, ensuring that commanders could maintain coordination with frontline units during the battle.
Courage Under Heavy Enemy Fire
According to the official citation, between September 6 and September 10, 1965, George demonstrated exceptional bravery while repairing critical communication lines under relentless enemy fire.
On the night of September 8–9, during one of the fiercest assaults by enemy forces, he risked his life to establish a vital communication link between the Brigade Headquarters and forward battalions.
The restored communication line proved crucial for battle coordination and operational control, significantly aiding the brigade during the engagement.
Awarded the Vir Chakra
For his extraordinary courage, devotion to duty and determination under hostile conditions, Havildar K G George was awarded the Vir Chakra, one of India’s highest wartime gallantry awards.
Tributes to a Brave Soldier
Fellow veterans and members of the armed forces remembered him as a quiet yet resolute soldier whose bravery ensured uninterrupted battlefield communications during one of India’s most intense conflicts.
With his passing, India loses a distinguished war hero whose service and sacrifice remain an enduring part of the nation’s military legacy.
