Amarjit Singh Bal | |
---|---|
Born | 6 Jun 1940 |
Died | 6 Nov 2010 (aged 70) |
Allegiance | India |
Service/ | Indian Army |
Rank | Brigadier |
Unit | 17 Horse |
Battles/wars | Battle of Basantar - Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
Awards | Maha Vir Chakra [1] |
Brigadier Amarjit Singh Bal, MVC was an officer of the Indian Army, who served with the 17 Horse. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, during the Battle of Basantar in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Brigadier Amarjit Singh Bal held the rank of Major. Major Amarjit Singh Bal's, unit was deployed on the western front in the Shakargarh Sector. During the Battle of Basantar on 15 and 16 December 1971, he was commanding a tank squadron of 17 Lancers and was tasked to defend a bridgehead on the Basantar river. Located at Jarpal, overlooking the river, his squadron was highly in a highly fortified position. His highly fortified position was attacked by Pakistani troops once but Maj. Amarjit Singh Bal inspired his men to successfully repel the Pakistani attacks. [2] [3]
In the battle, Major Amarjit Singh Bal displayed conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Major Amarjit Singh Bal later rose to the rank of Brigadier.
The 1st Armoured Division is an armoured division of the Indian Army, headquartered at Patiala, Punjab. It is part of II Corps of the Indian Army's Western Command.
The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India, after the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. It replaced the British Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The medal may be awarded posthumously.
The Battle of Basantar also known as the Battle of Shakargarh or Battle of Barapind was one of the vital battles fought as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India. The Indian troops won a hard-fought battle that secured this area in the Punjab/Jammu sector. The name Battle of Basantar actually encompasses the entire gamut of battles and skirmishes fought in the Shakargarh sector.
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