LANCE NAIK KARAM SINGH, PVC

LANCE NAIK KARAM SINGH,PVC

1 SIKH (ARMY NO- 22356)

Lance Naik Karam Singh was born on 15^th September 1915 in Barnala, Punjab. He joined army (That time the Indian Army was under the command of British officer) on 15^th September 1941 in 1^st battalion of Sikh regiment. His battalion was moved to the Burma border during world war II, to stop the advance of the Japanese troops  towards Indian territory .Lance Naik Karam Singh  though being very young , but should his valour and courage and had halted the advances of the Japanese army. After the end of the world war II, he was awarded  Military Medal on 14^th March 1944, instituted by the British government to be given to Indian soldier for their exemplary courage shown in the battle field.

In the summer of 1948 Indian Army made substantial gains during the J&K operations in Tithwal sector.  On 23 May 1948 Indian Army captured Tithwal. Enemies ran across to kishanganga in utter confusion dumping their weapons in the river. They soon recovered from this setback, re-organized and mounted a heavy counter-attack. The attack was so strong that the Indian forces had to withdraw from Kishanganga River. Indian troops regrouped at Tithwal to take on the enemy forces. Indian position was very strong at Tithwal. The enemy forces could not  breach the Indian defense after months for fighting.

In October 1948, Pakistan troops launched an attack with the objective of capturing Richhmar Gali to the south of Tithwal and occupying Nastachur Pass to the east of Tithwal. Lance Naik Karam Singh was commanding a forward outpost in the Richhmar Gali area. 

During the initial attacks, all the bunkers in the platoon area were destroyed by heavy enemy shelling. Communications with his commander was also cut off, hence Karam Singh was unable to update his situation or ask for reinforcements. Although wounded, he brought back two injured comrades to the frontline with the help of another man to the main company position and defended Richhmar Gali.

Twice wounded by the fifth enemy attack, Lance Naik Karam Singh refused evacuation and continued to hold on to the first-line trenches. When enemy soldiers secured a position close to the frontline, Karam Singh jumped out of his trench and bayoneted the two intruders to death. This bold action so demoralised the enemy that they broke off the attack.

They made eight attempts to capture Tithwal but were repulsed every single time by 1^st Sikh regiment. Karam Singh Joined the main companies main position when the ammunition ran short. He was aware of the fact that there won’t be any reinforcements coming for their rescue due to the heavy shelling from the enemy side

 For his outstanding role in the battle of Tithwal, Karam Singh became the second recipient of the highest gallantry award of Indian army Param Vir Chakra.

CITATION OF LANCE NAIK KARAM SINGH, PVC