SHAURYA CHAKRA FOR NAVAL MARCO KILLED IN COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATIONS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR VALLEY

New Delhi

25 January, 2010

A total of 38 Indian Naval personnel are included in the list of Presidential awards announced on the occasion of the Republic Day 2010. The list of awardees includes one Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), three Nausena medals (Gallantry), three Param Vishist Seva Medals, Seven Ati Vishist Seva Medals, eight Nausena Medals (Devotion to Duty) and 16 Vishist Seva Medals.

It is noteworthy that four of the gallantry award winners are Marine Commandoes (MARCOs) deployed on Counter Insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The lone Shaurya Chakra was awarded to Chandrashekar Petty Officer who lost his life whilst rescuing a wounded buddy even whilst returning offensive fire and killing a terrorist. The other three MARCOs include Lt Vikas Dahiya, Yaimachoul Singh Leading Seaman and Jaidev Leading Seaman have been awarded Nausena Medal (Gallantry).

The three awardees of Param Vishist Seva Medals include Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bashin, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral KN Sushil and Vice Admiral (Retd) Dilip Deshpande former Chief of Materiel.