Mohammad Firoz Khan, SM

Biography

Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan hailed from the Nawab Saheb Kunta area in the old city of Hyderabad, Telangana. Born to an Army veteran, Shri Jaffer Khan, he was deeply inspired by his father's service and dedication to the nation. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic environment, he imbibed the values of courage, commitment, and selfless service from an early age. Motivated to follow in his father's footsteps, he joined the Indian Army in 1998 and was recruited into the 18 Madras Battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its glorious traditions of valour. During his tenure, he displayed commendable professionalism, physical endurance, and devotion to duty, earning the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. Owing to his operational proficiency and proven track record, he was later deputed to the 38 Rashtriya Rifles, a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Having rendered nearly 15 years of dedicated service, he had evolved into a seasoned and battle-hardened soldier, known for his composure under fire. In 2013 his battalion was deployed in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control, a highly sensitive region prone to frequent ceasefire violations. On 14 October 2013, Pakistani troops initiated heavy mortar and small-arms shelling in the Balakote sector of Mendhar Tehsil, triggering an exchange of fire that continued intermittently for nearly two days. On 15 October 2013, while performing his duties at his post with exceptional alertness and courage amid intense shelling, Lance Naik Firoz Khan was struck by a mortar round and sustained grievous injuries. Despite all efforts to save him, he succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty. For his extraordinary gallantry and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal.