Gurdial Singh, SM

Biography

Gurdial Singh was born on 5 April 1966 in Swamipur village, Nangal tehsil, Ropar district, Punjab. He enlisted in the Indian Army on 26 December 1984 and served with distinction for over 26 years. During his illustrious career, he participated in Operation Trident (1986-87), Operation Rakshak (1991-93), and Operation Rhino (2005-07), earning the 9 Years Long Service Medal, Operation Vijay Medal, 20 Years Long Service Medal, Special Service Medal, J&K Sainya Seva Medal, and Uchch Tungata Medal. During Operation Rakshak in Kupwara district on 30-31 August 2011, Naib Subedar Gurdial Singh was at the forefront when his unit engaged militants. He swung into action with exceptional courage, helping eliminate four terrorists before being fatally wounded during the fierce encounter. For his conspicuous gallantry, Naib Subedar Gurdial Singh was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. A school in his native Swamipur village was named in his honour, and the state government erected an entrance gate as a tribute to his sacrifice.