Bhukant Mishra, AC

Biography

Major Bhukant Mishra was born in Nowbasta Talipara village in Agra and was commissioned into the 15 Kumaon Regiment on 4 April 1970. During Operation Blue Star in 1984, a company under his command was tasked to clear a heavily fortified temple complex. At 0440 hours on 6 June, his company advanced behind an armoured personnel carrier that was hit by anti-tank gunfire, resulting in eight casualties including the JCO. Realising the loss of command and control in the leading platoon, he rushed forward irrespective of the heavy fire. On 7 June at 0530 hours, when the advance stalled under intense fire, he stood before the company and charged the base of the complex, inspiring his men to gain a foothold. He crawled toward a light machine gun position and destroyed it with a grenade. While rushing toward the complex entrance, he was hit by a burst of medium machine gun fire and was martyred. For his exceptional courage and leadership he was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra.