Date of Birth
28 April 1928
Date of Gallantry Action
6 September 2005
Place of Gallantry Action
Sirijap, Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Unit / Regiment
1/8 Gorkha Rifles
War / Conflict
Sino-Indian War of 1962
Biography
Major Dhan Singh Thapa commanded a forward post of the 1st Battalion, 8th Gorkha Rifles at Sirijap, overlooking the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. On 20 October 1962, during the Sino-Indian War, his small garrison was assaulted by overwhelming Chinese forces after intense artillery and mortar bombardment. His men repulsed two attacks, inflicting heavy casualties, before a third assault supported by tanks overran the position. Major Thapa fought on in hand-to-hand combat until he was overpowered and taken prisoner. For his courage, conspicuous gallantry and leadership he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Sources
Information compiled from publicly available official and historical sources.
Veergati is an independent digital memorial and is not affiliated with the Government of India. Disclaimer & Sources