Dhan Singh Thapa
Dhan Singh Thapa PVC (28 April 1928 – 6 September 2005) was an Indian military officer and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. He was commissioned into the 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles in 1949.
Lieutenant colonel Dhan Singh Thapa PVC | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 April 1928 Simla, Punjab Province, British India (present day Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India) |
| Died | 6 September 2005 (aged 77) Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Service/ | Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1949–1980 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Service number | IC-7990 |
| Unit | 1/8 Gorkha Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Sino-Indian War |
| Awards | Param Vir Chakra |
The Sino-Indian War began on October 1962; on 21 October, the Chinese advanced to north of Pangong Lake with the objective of capturing Sirijap and Yula. Srijap 1 was a post established on the northern bank of Pangong Lake by the 1st Battalion of 8th Gorkha Rifles and was commanded by Major Dhan Singh Thapa. Soon the post was surrounded by well armed Chinese forces. Major Thapa and his men held the post and repelled three attacks before eventually being overrun. The survivors, including Thapa, were taken as prisoners of war. For his gallant actions and his efforts to motivate his men under fire he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Thapa was released from captivity after the war ended. Following retirement from the Army, he worked for a brief period with Sahara Airlines. He died on 6 September 2005.