Gazette Notification: 9 Pres/66,1-1-66
Operation: 1965 May - Ablaze
Date of Award: 28 Sep 1965
Citation:
On 28 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel PK. Nandagopal, officer commanding a battalion of Sikh Light Infantry, personally led the assault on Kalidhar in J&Kand captured two intermediate objectives. Two counter attacks were beaten off, but due to heavy casualties our troops had to fall back from one oft he hill features. On the night of30 October, the battalion which was given the task of clearing the same objective with the help of a battalion of Mahar Regiment, secured its objective in spite of heavy enemy position and shelling. The battalion continued to press forward and successfully secured three other important features by 1800 hours the same day. On one occasion Lieutenant Colonel Nandagopal personally led the forward company and was involved in a desperate hand-to-hand fight with the enemy he received two heavy blast with a hatchet on his head and face.
In these actions, Lieutenant Colonel PK. Nandagopal displayed remarkable courage, leadership and determination. His bravery was a source of inspiration to all his men and they responded in a befitting manner.
Click here for Awardee's details