Lieutenant Ashok Choudhary took over as Post Commander of a key post in Bilafondla Complex of Siachen Glacier on 15 May 1988. Six days before he took over, 9 May to be precise, the enemy had made a last attempt to re-take the post by fixing a four-ropes-and-ladder system on the ice wall. This attack was successfully beaten back. The ropes-and-ladder system, however, remained in position, making it possible for the enemy to re-use them. On 18 May 1988, despite inclement weather, it was decided to descend the forward ice wall and cut the fixed ropes. Second Lieutenant Choudhary, with Rifleman Kunwar Singh, rappelled down the steep ice wall 400 feet below, and swiftly located the ropes on the face of the ice wall hanging by the belaying rope. He cut one rope with his knife. The weather was lifting rapidly, and the team was about to be exposed to enemy observation on the forward slope. Despite his exposure to fire, the officer moved on to the second rope and cut it.

Thus Second Lieutenant Choudhary greatly minimised the possibility of a surprise attack by the enemy. Second Lieutenant Ashok

Choudhary displayed conspicuous courage and valour in the face of the enemy.