Somnath Sharma
Somnath Sharma, PVC (31 January 1923 – 3 November 1947), was an Indian military officer and the first recipient of India's highest military decoration, Param Vir Chakra (PVC), which he was awarded posthumously.
Major Somnath Sharma | |
|---|---|
Major Somnath Sharma on a 2003 stamp of India | |
| Born | 31 January 1923 Dadh, Kangra district, Punjab Province, British India (present-day Himachal Pradesh, India) |
| Died | 3 November 1947 (aged 24) Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Dominion of India |
| Allegiance | British India India |
| Service/ | British Indian Army Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1947 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | IC-521 |
| Unit | 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | |
| Relations | General V. N. Sharma (brother) |
Sharma was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment, in 1942. He served in Burma during the Arakan Campaign in World War II, for which he was mentioned in despatches. Fighting in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, Somnath Sharma was killed in action on 3 November 1947 while repulsing Pakistani infiltrators near Srinagar Airport. For his gallantry and sacrifice during the Battle of Badgam, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
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