What Gallantry Awards Can Military Personnel Receive?

In India, gallantry awards are given to recognize acts of bravery, courage, and selflessness by military personnel during war, operations, or while performing their duties. These awards not only honor the acts of courage but also serve as a source of inspiration for others in the armed forces. Gallantry awards are one of the highest forms of recognition that the government can bestow on military personnel for their exceptional valor and sacrifices.

Categories of Gallantry Awards:

Param Vir Chakra (PVC):

Highest gallantry award for military personnel in India.

• Awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, sea, or in the air.
• Eligibility: Any member of the Indian armed forces, including civilians in exceptional cases.

Example: Captain Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery during the Kargil War, where he made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the success of his battalion’s mission.

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC):

The second-highest military decoration after the Param Vir Chakra.

• Awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy in action, which are slightly less than the level of courage required for the Param Vir Chakra.
• Eligibility: Military personnel in active combat who perform an extraordinary act of bravery.

Example: Lieutenant General (Retd.) A. K. Choudhary was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Vir Chakra (VC):

The third-highest gallantry award and is given for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, air, or sea during battle.

• It can be awarded to military personnel for courageous acts in combat.
• Eligibility: Armed forces personnel who perform brave acts in difficult situations, such as in combat or hazardous missions.

Example: Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was awarded the Vir Chakra for his gallantry during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 when he defended an airfield against enemy aircraft.

Ashoka Chakra:

Awarded for gallantry and courage shown in the face of the enemy during peacetime operations or outside combat.

• It is the highest peacetime gallantry award and is given for acts of bravery in situations where military personnel demonstrate extraordinary courage in operations that are not wartime-related.
• Eligibility: Any member of the Indian armed forces, including civilians, can receive the Ashoka Chakra.

Example: Lieutenant Colonel Arvind Chauhan was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his brave and selfless actions while saving lives in a terror attack.

Kirti Chakra:

The second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

• Awarded for acts of gallantry and bravery in situations that require courage outside of combat, such as counterinsurgency operations or extreme danger to life during peacekeeping duties.
• Eligibility: Military personnel or civilians who show extraordinary bravery in situations of extreme peril.

Example: Inspector General S. K. Singh was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his role in combating insurgency operations in the Northeast.

Sena Medal (SM):

The Sena Medal is awarded for individual acts of exceptional courage or gallantry in peace or war.

• This medal is awarded to army personnel and is the highest award for bravery in situations outside combat.
• Eligibility: Soldiers, officers, or even civilians who display bravery and valor in their duties in peacetime or wartime.

Example: Major Sudhir Kumar was awarded the Sena Medal for his act of bravery during an operation in Kashmir, where he neutralized several insurgents.

Nau Sena Medal (NSM):

The Nau Sena Medal is awarded to personnel of the Indian Navy for acts of exceptional courage in the line of duty.

• This medal recognizes bravery in situations such as maritime operations, naval warfare, and peacetime missions involving extreme risks.
• Eligibility: Members of the Navy, including sailors and officers.

Example: Lieutenant Commander P. K. Sinha was awarded the Nau Sena Medal for his valorous actions during a critical mission involving anti-piracy operations.

Vayu Sena Medal (VSM):

This medal is awarded to members of the Indian Air Force for acts of exceptional courage or valor.

• It is given for significant contributions in air operations, rescue missions, and wartime activities.
• Eligibility: Air force personnel who show outstanding bravery in operations or rescue missions.

Example: Wing Commander R. K. Shukla was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his heroic actions during an aerial combat operation.

Additional Information:

Posthumous Awards:

Some gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra are often conferred posthumously in recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who lost their lives in combat.

Decoration vs. Medal:

Gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra are decorations, while others like the Sena Medal and Nau Sena Medal are medals given for gallant acts during both war and peacetime.

Award Criteria:

To be eligible for a gallantry award, the act must typically involve extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy, such as combat operations, defense of strategic locations, or humanitarian missions in hostile environments.

Example:

Example 1:

During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery when he fought against enemy aircraft in order to defend an airfield, despite being outnumbered.

Example 2:

Captain Vikram Batra, who displayed exceptional courage during the Kargil War, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic efforts in recapturing strategic peaks, even at the cost of his life.

Conclusion:

Gallantry awards serve as an important recognition of military personnel’s acts of valor and bravery in the line of duty. From the highest recognition, the Param Vir Chakra, to the peacetime honors like the Ashoka Chakra, these awards symbolize the extraordinary sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the nation. Through these awards, the country acknowledges the bravery, courage, and selflessness displayed by its armed forces, inspiring future generations to serve with honor and integrity.