New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday approved 107 gallantry awards including three Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras, according to the defence ministry statement. The list of awardees released include a soldier who sacrificed his life going beyond the call of duty and killed two wanted terrorists in Kashmir, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who evacuated Indians from Kabul in hostile conditions, a woman pilot who guided a humanitarian assistance mission during flash floods in Madhya Pradesh, and an army dog who saved lives during a counter-terror mission are among several others honoured for their bravery and service on the eve of Independence Day.
Three Kirti Chakras & 13 Shaurya Chakras
The medals announced include three Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras, the second and third highest peacetime gallantry honours, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Kirti Chakra have been announced for Naik Devendra Pratap Singh, the soldier who killed two terrorists, and BSF constables Sudip Sarkar and Paotinsat Guite (both honoured posthumously).
Murmu approved two bar-to-Sena Medals (Gallantry), 91 Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) and one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry). The President has also approved 40 Mention-in-Despatches, including one posthumously for army dog Axel for his role in a recent counter-terror operation in Kashmir.
You can check the complete list here
Group Captain Rahul Singh has been listed for the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for evacuation of Indian embassy staff and diaspora from Kabul, while IAF helicopter pilot Wing Commander Deepika Misra, who was involved in the relief mission in MP, will also be given the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry.)
While Axel was Mentioned in Despatches — the highest honour a dog can get for military service in India — another four-legged warrior, Bajaj of 26 Army Dog Unit is among the 408 soldiers honoured with the Army chief’s commendation card for their service.