Sonam Wangchuk
The Ladakh Scouts | |
---|---|
Battles/wars | Kargil War |
Awards | Maha Vir Chakra |
Spouse(s) | Padma Angmo |
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC is an Indian Army veteran, who served with the Assam Regiment and the Ladakh Scouts. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, during his successful operation in the Kargil War. Due to his exemplary feet as a Major during Kargil War, he is known as the Lion of Ladakh in the Indian Army.
Early life and education
Born in 1964 in Sankar, Col. Wangchuk is a native of Khakshal, a region near
Military career
Wangchuk attended the
Maha Vir Chakra Citation
Sonam Wangchuk's Maha Vir Chakra citation reads:
Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Maj Sonam Wangchuk, MVC
Gazette Notification: 17 Pres/2000,15.8.99 Operation: Vijay - Kargil Date of Award: 1999
Citation:
On 30 May 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk was leading a column of The Indus Wing, Ladakh Scouts as a part of ongoing operations in Op VIJAY in the Batalik Sector. The column was tasked to occupy Ridge Line on the Line of Control in a glaciated area at a height of about 5,500 metres. This was essential so as to pre-empt its occupation by the enemy and any subsequent infiltration.
While moving towards the Line of Control, the enemy ambushed the column by firing from a vantage position. In the process, one NCO[5] of The Ladakh Scouts was killed. Major Sonam Wangchuk held his column together and in a daring counter ambush, led a raid on the enemy position from a flank, killing two enemy soldiers. The officer also recovered one heavy machine gun and one Universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores and three dead bodies of the enemy personnel.
Thereafter, the officer took stock of all forces along the Chorbatla axis in the Batalik Sector and cleared the axis up to the Line of Control of all enemy intrusions at great risk to his life.
Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme climatic conditions in the glaciated area.[6]
Awards and decorations
Maha Vir Chakra | Samanya Seva Medal | Special Service Medal
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Operation Vijay Star |
Siachen Glacier Medal | Operation Vijay
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Sainya Seva Medal
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High Altitude Service Medal
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Vishesh Seva Medal
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50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
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20 Years Long Service Medal
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9 Years Long Service Medal
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References
- ^ Rediff On The NeT Special: On an icy ridge, sipping sattu, ready to move in for the kill
- ^ http://www.reachladakh.com/in-conversation-with-col-sonam-wangchuk/2466.html [dead link]
- ^ Rediff On The NeT Special: Ladakh Scouts: The Heroes of Batalik
- ^ President Kovind Released "Lion of Ladakh" on Col Sonam Wangchuk (MVC)
- ^ Havildar Tsewang Rigzin,VrC
- ^ Mahavir Chakra (MVC), Awardee: Lt Col Sonam Wangchuk, MVC @ TWDI