Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Abdul Hamid
Company Quartermaster Havildar · 1933 – 1965
With a jeep-mounted recoilless gun, he destroyed enemy tanks at Asal Uttar.
During the Battle of Asal Uttar in the Khem Karan sector in September 1965, CQMH Abdul Hamid used a jeep-mounted recoilless gun to engage advancing enemy tanks, destroying several before he was killed on 10 September 1965.
Early life and background
Born in Ghazipur district, Abdul Hamid joined the army in 1954 and was posted to the 4th Battalion of the Grenadiers, with which he also served in the 1962 war.
Historical context
In September 1965 Pakistani armoured forces advanced in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab. 4 Grenadiers held positions in their path near the village of Asal Uttar.
Key achievements
Abdul Hamid commanded a recoilless gun detachment mounted on a jeep. Moving to positions from which he could engage the tanks, he destroyed several before he was hit.
Important events and milestones
- 1954 Joins the army; posted to 4 Grenadiers.
- 9–10 September 1965 Battle of Asal Uttar.
- 10 September 1965 Killed in action.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous). India Post issued a commemorative stamp in 2000.
His sacrifice
Abdul Hamid was killed on 10 September 1965 while engaging another tank. He was thirty-two.
Enduring legacy
His courage at Asal Uttar is remembered as one of the defining acts of the 1965 war.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Abdul Hamid (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Official portrait (painting) · Indian Army · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.