Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Piru Singh Shekhawat
Company Havildar Major · 1918 – 1948
With his company struck down around him, he pressed on alone against the enemy posts at Tithwal.
On 18 July 1948, in an attack on enemy positions at Tithwal, Company Havildar Major Piru Singh’s company suffered heavy casualties. Wounded, he went on to clear an enemy machine-gun post and continued towards the next position until he was killed.
Early life and background
Born in Rajasthan, Piru Singh enlisted in 1936 and served with the 1st Punjab Regiment, including service on the North-West Frontier and with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.
Historical context
In July 1948, 6 Rajputana Rifles was ordered to capture enemy positions on a ridge in the Tithwal sector, held by well-entrenched forces.
Key achievements
As the attack went in, the company suffered heavy losses. Piru Singh, wounded, charged an enemy medium machine-gun post and silenced it, then pressed on alone to attack the next post with grenades.
Important events and milestones
- 1936 Enlists in the army.
- 18 July 1948 Attack at Tithwal; killed in action.
- 1950 Awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous).
His sacrifice
Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was killed on 18 July 1948 while attacking a second enemy post.
Enduring legacy
His courage is honoured by the Rajputana Rifles and at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Piru Singh (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.