chhelu ram

Chhelu Ram was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 37 years old, and a Company Havildar-Major in the 6th Rajputana Rifles, Indian Army, 4/ during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On the night of 19/20 April 1943 at Djebel Garli, Tunisia, the advance of a battalion of the 5th Indian Infantry Brigade was held up by machine-gun and mortar fire. Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram dashed forward with a tommy-gun and killed the occupants of a post and then went to the aid of his company commander who had become a casualty. While doing so he was himself wounded, but taking command of the company, he led them in hand-to-hand fighting. He was again wounded, but continued rallying his men until he died.