Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria

 Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria: The Fearless Hero of the Congo Crisis

Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, born on November 29, 1935, in Jamwal village, Shakargarh (now in Pakistan), was an officer of the 1 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. He is remembered for his extraordinary bravery during the United Nations Operation in the Congo (1961), where he became the only UN peacekeeper to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military gallantry award.

Heroic Actions in the Congo Crisis

 He displayed unparalleled bravery during the 1961 United Nations Operation in the Congo, where he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award. In response to escalating violence following Belgium's exit from Congo, the United Nations deployed a military intervention force, with India contributing a brigade of 3,000 soldiers. 

On December 5, 1961, Captain Salaria's platoon was tasked with reinforcing a vital UN roadblock established by the 3/1 Gorkha Rifles to counter the aggressive Katangese troops, who were heavily armed with automatic weapons and armored vehicles. Despite facing superior enemy firepower and being outnumbered 90 to 16, Captain Salaria led a fearless assault using bayonets, khukris, and grenades, successfully neutralizing 40 enemy soldiers and destroying two armored cars.

 His audacious attack demoralized the enemy, preventing their advance towards the strategic Elisabethville airfield and ensuring the safety of the UN headquarters. Although critically wounded in the neck during the engagement, he continued fighting until he succumbed to excessive bleeding. His fearless leadership and supreme sacrifice remain a shining example of the values upheld by the Indian Army, inspiring generations.

Legacy and Recognition

For his exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to duty, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, making him a legendary figure in Indian military history. 

His sacrifice remains an inspiration to generations of soldiers, embodying the core values of courage, dedication, and selflessness. To honor his memory, various landmarks and institutions across India bear his name, reminding the nation of his heroic contributions.