Lance Naik Albert Ekka

Lance Naik Albert Ekka:

 Lance Naik Albert Ekka, a brave soldier of the 14 Guards Regiment, was born on December 27, 1942, in Jari, Ranchi, Jharkhand. He is remembered for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, where he played a crucial role in the Battle of Gangasagar, ultimately earning the nation's highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

 

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, his battalion was tasked with capturing a heavily fortified Pakistani position at Gangasagar, 6 km west of Agartala, a key objective for the capture of Akhaura in the eastern sector.

 On December 4, 1971, at 0400 hours, the 14 Guards launched an attack, facing intense enemy shelling and small arms fire. Lance Naik Ekka displayed exceptional bravery by charging an enemy bunker that was causing heavy casualties, bayoneting two enemy soldiers, and silencing the light machine gun despite being seriously injured. Undeterred, he continued clearing multiple bunkers, securing the advance of his company.

 At the northern end of the battlefield, a Pakistani medium machine gun (MMG) from a fortified building inflicted severe losses on Indian troops. Once again, Lance Naik Ekka crawled to the position, threw a grenade, and eliminated the threat by engaging in close combat, ultimately sacrificing his life for the mission's success. His actions led to the fall of Gangasagar, forcing the enemy to vacate Akhaura. For his unparalleled bravery and self-sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.