The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military gallantry award โ equivalent to the Victoria Cross (UK) or Medal of Honor (USA). It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy.
As of 2024, only 21 Param Vir Chakras have been awarded โ of which 14 were posthumous (the recipient died in action). The rarity of the award reflects the extraordinary courage required.
| Recipient | War/Conflict | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Major Somnath Sharma | 1947-48 (J&K War) | First PVC โ awarded posthumously |
| Lance Naik Karam Singh | 1947-48 | Only surviving PVC recipient of 1947 war |
| 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane | 1947-48 | Only living PVC in early India |
| Company Havildar Piru Singh | 1947-48 | Posthumous |
| Capt. Gurbachan Singh Salaria | 1961 (Congo) | Only PVC for UN peacekeeping mission |
| Major Dhan Singh Thapa | 1962 (Sino-Indian War) | Survived captivity |
| Subedar Joginder Singh | 1962 | Posthumous โ Sikh Regiment |
| Major Shaitan Singh | 1962 | Rezang La battle |
| CQMH Abdul Hamid | 1965 (Indo-Pak War) | Destroyed Patton tanks with recoilless rifle |
| Lt. Col. Ardeshir Tarapore | 1965 | Posthumous โ tank battle |
| Capt. Vikram Batra | 1999 (Kargil War) | 'Yeh Dil Maange More' |
| Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey | 1999 (Kargil) | Posthumous |
| Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav | 1999 (Kargil) | Only living PVC from Kargil |
| Rifleman Sanjay Kumar | 1999 (Kargil) | Living recipient |
**Major Somnath Sharma** of the 4th Battalion Kumaon Regiment was the first PVC recipient โ for his actions in Badgam, J&K on 3 November 1947. He was awarded the PVC posthumously.
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