Major Dhan Singh Thapa
Major
Born
10 Apr 1928
Died · Age 77
6 Sept 2005
Honours
About
Held a Ladakh post against overwhelming Chinese forces in 1962. Survived capture and returned to India — one of two PVC recipients from the 1962 war to survive.
Full Story
In October 1962, Major Dhan Singh Thapa commanded a small garrison at Sirijap-1 in Ladakh when thousands of Chinese troops launched a massive assault. With fewer than 100 men against an entire regiment, he led three counter-attacks after his position was overrun. When ammunition ran out, his men fought with bayonets and bare hands. Presumed dead, he was later found to be a prisoner of war. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra while still in captivity — making him the only living PVC holder at the time of the award. He returned to India after the war and continued serving in the Army.