Question 1

Who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC)?

Accepted Answer

Major Somnath Sharma. Major Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon Regiment was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He was posthumously awarded for his action on November 3, 1947 at Badgam, Kashmir, where he held off a large enemy force despite being wounded. He sacrificed his life but prevented the enemy from capturing Srinagar airport.

Question 2

In which war was the first Param Vir Chakra awarded?

Accepted Answer

1947-48 Kashmir War. The first Param Vir Chakra was awarded for action in the 1947-48 Kashmir War. Major Somnath Sharma received it posthumously for his bravery at Badgam, Kashmir on November 3, 1947. The PVC was instituted on January 26, 1950, retrospective to August 15, 1947.

Question 3

What is the correct hierarchy of India's gallantry awards (highest to lowest)?

Accepted Answer

PVC > Ashoka Chakra > MVC > VC. India's gallantry award hierarchy is: PVC (highest wartime gallantry) > Ashoka Chakra (highest peacetime gallantry) > MVC > Kirti Chakra > Vir Chakra > Shaurya Chakra. The PVC is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy. Ashoka Chakra is for gallantry not in the face of the enemy.

Question 4

CQMH Abdul Hamid was posthumously awarded the PVC for destroying Pakistani Patton tanks in the 1965 war. Which weapon did he use?

Accepted Answer

RCL gun (Recoilless Rifle). Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid of 4 Grenadiers used a jeep-mounted recoilless rifle (RCL gun) to destroy Pakistani Patton tanks in Khem Karan sector during the 1965 war. He destroyed at least 3-7 Pakistani tanks in a single engagement. He was killed when a Pakistani tank shell hit his jeep on September 10, 1965.

Question 5

Lt Col A B Tarapore won the PVC in the 1965 war at which location?

Accepted Answer

Phillora. Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore of 17 Poona Horse was awarded the PVC posthumously for his extraordinary bravery at Phillora in Sialkot sector during the 1965 war. He led his regiment's Centurion tanks against overwhelming Pakistani armour and destroyed a large number of enemy tanks. He was killed on September 16, 1965 but his regiment fulfilled its objective.

Military Awards & PVC — Set 1