Vajra Corps 18 Garhwal Rifles battalion celebrated 19th anniversary of Dras Day

Jalandhar,  June 29 (Punjab Post Bureau) – Under the aegis of Vajra Corps  18 Garhwal Rifles battalion celebrated 19^th anniversary of Dras Day to commemorate the gallant action and supreme sacrifice of battalion during operation Vijay. The celebration was attended by all serving soldiers of the Unit. The events  conducted by the battalion during Dras Day celebration included Mandir Parade in the honour of gallant martyrs and unsung heroes, Wreath Laying Ceremony by the Commanding Officer Colonel Pranav Prasoon and Subedar Major Anand Prakash followed  by Special Sainik Sammelan. 

In the month of May 1999, 18 Garhwal Rifles was moved from South Lolab Valley (Jammu  and Kashmir) to Dras Sector for Operation Vijay. Battalion was a part of the action at point  5140 on 13 June and 18 June 1999 and captured  point 4700 on 28-29 June 1999. One officer and 15 Jawans of this battalion were martyred and 23 were injured during Operation Vijay. For this gallant action 18 Garhwal Rifles  was awarded with Chief of Army Staff Unit citation. Subsequently Battalion was bestowed upon with Battle Honour ‘Dras’ and Theater Honour ‘Kargil’ in recognition of its commendable battle performance. During operation Vijay battalion received large number of awards and honours which includes six Vir Chakras, eight Sena Medals, seven Mention-in-Dispatches and two Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards.