Galwan hero Colonel Santosh Babu awarded with Maha Vir Chakra

Colonel Santosh Babu, who was among the 20 soldiers that died in the line of duty in hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15 last year, has been awarded with the second highest wartime gallantry honour, the Maha Vir Chakra, for showing "conspicuous bravery in face of enemy, exemplary leadership and astute professionalism.

Subedar Sanjiv Kumar, who died in an anti-terror operation in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir in April last, has been named for Kirti Chakra, India's second highest peacetime gallantry awards,Kumar, who was from the fourth battalion of the Army's Parachute Regiment, was leading a squad of the Special Forces detachment which was heli-dropped in Keran to intercept and eliminate a group of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists,

Five soldiers have been awarded with Vir Chakra, the third highest wartime gallantry award. Three soldiers have also been awarded with Shaurya Chakra, the peacetime equivalent of Vir Chakra. The defence ministry said President Ram Nath Kovind has approved awards of 455 gallantry and other defence decorations to armed forces personnel and others on the eve of 72nd Republic Day celebrations.

The Army said 130 personnel are being conferred Sena medal and 85 personnel have been named for Vishisht Sena medal.The Indian Air Force said four of its personnel, Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh, Flight Lieutenant Preji Raju, Squadron Leader Vivek Gairola and Wing Commander Bibhu Dutta SK Jenamani have been named for Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).The Indian Navy said three of its officers have been named for Param Vishisht Sewa medal, seven others are being conferred Ati Vishisht Sewa medal and eight personnel have been named for Nau Sena medal. Sixteen naval personnel have also been named for Vishisht Sewa medal, it said.