Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu Sonwane was born on 21st June 1968 to Shri Vishnu Karbhari. He hailed from the Kajisangavi village of Chandwad tehsil in the Nasik district of Maharashtra. He joined the army at the age of 20 years on 29th Jun 1988. He was recruited into 16 MLI bn of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. After serving for a few years with his parent unit he was later deputed to serve with 27 RR deployed in J&K for Counter-Insurgency operations.
| Service Number | 2785371 W |
| Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra |
| Rank | Lance Naik |
| Unit | 27 RR/ 16 Maratha LI |
| Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Date of Martyrdom | 7th June 1999 |
In June 1999, Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu’s unit 27 RR Bn was deployed in J&K. Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu got posted to the J&K area in Dec 1995 as part of Op Rakshak. As the AOR (Area of Responsibility) of 27 RR Bn was fell in the militancy-infested region, the troops had to maintain a very high state of alert and undertook operations against the militants frequently. One such operation was undertaken on 7th June 1999. Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu was made part of the team that was given the responsibility to undertake this operation. Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu along with his comrades reached the suspected area as per the plan and launched the search and cordon operation. Soon the troops made contact with the militants ensuing in a fierce gun battle. However, during the exchange of fire Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu received multiple gunshots and was seriously injured. Later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
Lance Naik Suresh Vishnu was a brave and dedicated soldier who laid down his life in the line of his duty. He is survived by his wife Smt Surekha Suresh Sonwane.
