Lieutenant General WAG Pinto (Retd), a military hero who led an infantry division to a legendary victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War died in Pune at the age of 97. He led the 54 Infantry Division in the Battle of Basantar in the war that gave birth to Bangladesh. He also coined the motto, “bash on regardless”, while leading his troops.
“In this battle, Pinto’s division won as many as 196 gallantry medals in just 14 days of fierce fighting, including two Param Vir Chakras and nine Maha Vir Chakras,” the official added.
In a solemn ceremony here on Sunday, Pinto was remembered by several military officials, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command Lieutenant General JS Nain.
