Major Manoj Talwar was born on 29th August 1969 to an army veteran Captain PN Talwar (retd.) and Smt Usha Talwar. He hailed from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. He got selected in National Defence Academy and was commissioned in 1991 into the 9th battalion of the Mahar Regiment. In 1999, Major Manoj got posted to Siachen Glacier and his unit was deployed in Saltoro ridge in the southwest of Siachen Glacier.
| Service Number | IC-51523F |
| Place of Birth | Meerut, UP |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 9 Mahar/ 3 Mahar |
| Regiment | Mahar Regiment |
| Date of Martyrdom | 13th June 1999 |
During Jun 1999, Maj Manoj Talwar was serving with 3 Mahar battalion deployed in Siachen Glacier. The enemy activity in the Siachen area increased considerably. The troops were undertaking aggressive patrolling of the area to thwart any attempt by the enemy to intrude or threaten the Indian posts. Major Manoj was leading one such patrol on 13th June 1999. The patrol had to traverse through barren and rugged terrain while negotiating icy slopes and dangerous crevices. The terrain and visibility conditions made it difficult for Major Manoj and his troops to spot the enemy soldiers and to make the matters worse, the enemy often resorted to long-range artillery firing. As Major Manoj was leading his team he got hit by enemy fire and was wounded seriously. Despite his injuries, Major Manoj directed his troops to retaliate and put up a brave fight. However, he later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
Maj Manoj Talwar was a valiant soldier and a determined officer who led his men from the front like a good military leader.
