
Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa was born on 27th November 1941 to Shri Nanda Bahadu. He hailed from Garhung in Nepal. He was recruited into 5/3 GR of the famed 3 Gorkha Rifles Regiment. During December 1971, Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa’s unit 5/3 GR was deployed in the western sector.
Service Number | 5232218 |
Place of Birth | Nepal |
Rank | Rifleman |
Unit | 5/3 GR |
Regiment | 3 Gorkha Rifles |
Award | Vir Chakra |
Date of Martyrdom | 11th December 1971 |
On 11th December 1971 Rifleman Prem’s unit planned an attack on the enemy positions. As the attack commenced and the troops were crossing the start line, a medium machine gun post suddenly opened up from a flank and held up the attack. Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa immediately assessed the situation and realized that the MMG needed to be neutralized at any cost to facilitate the advance of own troops. Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa decided to silence the MMG. He immediately swung into action and started crawling towards the MMG post. While crawling towards the machine gun post, he was hit by a burst of fire and started bleeding profusely. Unmindful of his wounds and safety, he continued to crawl and threw a grenade in the trench. The grenade destroyed the post and the MMG which was impeding the advance of our troops was finally silenced. However, Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa got grievously wounded and later succumbed to his injuries.
Rifleman Prem Bahadur Thapa was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” posthumously.