Chandigarh, January 13
As many as 24 medals for gallantry and 62 medals for distinguished service were awarded to Army personnel at the investiture of Western Command held in Chandimandir and New Delhi on January 12 and 13. Twentysix units were felicitated with Unit Citations for their performance in operational and administrative duties.
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, presented the distinguished service awards and unit citations at a function held at Chandimandir on Friday.
He later interacted with the awardees and their families. A number of families of gallantry awardees who had made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty were also invited to the ceremony and were felicitated, a defence spokespersons said here today. On Saturday, the second phase of the investiture was held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, where the Army Commander presented gallantry awards, including the Yudh Sewa Medal.
The Army Commander conveyed the gratitude of the nation to the families of the bravehearts. He also exhorted all ranks to continue their pursuit for professional excellence and remain committed to the security of the nation.
The award ceremony in Delhi was preceded by an impressive parade consisting of eight marching contingents of the Army, including an all-woman combined marching contingent from the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Corps of Military Police.