In
September 1961, Naik M. Thapa was a section commander in the rearguard
platoon of the relief force withdrawing from Lufira Bridge in Congo. The
force was ambushed at a roadblock a few miles from Elizabethville. The
road had been mined by the enemy and the ambush site covered with fire.
Although wounded even before he reached the roadblock, Naik Thapa
deployed his section boldly and engaged the enemy with fire while
manoeuvring to get to the flank of the ambush. He was grievously wounded
by machine gun bullets. Despite this, he continued to lead his section
and engage the enemy. Naik Thapa's section withdrew after everyone of
the retreating force had a safe passage over the ambushed area. He was
the last man to leave the area and a little later succumbed to his
injuries.
During the operation, Naik Thapa showed leadership and courage of the
highest order. His gallant devotion to duty saved many lives and made an
orderly withdrawal of the force possible.
Naik Mahabir Thapa was posthumously honoured with the Mahavir Chakra for the courage of highest order.
Awarded Posthumously
Service: Army
Arm: Infantry
Unit: 3/1 Gorkha Rifles
P. Number: 5030815
Birth: 03 Dec 1923
Died: 16 Sep 1961
Permanent Address:
Village Sarudara Rajamawa
PO Jantala
Tehsil Sailyan
District Jayar Kot
Nepal
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