17 conferred SM, VSM for distinguished service

Hisar, February 24

Seventeen Army personnel — 16 officers and one soldier — were honoured for gallantry and distinguished service at the Army’s South Western Command Investiture Ceremony today. The event was held with customary elan and military grandeur at the auditorium in the Hisar Military Station.

The awards, presented by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, included 10 Sena Medals (Gallantry) and seven Vishisht Seva Medals (VSM). One gallantry award was presented posthumously to the next of kin of Major Vikas Bhambhu. The Army Commander also conferred the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Command Unit Appreciation on 15 units for exemplary performance.

Congratulating the awardees, the Army Commander urged everybody, including ex-servicemen and civilians to dedicate themselves in service of the Nation. NCC cadets and schoolchildren were also present during the ceremony.

The investiture is conducted once a year to confer various awards on personnel who have distinguished themselves by acts of individual gallantry and exceptional devotion to duty.