AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 160 of 170 61. But he continued attack on the enemy strongholds single-handed, until all the enemy positions were overwhelmed. He then raced to the ‘B’ Squadron position. By the time he reached there, the enemy tanks were on the retreat. He pursued and destroyed one of these tanks. The ‘B’ Squadron Commander could persuade him to fall back in line after great difficulty. 62. The enemy soon reformed for a second attack. This time they chose the sector held by 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal and two other Officers, for the main attack. The enemy employed a complete armoured squadron against these three tanks in order to achieve a breakthrough. 63. A fierce tank battle followed. As many as ten enemy tanks were destroyed and of these 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal alone destroyed four. In the thick of the battle, two of the three Indian tanks became casualties - one was hit and another suffered mechanical failure. 64. The third tank, 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal’s tank, also received a shot and burst into flames. The Commander of the tank troops ordered 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal to abandon the burning tank. But realising the useful role of his tank in preventing a breakthrough he communicated the following message to his Commander: 65. “No Sir, I will not abandon my tank; my gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” 66. Then he set about destroying the remaining enemy tanks. The last enemy tank which he shot was barely 100 metres from his position. At this stage his tank received a second hit. The brave Officer met his death denying the enemy the intended breakthrough. 67. For conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy, 2nd Lt. Khetarpal was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra; the highest wartime gallantry medal. (Sources: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Khetarpal.html ; http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/india/medals/PVC/PVC13.html 68. Khetarpal Auditorium In honour of this brave soldier, who is a proud alumni of the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun, an auditorium, named as Khetarpal Auditorium. Khetarpal was one of the many gallant officers of the Academy who fought till their last breath holding its credo to greater heights. The Khetarpal Auditorium, completed in 1982, marks the Golden Jubilee of the Academy. Lt. Arun Khetarpal, PVC, who showing exemplary courage and valour, went down fighting the enemies during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Facing the Chetwode Building it symbolizes the confidence of the later generations of officers of the Indian Army, who have not failed their predecessors. The auditorium with a seating capacity of 1500 persons and built in the classical modern style is a massive structure. The front of the auditorium with tall pillars at the entrance, and fleeting steps leading to the high plinth on which the building stands lends it an imperial look. (Source: http://indianarmy.nic.in/arimaest. htm)