Havildar Abdul Hamid
| Full Name | Abdul Hamid |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Dhaurahra, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Date of Death | September 10, 1965 (age 32) |
| Rank | Havildar |
| Branch | Indian Army, Armoured Corps |
| Unit | 4th Armoured Division |
| Awards | Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) |
Introduction
Havildar Abdul Hamid is one of India’s most celebrated war heroes, renowned for his extraordinary bravery during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. His fearless actions on the battlefield earned him the prestigious Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, posthumously. Hamid’s act of valor not only secured his place in the annals of Indian military history but also made him a symbol of courage, determination, and selflessness.
Childhood & Early Life
Abdul Hamid was born on July 10, 1933, in the small village of Dhaurahra, situated in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, India. He came from a modest background and was raised in a rural environment. Hamid’s family was relatively poor, but he was instilled with strong values of hard work, dedication, and national pride from an early age.
Growing up in a time when India was struggling with post-independence challenges, Abdul developed a deep sense of patriotism and was keen on serving the nation. As a young boy, he would often dream of joining the Indian Army, inspired by the stories of brave soldiers and freedom fighters.
Hamid completed his schooling at a local school before deciding to join the Indian Army at the age of 21, which was a significant turning point in his life.
Army Career
Hamid joined the Indian Army in 1954, enlisting as part of the Armoured Corps, which is responsible for operating tanks and mechanized units. He was trained in tank operations, and over time, he gained a reputation for being an expert in tank driving and warfare tactics. His experience with armoured vehicles, coupled with his disciplined approach to military service, quickly made him an asset to his unit.
Hamid was a member of the 4th Armoured Division during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, a conflict that erupted between India and Pakistan over territorial disputes, particularly in the Kashmir region. This war, though brief, was intense and fought in the challenging mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the war, Hamid was serving in the Tithwal Sector, which was one of the major battlefronts. His role in this sector became legendary due to his heroic actions on September 10, 1965.
Major Works and Acts of Heroism
During the course of the 1965 India-Pakistan War, Abdul Hamid was involved in several key actions. His defining moment came during a battle in the Tithwal Sector of Jammu and Kashmir. On September 10, 1965, his unit was tasked with defending a critical area from advancing Pakistani forces.
The battle turned fierce as Pakistani tanks began to push deeper into Indian territory. In the face of this overwhelming threat, Hamid demonstrated extraordinary bravery. He was driving a Centurion tank when his unit was ambushed by Pakistani forces. Despite his tank being hit multiple times and being severely injured in the process, Abdul Hamid continued his assault on the enemy tanks.
Even after his tank was destroyed, Hamid remained resolute. He took control of a RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) launcher and single-handedly destroyed five Pakistani tanks, all the while under heavy fire. His relentless courage continued until he was fatally wounded in the battle.
Abdul Hamid’s bravery and sacrifice were instrumental in halting the enemy’s advance, and he is credited with destroying at least five Pakistani tanks, making him a hero of the war. His actions not only demoralized the Pakistani forces but also turned the tide of the battle in India’s favor. His courage was beyond compare, and he became a symbol of selflessness and patriotism.
Awards & Achievements
In recognition of his remarkable bravery, Abdul Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy, and Hamid’s actions during the 1965 war exemplified this distinction.
His citation for the PVC reads: “Even though his tank was destroyed and he was critically injured, Hamid continued his assault on the enemy tanks, displaying an unyielding commitment to his country and his comrades.”
Apart from the Param Vir Chakra, Abdul Hamid received several other military honors, but it was his extraordinary sacrifice that remains the most celebrated aspect of his military career.
Personal Life & Legacy
Abdul Hamid’s personal life was characterized by simplicity, humility, and devotion to his country. He was married and had children, though he preferred to keep his family life private. His family has always expressed pride in his contribution to India’s defense and has supported his legacy through various tributes and ceremonies.
His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers, and numerous memorials have been established in his honor. Roads, schools, and institutions have been named after him, including the Abdul Hamid Road in New Delhi, which serves as a constant reminder of his courage. Additionally, several statues and plaques have been erected in his memory across India.
In the Indian Army, his name is synonymous with gallantry, and his story is taught to new recruits as an example of unwavering commitment to duty and sacrifice.
Trivia
- RPG Specialist: Abdul Hamid was known for his skill in operating rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), a weapon he used with precision to destroy enemy tanks.
- Tithwal Sector Hero: The battle in the Tithwal Sector is remembered as one of the most intense and heroic episodes of the 1965 war, largely due to Hamid’s efforts.
- Posthumous Honors: Abdul Hamid was the first soldier to receive the Param Vir Chakra for the 1965 Indo-Pak War, setting a precedent for future recognition of bravery in modern warfare.
- Unyielding Spirit: Even though he was critically injured, Abdul Hamid continued his counter-attack on the enemy, showing that his commitment to his mission outweighed his own survival.
Havildar Abdul Hamid’s story remains an inspiration not only to the Indian Army but to all those who value bravery, sacrifice, and love for the nation. His life is a testament to the power of one individual’s courage in turning the tide of war.
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