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Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, who was decorated by a Param Vir Chakra in the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict passed away at Pune in late hours of 05 Sept 05. He was 77.
Lt Col Thapa was born on 10 April 1928 in Shimla. He was commissioned to First battalion of 8 Gurkha Rifles in 1949.
Lt Col Thapa (then a Major) was a commander of a post in Ladakh during the Sino-Indian conflict. On 20 October 1962, the post was attacked in overwhelming strength after being subjected to intensive artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command, the greatly outnumbered Indian post repulsed several attacks.
Before it was finally over-run by ovewhlming numbers, Lt Col Thapa got out of his trench and engaged the attackers in a hand-to-hand fighting.
Lt Col Thapa’s cool courage, conspicuous fighting qualities and leadership were in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Army Chief, Gen JJ Singh has condoled the death of the brave and decorated officer.
Lt Col DS Thapa is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, Lt Col P Thapa, presently serving at Pune.
SKS/RKJ
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