Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (29 November 1935 – 5 December 1961) was an officer of the Indian Army and is celebrated as one of India’s most distinguished soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for his actions during a United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Congo Crisis (1961). Captain Salaria remains the only Indian Army officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra for gallantry in a UN peacekeeping mission.
Early Life and Military Training
Born on 29 November 1935 in Jamwal village near Shakargarh (then part of British India; now in Pakistan), Salaria came from a family with a proud martial heritage. After his early education, he attended the King George Royal Indian Military Colleges and later joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, 1st Gorkha Rifles on 20 December 1957, a premier infantry regiment known for its courage, discipline, and the distinctive khukri carried by its soldiers.
The Congo Crisis: Background
After gaining independence in 1960, the Republic of the Congo descended into political instability and armed conflict. The United Nations launched a peacekeeping operation, United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), to stabilise the situation, protect civilians, and support the government. India was among the countries that contributed troops to ONUC, forming a major part of the UN force.
Operation and Gallantry on 5 December 1961
On 5 December 1961, Captain Salaria’s platoon was tasked with clearing a fortified roundabout near the UN headquarters in Élisabethville (now Lubumbashi), about 75 km from the Katangese capital. The position was held by Katangese gendarmes who were resisting UN operations.
With a mixed group of roughly 16 soldiers and a 3-inch mortar detachment, Captain Salaria advanced toward the obstacle. As the unit approached, enemy fire intensified, and two armoured cars joined the opposition, creating a heavily defended position far stronger than expected.
Despite the odds, and fully aware of the casualty risk, Captain Salaria chose to engage the enemy directly. He led a close-quarters assault, throwing grenades, engaging with khukri and bayonet, and directing small arms fire. During the fierce action, he personally destroyed both armoured cars and inflicted heavy casualties among the gendarmes.
In the process, he was severely wounded by automatic fire. Unable to move, he continued to encourage his men and remained focused on the assault until he succumbed to his injuries.
Param Vir Chakra Citation
For his extraordinary courage, leadership, and sacrifice during this engagement, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. India’s highest gallantry award recognises the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
His award is exceptional because it was earned while serving in a UN peacekeeping mission, a context where operational mandates often emphasise neutrality, restraint, and protection of civilians. Salaria’s willingness to confront overwhelming force to achieve the mission objective underscores both his personal valor and professional commitment.
Legacy and Remembrance
Captain Salaria’s legacy endures within the Indian Army and beyond. He was the first NDA graduate to receive the Param Vir Chakra, highlighting the role of India’s premier military training institutions in shaping leaders.
A bust of Captain Salaria was unveiled at the Param Yodha Sthal at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, a permanent tribute to his courage.
Every year, his regiment and military institutions commemorate his sacrifice, inspiring new generations of soldiers to uphold the values of duty, courage, and selfless service.
Closing Thoughts
Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria’s actions in the Congo Crisis transcend the conventional boundaries of peacekeeping and showcase how courage and leadership in even neutral operations can shape history. His story stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s ethos: to perform any task with courage, professionalism, and self-sacrifice, regardless of context or command.