Mahavir Chakra
The nation's second highest wartime gallantry award, the Mahavir Chakra, was awarded to Naik Digendra Kumar on 15 August 1999 for his daring actions and services to his country during the Kargil War in occupying Tololing hill on 13 June 1999. He was in 2 Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army.
When heavy fighting broke out in the Kargil region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir owing to planned infiltration by militants backed by the Pakistan army, the Indian Army was ordered to clear the heights of those intruders. Many tough battles took place in the region. The Battle of Tololing was one of the most significant battles, where Naik Digendra Kumar successfully recaptured Tololing hill on 13 June 1999.
The Tololing is a dominant position overlooking the Srinagar - Leh Highway (NH 1) and was a vital link. The Indian army's casualties on the Tololoing peak were half the total losses in the entire war. Much of the losses were due to the nature of the terrain as World War I style frontal charges had to be mounted to reclaim the peaks to dislodge the intruders. The three week assault finally culminated with India taking control of the peak and changing the course of the war.
In addition to the Mahavir Chakra, he also received a Sena Medal and many other medals of bravery.
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