Khem Karan Singh | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1919-03-05)March 5, 1919 |
| Died | July 26, 2016(2016-07-26) (aged 97) |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service |  Indian Army |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Service number | IC-39607H |
| Unit | 16th Light Cavalry |
| Commands | Central Command I Corps 1 Armoured Division 16th Light Cavalry |
| Awards | |
Lieutenant GeneralKhem Karan Singh,MVC (March 5, 1921 – July 26, 2016) was an Indian seniormilitary officer. He was awarded thePadma Bhushan for his role in the1971 Indo-Pakistani War.[1] He also received theMaha Vir Chakra for his services during theIndo-Pakistani war of 1965.
He was born in 1919 inRohtak district inHaryana.[2] A third generation Cavalry Officer, his grandfatherRisaldar Major Ram Singh and father Honorary Major Bharat Singh has served in the14th Murray's Jat Lancers (which later became20th Lancers). Singh attended theSt. Stephen's College, Delhi.[3]
Singh was commissioned into the16th Light Cavalry in 1941, which he later commanded. In theIndo-Pakistani War of 1965, Singh commanded the 1 Armoured Brigade and was awarded theMaha Vir Chakra.
The citation for theMaha Vir Chakra reads as follows:[4][5]
Gazette Notification: 129 Pres/65,11-11-65
Operation: 1965 Op RiddleDate of Award: 06 Sep 1965
CITATIONBRIGADIER KHEM KARAN SINGH
IC-2014Brigadier Khem Karan Singh, commander of an armoured brigade, led his brigade and some additional armoured units into action during the operations in the Sialkot Sector from 6 to 22 September 1965. He was to cope with enemy tanks which were superior in number and better in technical performance.
During the first three days of battle, the force under the command of Brigadier Singh destroyed over 75 enemy tanks at the cost of a small number of our own tanks. This was possible due to Brigadier Singh's personal example, as he, in his own task, was present at the point of maximum enemy threat.
Brigadier Singh fought the battle of Phillora for three days and nights, throwing out the enemy from this important communication centre. The enemy's morale was so much demoralised because of this action that he avoided close combat and engaged our forces only at extreme range.
Brigadier Khem Karan Singh displayed outstanding leadership, high tactical ability and great devotion to duty, in the best traditions of the Indian Army.
After the war, Singh was promoted to the rank ofMajor General and commanded a division and served as theChief of Staff of theWestern Command. He then took over the important appointment of Director of Military Operations (DMO) at Army HQ under theChief of the Army StaffGeneralSam Manekshaw.[6] In October 1971, just before the outbreak of the war, Singh was sent to commandI Corps, then the only Strike Corps of the Indian Army. For his meritorious service, Singh was awarded the third highest civilian award - thePadma Bhushan.
In November 1973, Singh was promoted to Army Commander grade and took over as the 5thGeneral Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C)Central Command.
After a two-year stint as GOC-in-C Central Command, Singh retired in 1975.[7]
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by H K Sibal | General Officer Commanding-in-ChiefCentral Command 1973 - 1975 | Succeeded by J S Nakai |