Major Shaitan Singh:
Shaitan Singh was born on 1 December 1924 in a Rajput family of Bhati clan in Banasar village, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC (1 December 1924 – 18 November 1962) was an Indian Army officer and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. Singh was born in Rajasthan. On completing his graduation, Singh joined the Jodhpur State Forces. He was transferred to the Kumaon Regiment after the princely state of Jodhpur was merged into India. He took part in operations in the Naga Hills and also in the 1961 Indian annexation of Goa.
Battle of Rezang La took place at Rezang La Pass in Ladakh, India, during the Sino-Indian War on November 18, 1962, the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, beat off a Chinese assault.
During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, 13th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment was stationed in the Chushul sector. C Company, under the command of Singh, was holding a position at Rezang La. In the morning hours of 18 November 1962, the Chinese attacked. After several unsuccessful attacks from the front, the Chinese attacked from the rear. The Indians fought until their last rounds, before eventually being overpowered by the Chinese. During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defences and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded, and later succumbed to his injuries. For his actions on 18 November 1962, Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 124. Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to Jodhpur and cremated with military honors. For his actions at the Battle of Rezang La, on 18 November 1962, Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Major Shaitan Singh's exemplary leadership, undaunted determination and conspicuous courage is etched in the pages of Indian history. For his valour in the face of the enemy he was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously. Major Shaitan Singh (IC-6400), 13 KUMAON (Posthumous). (Effective date of Award: 18 November 1962).
