Abdul Hamid Soldier

Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid (1933–1965) was an Indian Army soldier renowned for his exceptional bravery during the Indo–Pakistani War of 1965. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for valour, for his decisive role in the Battle of Asal Uttar, where he destroyed multiple Pakistani Patton tanks before being killed in action. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage, commitment, and sacrifice in the defence of India.

Early Life and Background

Abdul Hamid was born on 1 July 1933 in a village in Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mohammad Usman, worked as a tailor, and his mother, Sakina Begum, managed the household. From a young age, Hamid assisted his father by stitching clothes, an occupation that instilled discipline and diligence. His rural upbringing provided limited resources but encouraged perseverance, which later defined his military ethos.

Military Career and Service Record

Hamid joined the Indian Army on 27 December 1954, enlisting in The Grenadiers, one of the nation’s oldest infantry regiments. He was posted to the regiment’s 4th Battalion, the former 109th Infantry, where he served continuously throughout his career. His service took him across various parts of India, including Agra, Amritsar, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, the North-East Frontier Agency, and Ramgarh Cantonment.
During the Sino–Indian War of 1962, his battalion formed part of the 7th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier John Dalvi. The battalion participated in the Battle of Namka Chu, facing intense engagement with the People’s Liberation Army. Despite being surrounded and cut off, the unit managed a withdrawal on foot into Bhutan and onwards to Misamari. The battalion’s earlier highest gallantry recognition after independence was the Maha Vir Chakra awarded posthumously to Second Lieutenant G. V. P. Rao, until Hamid’s own later recognition.

Indo–Pakistani War of 1965: Background to the Conflict

The Indo–Pakistani War of 1965 was preceded by increasing cross-border tensions. Pakistani forces attempted to trigger rebellion in Jammu and Kashmir through infiltration under Operation Gibraltar, during which thousands of guerrillas crossed into the region. Indian troops uncovered the infiltration by early August, capturing prisoners and documents indicating broader military intentions. India responded by capturing strategic locations such as Hajipir and Phir Saheba, prompting Pakistan to escalate operations along the international border.
The 4th Infantry Division of India was tasked with capturing Pakistani territory east of the Ichogil Canal and suppressing any assault along the Kasur–Khemkaran axis. The 4 Grenadiers were subsequently positioned near the village of Chima on the Khem Karan–Bhikhiwind line, a location that later became crucial during the Battle of Asal Uttar.

Battle of Asal Uttar

The battalion arrived near Asal Uttar on the night of 7–8 September 1965 and entrenched themselves by dawn. At approximately 7:30 a.m., Pakistani Patton tanks advanced toward their positions. Hamid commanded the jeep-mounted recoilless rifle (RCL) detachment and demonstrated precision by disabling the leading tank, causing the crews of trailing tanks to abandon their vehicles. By mid-day, artillery fire and a fresh armoured assault followed, but Hamid again destroyed an approaching tank. Mines laid by army engineers further strengthened the defensive perimeter.
On 9 September, the battalion suffered aerial attacks by Pakistani F-86 Sabre aircraft and sustained heavy casualties. Armoured assaults at intervals throughout the day were met with strong resistance. By evening, Hamid had destroyed four tanks with his RCL gun, and the battalion had neutralised or abandoned thirteen tanks in total.
With limited armour support due to the withdrawal of Sherman tanks and redeployment of Centurion tanks, the battalion relied heavily on RCL guns and defensive mines. On 10 September, at around 8:00 a.m., another formation of Pakistani tanks approached. Hamid destroyed the leading tank and, at 9:00 a.m., eliminated yet another under intensified artillery bombardment. Relocating to avoid detection, he ordered his men to seek cover. Soon after, he was sighted by an advancing tank. Facing direct fire, he struck the enemy tank even as its shell fatally hit him. His actions were pivotal in thwarting the offensive, contributing significantly to India’s decisive victory at Asal Uttar.

Param Vir Chakra Citation

For conspicuous bravery and selfless devotion to duty, Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra on 10 September 1965. The official citation highlighted his repeated acts of gallantry, disregard for personal safety, and steadfast commitment in the face of overwhelming armoured threats. His conduct was recognised as being in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Legacy and National Recognition

Hamid’s valour has been commemorated widely across India. The Param Yodha Sthal at the National War Memorial in New Delhi features his bust alongside those of all Param Vir Chakra recipients. A commemorative postage stamp honouring him was issued on 28 January 2000, depicting his likeness and the jeep-mounted recoilless rifle he famously operated.
Requests from his widow, Rasoolan Bibi, for establishing a military recruitment centre in his village and preserving his home as a memorial reflect the enduring local pride in his legacy. His grave and the memorial dedicated to the Battle of Asal Uttar are located near Chima village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district. In 2015, India’s Prime Minister paid tribute at his tomb, acknowledging his sacrifice.
Each year, on 9 September, a major sports and cultural fair is held in Asal Uttar village to honour his memory. In 2011, the Flags of Honour Foundation renovated the memorial in his native village, adding a new statue and restoring the surrounding structures. In 2017, the Chief of the Army Staff unveiled another memorial in Ghazipur district.
In 2023, in recognition of Param Vir Chakra awardees, the Government of India named 21 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after them, with one island designated Hamid Island in his honour.
Educational recognition includes the inclusion of a chapter on Veer Abdul Hamid in the Class 6 NCERT curriculum to instil patriotism among students. A school in his home village was renamed Shaheed Hamid Vidyalaya to commemorate his contribution.