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| Capt GS Salaria |
Capt Salaria with his small force arrived at a distance of 1500 yards from the road block at approximately 1312 hours on the 05 December 1961 and came under heavy automatic and small arms fire from an undetected enemy position dug in on his right flank. Capt Salaria was wounded by a burst of automatic fire in his neck but continued to fight till he collapsed due to profuse bleeding. Capt Salaria's gallant action prevented any movement of the enemy force towards the main battle scene. Capt Salaria's personal example, utter disregard for personal safety, and dauntless leadership inspired his small but gallant force of 16 Gorkhas to hold on their position. Capt Salaria's leadership, courage, unflinching devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety were in the best traditions of our Army.
On 05 December 1961, 3/1 GORKHA RIFLES was ordered to clear a roadblock established by Katangese troops in Elizabethville, Katanga. When Captain Salaria tried to link up with the Gorkha Company to reinforce the roadblock, he met strong enemy opposition. The enemy brought down heavy automatic fire on his force. Captain Salaria's men charged the enemy with bayonets, khukris and hand grenades, killing 40 of the enemy and destroying two enemy cars. Captain Salaria, despite being wounded in the neck, continued fighting, till he succumbed to his injuries. His bold and courageous action completely demoralised the enemy, who fled despite the numerical superiority, thus saving the UN Headquarters in Elizabethville. For his extraordinary leadership and most conspicuous bravery, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous).
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