Lt General Khem Karan Singh   Maha Vir Chakra  IC-2041

Lieutenant General Khem Karan Singh was born on 5th March, 1919 in village Badani, Rohtak district, Haryana. His father's name was Captain Bharat Singh. He did his schooling at Government High School, Jhajjar and Government High School, Delhi Cantonment. Lt Gen Singh graduated from St. Stephen College, Delhi. He took part in the Hyderabad operations under the command of Gen J N Chaudhary. During the 1962 Indo-China War, he was Commander posted at Tezpur Headquarters. When the Deputy Commissioner of Tezpur fled away, Lt Gen Singh asked the SDM to perform the duty, and helped maintain the morale of the civilians. In the 1965 Indo-Pak War he was a Brigadier commanding an Armoured Brigade in the Sialkot Sector and was awarded the MVC for his gallantry. He was promoted to the rank of Lt General during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and appointed General Officer Commanding I Corps. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1971. After 32 years of meritorious service he retired from the Indian Army to his farm in village Amarpur, Tehsil Palwal, Faridabad. He now takes a great interest in agriculture.

1965 India-Pakistan War: Brigadier K K Singh, commanded his Armoured Brigade in action in the Sialkot Sector from 6th September to 22nd September, 1965. In addition to his own Brigade, Brigadier Singh was given command of additional tank units in order to cope with the enemy tanks which were superior both in numbers and quality. The force under Brigadier Singh destroyed over 75 enemy tanks. This was possible due to his able leadership and by his being in the thick of the battle in his own tank. Brigadier K K Singh fought the battle of Phillora for three days and nights. Finally because of his superior leadership, better tactical and technical performance, the enemy forces were defeated and thrown out of this important communication centre. He was given the task of destroying as much enemy tanks and equipment as possible. Just a few days before ceasefire the enemy commanders were so demoralized that they avoided combat. Brigadier Khem Karan Singh displayed outstanding skill, high tactical ability and great devotion to duty for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in September, 1965.

1971 India-Pakistan War: In this war, the newly promoted Lt Gen K K Singh was the GOC of I Corps. He was given the job of removing the threat to Panjab and our vital communication lines to Jammu & Kashmir. The enemy in that sector had well developed fully prepared system of defenses protected by extensive minefields in depth. Lt Gen Singh showing great professional ability and planning, pressed on with his offensive in the Shakargarh Sector inflicting great losses to the enemy. He forced the enemy to commit its Armor to battle and caused heavy attrition to the enemy. He showed devotion to duty and leadership of exceptionally high order for which he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.