Chewang Rinchen
Chewang Rinchen MVC & Bar, SM was a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army from the Union territory of Ladakh. He was the youngest ever recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest Indian gallantry decoration, for his role in the defence of Ladakh in the First Kashmir War. He received the Maha Vir Chakra for a second time after Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, for his role in the conquest of the Turtuk and Tyakshi, in what came to be known as the Battle of Turtuk. He was one of only six Indian service personnel to have the Maha Vir Chakra twice.
He was awarded a Sena Medal for gallantry in the 1962 India-China War. and Mention in dispatches for gallantry in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Early life
Chewang Rinchen was born in the village of Sumur in Nubra in 1931 in an illustrious family. One of his ancestors had the title of "Stak" for his bravery and his mother was known as "Mother of Nubra Valley" for her compassion. Rinchen was educated in Sumur by a Ladakhi Christian missionary by name Stanzin. At age 13, he attracted the attention of a kalon of Ladakh, who took him to Leh for secondary education. Four years later, the First Kashmir War started, placing Ladakh in grave jeopardy from the raiders from Gilgit-Baltistan.Military career
Rinchen joined the Nubra Guards in 1948 at the age of 17 years. It is said that Major Prithi Chand had requested the local people of Ladakh for their support in repelling the invasion, and Chhewang was the first man to enlist in the newly formed Nubra Guards. He served in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 alongside Indian Army units.He later received a formal enlistment in the Indian Army as a Jemadar.He was trained by Subedar Bhim Chand, VrC & bar, of Lahaul. For his role in this war, Chewang Rinchen is regarded among the 'Saviours of Ladakh', alongside Bhim Chand, Col. Thakur Prithi Chand, MVC, and Lt. Col. Kushal Chand, MVC. Fighting in the Nubra Valley, Rinchen was promoted through the ranks and was awarded a Mahavir Chakra for bravery. At 17 years of age, he was the youngest recipient of the award.Maha Vir Chakra
The citation for the first Maha Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:Between wars
Rinchen also served in the 1962 India-China War, where he was awarded a Sena Medal. On 1 April 1964, he was granted a permanent commission in the regular Indian Army with the rank of second lieutenant, and relinquished his commission in the Jammu and Kashmir Militia. He was promoted to lieutenant on 21 August 1964.Bar to Maha Vir Chakra
In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Rinchen, now a major in the Ladakh Scouts, led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the Pakistani Army and the strategic outpost of Turtuk. For these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured. This battle was known as the Battle of Turtuk.The citation for the second Maha Vir Chakra awarded to him reads: