Hardev Singh Kler
Major General Hardev Singh Kler, was a decorated Indian Army officer who served in the India–Pakistan war of 1965 and the India–Pakistan war of 1971. He was the recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, for his achievement in the Battle of Jamalpur.
Kler was born in 1924 in Kakrala Kalan village near Ludhiana, Punjab, India into a military family. His father Chhajja Singh was a Honorary Captain, his elder brother Shamsher Singh also served in Indian Army, his younger brother Gurdev Singh Kler who retired as a Lieutenant General, and Kler's son Devender Jeet, who was a decorated Indian Air Force veteran.
Army career
Kler was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1943, and in 1965 he was deployed as the General Staff Officer 1 of the 19th Infantry Division. Serving as a Brigadier, Kler played a major role in the India–Pakistan war of 1971. Kler led the 95 Mountain Brigade in the war.
Kler was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, in 1972.