Kulwant Singh Pannu

Lt Col Kulwant Singh Pannu (ਕੁਲਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਪੰਨੂ) was an officer of the Indian Army and a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra. Lt Col Pannu is most famous for having led the 2nd Paras in the famous Tangail Airdrop to capture the Poongli Bridge over the River Jamuna on 11 December 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation war. The battalion was airdropped near Tangail (now in Bangladesh) and tasked to cut off the 93 Brigade of Pakistani Army which was retreating from the north to defend Dacca and its approaches. For his conspicuous gallantry and leadership, Lt Col Pannu was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.