Sonam Wangchuk

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra is an Indian Army officer, serving with the Ladakh Scouts regiment. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, for his actions during the Kargil War.

Early life and Education
Colonel Wangchuk is a native of Khakshal, in the Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. He was educated at New Delhi's Modern School Barakhamba Road, and took a bachelor's degree in history from Hindu College, University of Delhi.

Military career
IC-45952M Colonel Songam Wangchuk attended the Officers Training Academy, Chennai and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, The Assam Regiment. He was later deputed to the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts regiment. Whereas he had initially joined the army as a Short Service officer, intending to remain for only 5 years, he later opted for a permanent commission, and became a regular list officer of the service. In 1999, at the outbreak of the Kargil War, then Major Wangchuk led an operation against Pakistani troops on Chorbat La Top, for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.

Maha Vir Chakra Citation
Sonam Wangchuk's Maha Vir Chakra citation reads:

Mahavir Chakra (MVC) Awardee: Lt Col Sonam Wangchuk, MVC

Gazette Notification: 17 Pres/2000,15.8.99 Operation: Vijay - Kargil Date of Award: 1999 Citation: On 30 May 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk was leading a column of The Indus Wing, Ladakh Scouts as a part of ongoing operations in Op VIJAY in the Batalik Sector. The column was tasked to occupy Ridge Line on the Line of Control in a glaciated area at a height of about 5,500 metres. This was essential so as to pre-empt its occupation by the enemy and any subsequent infiltration. While moving towards the Line of Control, the enemy ambushed the column by firing from a vantage position. In the process, one NCO of The Ladakh Scouts was killed. Major Sonam Wangchuk held his column together and in a daring counter ambush, led a raid on the enemy position from a flank, killing two enemy soldiers. The officer also recovered one heavy machine gun and one Universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores and three dead bodies of the enemy personnel. Thereafter, the officer took stock of all forces along the Chorbatla axis in the Batalik Sector and cleared the axis up to the Line of Control of all enemy intrusions at great risk to his life. Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme climatic conditions in the glaciated area.