Rakesh Singh (soldier)

Rakesh Singh (18 September 1970 – 5 December 1992) was an Indian Army soldier, awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration.

Singh was born on 18 September 1970. His father was Col Raj Singh. Cdt Rakesh joined the 78th course of the National Defence Academy in 1986. He was commissioned into 22nd battalion of Grenadiers and rose to become second lieutenant.

Lt Rakesh Singh died on 5 December 1992 at the age of 22 from injuries sustained whilst attempting to cut off the escape of eight fleeing Afghan Mujahadeen who had been flushed out during operations. Single-handedly, he managed to kill five of the Mujahadeen, but sustained injuries during the encounter and died of his injuries.

In 1993 he was awarded India's highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra for his supreme sacrifice.