Ordinary men... Extraordinary life's

ORDINARY MEN EXTRAORDINARY LIFES

When major gen. R.C Puri was posted at the deserts of Rajasthan (INDO-PAK WAR 1979) little did he know that at 2:00 PM at 42 C dessert temp, he would be asked to rush to the small hamlet of LONGIWALA near the Indo Pak border.
By the time he reached Longiwala with a small company of 40 people. It was 8:00 PM. Some time before mid-night they heard the noise of tanks from the enemy side they quicky took their positions in the bunkers knowing that their ammunition was not enough to brave the enemy tanks they radioed and asked for air support. They were given two instructions.

1) To pull back if they are unable to hold the enemy at LONGIWALA.
2) The air support could reach them only at day break.

Maj. Puri made the obvious choice NOT to pull back, but to face the enemy’s 20 tanks with his 40 men. Head on.
What happened next is history, not only did he hold them at LONGIVALA till day break, but he was also able to destroy 16 out of the 20 enemy tanks.
Maj. R.C Puri was awarded the highest galantary award the Paramvir Chakra. For his bravery and courage. But little did he know that the enemy tanks he stopped at Longiwala planned not only to take over LONGIVALA but intended to go right up to JAISALMER.

Who are these ordinary people with extra ordinary lifes? Most people were worried and scared when family members did not reach home on the deadly Tuesday night of rains. Imagine these young jawans staying away from their families for 8 months at a go. At places like the Siachen Glacier winter temp reaches –220 C