Lance Naik Albert Ekka was an Indian soldier who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his indomitable courage and bravery in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Let us know some things about Lance Naik Albert Ekka through this article.
Albert was born on December 27, 1942. He was born in Jari village in Gumla district of Bihar (now Jharkhand). His father's name was Julius Ekka and mother's name was Maryam Ekka. He was married to Balamuddin Ekka.
Albert Ekka's military career began in December, 1962, when he was recruited in the Bihar Regiment. But when 14 Guards was formed in January, 1968, Albert was transferred to this newly created regiment. In the year 1971, Ekka was promoted to Lance Naik. During the Indo-Pakistani War in the same year, 14 Guards was attached to IV Corps (Gajraj Corps).
During this war, 14 guards were assigned the task of controlling Gangasar. Albert Ekka attained martyrdom during this war. On December 3, 1971, he breathed his last on the battlefield. During this action, Lance Naik Albert Ekka was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his indomitable courage and extraordinary bravery.
Lance Naik Albert Ekka was posted in a company of a battalion of the Brigade of Guards during the attack on enemy defenses at Gangasagar on the Eastern Front. It was a well-fortified position which was occupied by the enemy. The attacking troops faced intense artillery fire and heavy small-arms fire, but they attacked the target and engaged in hand-to-hand combat.
Lance Naik Albert Ekka saw that the enemy Light Machine-Gun (LMG) was causing heavy losses to his company. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he attacked the enemy bunker, bayoneted two enemy soldiers and defused the LMG. Despite being seriously injured in this encounter, he continued to fight along with his comrades to the mile-deep objective and cleared bunker after bunker with indomitable courage.
The northern end of the target opened up the second floor of an enemy building, where a medium machine-gun (MMG) was in a well-fortified position. This caused heavy casualties and the attack was stopped. Once again this gallant soldier, without regard for his personal safety, despite his serious injury and heavy enemy fire, crawled forward until he reached the building and killed an enemy soldier by throwing a grenade into the bunker. Killed and injured another. However the MMG continued firing. With indomitable courage and determination Lance Naik Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and entered the bunker, bayoneted the enemy soldier who was still firing and thereby silenced the machine-gun, This saved his company from further casualties and ensured the success of the attack. However, in the process, he suffered serious injuries and succumbed to his injuries after capturing the target. In this action, Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed most conspicuous gallantry and determination and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army.
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