Param Yodha

On 03 Nov 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company of 4 KUMAON was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam in response to the invasion by Pakistan forces in Srinagar. The enemy, estimated at about 500, attacked his company position from three sides with the intention of capturing the Srinagar airfield. Major Somnath Sharma led his company to fight the enemy with dogged determination. With extreme bravery he kept rushing across the open ground to his troops, skilfully directed their fire onto the enemy, until a mortar shell exploded near him. His inspiring leadership led his troops to keep fighting for many hours after his death, thus stalling the enemy attack. For exhibiting an act of inspiring leadership, conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous).