Service No: JC-126568L
Date of Birth: Nov 26, 1941
Place of Birth: Shiroli, Maharashtra
Service: Army
Last Rank : Subedar
Unit : 18 Garh Rif
Arm/Regt : The Garhwal Rifles
Operation: Op Pawan
Award: Vir Chakra
Date of Martyrdom : Oct 20, 1987
Subedar Sita Ram Patil VrC
Subedar Sita Ram Patil was born in a small village called Shiroli in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra on on 26th November 1941.
Subedar Sita Ram Patil, on 26th November 1962 was commissioned into the 18 Garhwal Rifles, one of the most decorated regiments of Indian Army. In the year 1987, Subedar Sita Ram Patil’s unit was sent to Sri Lanka as part of IPKF contingent.
Sri Lankan Operations : Op Pawan- 20 Oct 1987
The IPKF launched its first operation on 9 October 1987 after formulating a multi-pronged strategy to take on LTTE. Code-named Operation Op Pawan, it was expected to neutralize LTTE operational capability in and around Jaffna. This included the capture or neutralization of the LTTE’s chain of command, which was expected to leave the rebel movement directionless in the face of the impending assault on the LTTE strongholds by the IPKF. Ultimately, after two weeks of bitter fighting the IPKF wrested control of Jaffna and other major cities from the LTTE, but operations continued for the capture of Jaffna Fort.
By Oct 1987, Subedar Sita Ram Patilr’s unit was operating deep inside Sri Lanka and was in thick of combat operations. As the battle for Jaffna progressed, the IPKF advance came under intense and vicious opposition from the LTTE Tigers. Fighting in built-up and an as-yet unevacuated Jaffna, the Indian High Command insisted that the slow advance was, in addition to Tiger resistance, more a result of reluctance on the part of the IPKF to use heavy weaponry to clear LTTE defenses. On October 15/16 the IPKF stopped its advance to stabilize the front. Palay, the major operations headquarters for the 54th Infantry Division, was also secured from Tiger attacks. At this time the IAF undertook a massive airlift to reinforce the 91st with three brigades and heavy equipment, including T-72 tanks. Now reinforced, the IPKF resumed the battle for Jaffna on 17 Oct. On 20Oct 1987, Subedar Sita Ram Patil’s unit was tasked to link with Jaffna fort.
Subedar Sita Ram Patil and his troops were moved into position for military actions in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. On the night of 20th October, 1987, his troop occupied by a defensive position in a built up area, where the militants were armed with rockets. The next day, the platoon was subjected to heavy and accurate fire by the militants who used rockets. But inspired by the troop commander’s outstanding courage and sterling leadership, they held the ground and kept the militants at bay. Every attack of the militants was repulsed. During such an attack, the gallant Junior Commissioned officer Subedar Sita Ram Pati got a direct hit and was martyred. He made the supreme sacrifice of the Army.
Subedar Sita Ram Patil has displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a very high order. Subedar Sita Ram Patil awarded “Vir Chakra”, for his exceptional courage, and supreme sacrifice during the war.
Subedar Sita Ram Patil was deployed in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. On the night of 20th/21st October, 1987, his Platoon occupied a defensive position in a built up area, where the militants were armed with rockets. Throughout the next day, the platoon was subjected to heavy and accurate fire by the militants who used rockets. But inspired by the platoon commander’s outstanding courage and sterling leadership, they held the ground and kept the militants at bay. Every attack of the militants was repulsed. During such an attack, this gallant Junior Commissioned officer got a direct hit and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army.
Subedar Sita Ram Patil has displayed extreme devotion and conspicuous bravery in the face of militants.
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