Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge (Posthumous)
Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge was born in 1912 in Chak Ramdas village, Gujranwala district, Punjab province of undivided India. He received his early education at the local school and then enrolled in Khalsa College, Amritsar for further studies. A talented and enthusiastic young man, Karamjeet Singh displayed leadership qualities from a young age.
In 1941, during World War II, Karamjeet Singh joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 4/15th Punjab Regiment. Due to his dedication, discipline, and quick learning ability, he soon earned the respect of his comrades and senior officers. He was known as a courageous and determined officer who always led his men from the front.
During World War II, on 18th March 1945, Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge displayed unparalleled bravery and self-sacrifice during the Battle of Imphal in Burma (present-day Myanmar). His platoon was tasked with attacking a strongly fortified Japanese position. Despite heavy enemy shelling and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Judge personally led his men in a series of assaults on several enemy bunkers.
In a critical moment, when his platoon was under intense pressure from a strong enemy position, Lieutenant Judge single-handedly advanced and threw grenades at an enemy machine-gun post, neutralizing it. During this courageous action, he was severely wounded but refused to withdraw and continued to inspire his men to advance. Despite his grievous injuries, he kept fighting until the enemy position was captured.
Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For his exceptional bravery, unwavering determination, and selfless leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration of the British Empire. His sacrifice will always be remembered in the annals of Indian military history, and he will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The name of Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge is etched in golden letters in the history of the Indian Army as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. His story teaches us that dedication to duty and selfless service can overcome any challenge.