Lachhiman Gurung

Lachhiman Gurung, VC (born 30 December 1917) is a Nepalese recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 27 years old, and a Rifleman in the 4th Battalion of The 8th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 May-13 May 1945 at Taungdaw, Burma (now Myanmar), Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung was manning the most forward post of his platoon which bore the brunt of an attack by at least 200 of the enemy. Twice he hurled back grenades which had fallen on his trench, but the third exploded in his right hand, blowing off his fingers, shattering his arm and severely wounding him in the face, body and right leg. His two comrades were also badly wounded but the rifleman, now alone and disregarding his wounds, loaded and fired his rifle with his left hand for four hours, calmly waiting for each attack which he met with fire at point blank range. Afterwards, when the casualties were counted, it is reported that there were 31 dead Japanese around his position which he had killed, with only one arm.

Further information

He is a living recipient. He later achieved the rank of Hon. Havildar.

The medal

The medal is in the possession of his parent unit, 4th Battalion the 8th Gurkha Rifles in India in which he earned the award.

External links

* [http://haynese.winthrop.edu/india/medals/VC/2LGurung.html Lachman Gurung]