Troops of a Mountain Brigade during operations
By October 1971, the Mukti Bahini had stepped up its activities that stretched and tied down the Pakistani forces. As tensions mounted, 14 PUNJAB, 8 GUARDS and 4/5 Gorkha Rifles fought fierce battles at Garibpur, Hilli and Atgram between 20 and 23 November 1971. The Commanding Officers of all three units were decorated with MVC. War broke out on 3 December 1971. The infantry acted with elan and resolute determination to liberate Bangladesh. In the battle of Gangasagar, Lance Naik Albert Ekka of the 14 GUARDS was valour personified. He cleared an enemy light machine gun post and, though wounded, went on to silence yet another medium machine gun by bayoneting the crew. Regrettably he died of his wounds. In recognition of his valour and self sacrifice he was posthumously awarded PVC - the only one to be so decorated in the eastern theatre.
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