Chandigarh, January 20, 2008 (DefenceIndia News Service)

In a bid to honour the recipients of Sena Medals (Gallantry), Sena Medals (Distinguished Service) and Vishist Seva Medals (VSM) of the Western Command of the Indian Army, an Investiture Ceremony is being held at Dehradun on January 22.

Lt Gen T K Sapru, GOC-in-C, Western Command would give away the awards.

A large number of officers from the three services, special invitees and civil dignitaries will attend the function, a defence spokesman said in Chandigarh on Sunday .

Twenty four personnel of the Western Command holding various ranks would receive the awards which include 9 Sena Medals for gallantry, 8 Sena Medals for distinguished service and 7 VSMs. Of particular mention is the Sena Medal (Gallantry) which will be awarded posthumously to brave jawan Grenadier Virender Singh who laid down his life fighting the terrorists. His wife Geeta Devi will receive the medal.

For the purpose of classification, Indian honours and awards can be divided into two categories, viz Gallantry Awards and Non-gallantry awards. Among the gallantry awards, the first category comprises those awarded for exhibiting gallantry in the face of the enemy and the second for exhibiting gallantry other than in the face of the enemy.

The Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Sena, Nao Sena and Vayu Sena Medal.

(PTI)