KOCHI: Havildar K G George, a Vir Chakra awardee from the 1965 Indo-Pak war and the last living Vir Chakra recipient from the Corps of Signals, passed away Saturday morning at his residence in Kottayam. He was 95.
A soldier of the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade Signal Company, George had served as a lineman in the field during the 1965 operations. His gallantry during intense fighting in the Wagah sector earned him the Vir Chakra, one of India’s highest wartime gallantry awards.
According to the official citation, George displayed exceptional courage between September 6 and 10, 1965, when communication lines were repeatedly disrupted during heavy enemy shelling and air strafing.
Despite the persistent attacks, he continued to lead his section to restore crucial communication links for the brigade.
On the night of September 8–9, during a particularly intense enemy assault, George risked his life to establish a communication line between the Brigade Headquarters and the forward battalions. The link proved vital for coordination during the engagement.
“Notwithstanding risk to his life,” the citation notes, George successfully restored the line under hostile conditions, ensuring that frontline units remained connected with command.
For his courage and devotion to duty of a high order, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Fellow veterans remember George as a quiet but resolute soldier whose actions under fire helped maintain critical battlefield communications during the conflict.
Funeral details
The funeral of Vir Chakra awardee Lance Havildar (Signals) K G George will be held on Sunday (March 15) at his native place in Kottayam.
According to family members, the mortal remains of the war hero will be brought to his residence -- Kozhikunnath House at Nedungadappally -- at 7am on the day.
A funeral service will be held at the residence between 1pm and 1.30pm, following which the procession will proceed to St Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally.
The armed forces will render a Guard of Honour at the church from 2pm to 2.30pm. Members of the public will be allowed to pay their last respects between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
The funeral service will begin at 3.30pm. A police Guard of Honour will be held from 4.30pm to 5pm, after which the burial will take place at the church cemetery.