Major Asa Ram Tyagi was born on 2 January 1939 in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, and was the son of Shri Saguwa Singh Tyagi. He was commissioned into the Jat Regiment on 17 December 1961 and served with 3 Jat.
During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, 3 Jat was tasked with capturing the strategically important Dograi position. Major Tyagi commanded A Company, which was assigned the eastern part of the Dograi township. The enemy position was strongly defended with pillboxes, recoilless guns and tanks.
On the night of 21 September 1965, Major Tyagi personally led the forward-most platoon into the assault. Shortly after advancing, he was hit by two bullets in his right shoulder. Refusing to be stopped by his injuries, he continued toward the enemy tanks and attacked their crews with hand grenades. He succeeded in capturing two tanks intact.
During the intense fighting that followed, he received further bullet wounds but continued directing and leading his troops. Eventually, after sustaining multiple injuries, he became unconscious and was evacuated to a military hospital.
Major Asa Ram Tyagi subsequently died from his wounds on 25 September 1965. His courage and leadership inspired his men to continue the assault and capture the Dograi objective. For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously.