SmarSetu — A Bridge of Remembrance
Fallen In ServiceRetired PersonnelOperationsRegimentsNews & EventsRemembranceAtlasChronicle
AboutGet Reminders
Fallen In ServiceRetired PersonnelOperationsRegimentsNews & EventsRemembranceAtlasChronicleAboutGet Reminders
Indian Army soldiers with the national flag

COURAGE

SACRIFICE

SERVICE

A STRONGER

TOMORROW

Be A Part Of SmarSetu

Together, We Keep
Their Legacy Alive.

Volunteer, contribute stories, help with research or spread awareness — every effort strengthens the bridge of remembrance.

Volunteer With UsShare a Story

Preserve History

Contribute stories, photos and records

Support Research

Help build accurate and authentic content

Spread Awareness

Tell others about SmarSetu

Make a Difference

Keep the legacy alive for generations

SmarSetu — A Bridge of Remembrance

SmarSetu is a digital platform dedicated to India's armed forces — preserving their stories, exploring our military history, and connecting a grateful nation.

PEOPLE | STORIES | HISTORY

A Stronger Tomorrow

Quick Links

  • Fallen In Service
  • Retired Personnel
  • Operations
  • Regiments
  • News & Events
  • Remembrance
  • Atlas
  • Chronicle
  • About

Resources

  • Volunteer With Us
  • Share a Story
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Stay Connected

Get the latest stories, updates and remembrance content from SmarSetu.

Subscribe
Follow Our Journey

"History lives, when we choose to remember."— Jai Hind

India Gate at sunrise

100+

Stories & Articles

50+

Historical Locations

A Growing Community

Join as a Volunteer

Real Stories. Real People.

A Grateful Nation.

Jai Hind

Lest We Forget

India Gate at sunrise

100+

Stories & Articles

50+

Historical Locations

A Growing
Community

Join as a Volunteer

Real Stories.
Real People.

A Grateful Nation.

Jai Hind

Lest We Forget

© 2026 SmarSetu. All rights reserved. Built with respect for our heroes.

Privacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
INDIA ALWAYS
Home/Fallen In Service/Gurbachan Singh Salaria
Media
Verified
No Portrait

Gurbachan Singh Salaria

Param Vir Chakra Holder · 1 Gorkha Rifles
Date of Birth
29 Nov 1935
Veergati
5 Dec 1961
Service No
IC-8497
Rank
Param Vir Chakra Holder
Unit
-
Regiment
1 Gorkha Rifles
Branch
Indian Army
Operation
In December 1961, Salaria was among the Indian troops deployed to the Republic of the Congo as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo
Place of Veergati
India

Share This Hero

Soldier Profile

Gurbachan Singh Salaria

PARAM VIR CHAKRA HOLDER · 1 Gorkha Rifles
Biography
Source verified

Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, PVC (29 November 1935 – 5 December 1961) was an Indian military officer and member of a United Nations peacekeeping force. Salaria was an alumnus of the King George's Royal Indian Military Colleges in Bangalore and in Jalandhar as well as the National Defence Academy (NDA). He was the first NDA alumnus and is the only UN Peacekeeper to be awarded a Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest wartime military decoration. In December 1961, Salaria was among the Indian troops deployed to the Republic of the Congo as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo. On 5 December, as part of Operation Unokat, Salaria's battalion was tasked to clear a roadblock of two armoured cars manned by 150 gendarmes of the secessionist State of Katanga on the way to the Elizabethville Airport. The plan was that Salaria and his men were to block their retreat. His rocket launcher team attacked and destroyed the Katangese armoured cars. This unforeseen move confused the Katangese gendarmes, and Salaria felt it would be best to attack before they reorganised. Though his troops were outnumbered, they charged towards the Katangese and killed 40 men in a kukri assault. During the attack, Salaria was shot twice in the neck and eventually succumbed to his injuries. The remaining gendarmes fled in confusion, leaving their dead and wounded behind. This helped the main battalion to easily overrun the Katangese and clear the roadblock. For his duty and courage, and disregard for his own safety during the battle, Salaria was awarded the PVC.

iBiography compiled from verified sources — PIB, Ministry of Defence, and Gazette of India. AI-assisted summary generated only from documented facts.

Quick Facts

  • 1. Branch: Indian Army
  • 2. State: India
  • 3. Service No: IC-8497