Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar served in 20 Maratha Light Infantry of The Maratha Light Infantry. He hailed from Bibi village in Phaltan Tehsil of Satara district, Maharashtra.
In 1964, 20 Maratha Light Infantry was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir in a sensitive forward area. The battalion was responsible for holding forward positions and conducting patrols along the Ceasefire Line, where soldiers had to remain alert to hostile activity and possible infiltration.
On 23 September 1964, a patrol of 20 Maratha Light Infantry operating along the Ceasefire Line came under a sudden attack by an enemy force that was considerably larger in strength. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the patrol resisted the attack and continued to defend its position.
Lance Naik Hari Kumbhar was seriously wounded during the engagement while carrying out his duties and supporting his fellow soldiers. He was evacuated along with the other wounded personnel for medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on 23 September 1964.
His sacrifice was made while serving with 20 Maratha Light Infantry in the forward Jammu & Kashmir sector. He is remembered among the soldiers of 20 Maratha Light Infantry who lost their lives in the 23 September 1964 engagement along the Ceasefire Line.