Lance Naik Hira Bahadur Thapa was an Indian Army soldier of 3/4 Gorkha Rifles, 4 Gorkha Rifles. He was born on 24 August 1957 in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and was the son of Shri C. M. Thapa.
In September 1987, his battalion was deployed in the Bilafondla Complex of the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot. The troops were operating under extremely difficult high-altitude conditions, with severe cold, strong winds and difficult terrain.
On 23 September 1987, while serving on observation-post duty, Lance Naik Hira Bahadur Thapa detected enemy movement and immediately informed his platoon commander. His alertness allowed the post to prepare for the attack, which was successfully repulsed. The enemy made two further attacks that night, but the defenders continued to hold their position.
On the night of 24/25 September, a neighbouring post came under a major enemy assault. Lance Naik Thapa was ordered to move with a small reinforcement party. The group came under heavy fire from an enemy medium machine-gun position and was pinned down in exposed terrain.
Displaying extraordinary courage, Lance Naik Thapa charged towards the enemy MMG position to silence it and allow his comrades to move forward. He was struck by a burst of fire in the chest and succumbed to his wounds on 25 September 1987.
For his conspicuous gallantry and selfless action in the face of the enemy, Lance Naik Hira Bahadur Thapa was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.