R-II Surjan Singh was serving with 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard during Operation Vajra Shakti at the Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, on 24 September 2002.
He volunteered to act as the scout and moved ahead of his Squadron Commander while the NSG team was exposed to terrorist fire. Crawling forward behind a low wall, he engaged the terrorists and provided accurate covering fire that enabled the assault team to advance.
During the engagement, he sustained splinter injuries but continued fighting. When his Squadron Commander came under fire, Surjan Singh moved in front of him and shielded him with his own body, sustaining further injuries. Despite being wounded, he continued firing and throwing grenades and refused evacuation.
While providing covering fire for the evacuation of another injured commando, he engaged a terrorist position and received a critical head injury. Even as he collapsed, he retained his weapon and continued the fight until he became unconscious.
For his exceptional courage, self-sacrifice, professionalism and devotion to duty during Operation Vajra Shakti, R-II Surjan Singh was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.