Field Marshal Manekshaw

Sam Manekshaw was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the British Indian Army. He served in the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, beginning a military career that would span four decades.

During the Burma Campaign of World War II, Manekshaw was severely wounded by Japanese machine-gun fire while leading a counterattack. He was saved by a fellow officer and later awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.

Manekshaw was appointed as the 8th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army in June 1969. He oversaw the modernization and restructuring of the army during a period of regional tensions.

As Army Chief, Manekshaw led Indian forces to a decisive victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. He was promoted to Field Marshal.

Manekshaw was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, the first Indian Army officer to hold the five-star rank. The promotion recognized his leadership in the 1971 war.