Orders, Decorations and Medals

The unique I.D.S.M. and bar, M.M. group of seven awarded to Naick Puran Singh, 3/14 Punjab Regiment

INDIAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, G.VI.R., with second Award Bar (9748 Sep., 3-14 Punjab R.); MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (9748 Naik, 14 Punjab R.) officially engraved naming; INDIA GENERAL SERVICE 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39(9748 Sep., 3-14 Punjab R.) minor offi cial correction to number and rank; 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR; WAR MEDAL; INDIA SERVICE MEDAL, very fine or better and very rare (7)

I.D.S.M., London Gazette, 24 September, 1942. 'P/A/Naik Puran Singh led his section forward in the face of fierce enemy fire. When the order to retire was received, he picked up a wounded Naik and carried him back under extremely heavy fire and at the same time brought back three Tommy guns.

M.M., London Gazette, 27 July, 1944. 'On the 4th of May in the Imphal area this NCO was the leading section commander in an attack on a very strongly held enemy position. In the last of three attacks most of his section was either killed or wounded but he pushed on until four yards from the enemy bunkers and trenches. From this position using his Tommy-gun and throwing grenades very effectively he inflicted several casualties on the enemy. He held on to the position under very heavy fire and grenades, imploring the enemy to come out and fight, until ordered to withdraw by his platoon commander. This NCO set a very high example of courage, devotion to duty and complete contempt for his own personal safety.'

Bar to I.D.S.M., London Gazette, 5 October, 1944. 'On 21.6.44 in the Imphal area whilst 'A' Coy 3/14 Punjab Regt were in position on west side of Patch M.R., about 40 enemy were seen in the jungle opposite. 6 men were seen moving to occupy a bunker about 300 yards from our position. Without waiting for any support Naik Puran Singh gallantly rushed across the intervening space right out in the open and single handed occupied the bunker armed only with a Tommy gun. This act of bravery successfully prevented what would have been a very dangerous position from being occupied and used by the enemy. He remained there alone for about 15 minutes until a platoon could be moved round to the flank to cover him. A magnificent example of bravery over and above the call of duty.' T

here were 19 I.D.S.M., M.M. combinations awarded during the Second World War, but of these Puran Singh uniquely won a bar to his I.D.S.M., making an exceptional group of gallantry awards.