history · 13 May 1945 · 79 years ago
Gurkha Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung and two comrades manning a forward observation post ar Taungdaw, Burma, were attacked by more than 200 Japanese. Twice Gurung threw back grenades that were lobbed into their trench but a third went off in his hand blowing away his fingers, shattering his arm and causing other severe wounds to his body. His two comrades were also badly injured. Nevertheless, Gurung fought on, loading his rifle with his good left hand and propping the gun against the parapet to take aim. He held off the enemy for four hours, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. For his outstanding bravery, Gurung was awarded the Victoria Cross.
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