Date of Birth: 
About Thomas Philipose
- Thomas Philipose (born 8 July 1942) was a havildar (sergeant) in the Madras Regiment during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.During the 1971 war, the Madras Regiment was tasked to capture Lalial and Sarajchak, prior to establishing a bridgehead across the river Basantar.
- Enemy minefields covered the entire area and the Pakistani infantry was well entrenched in the area.
- Pakistani observation posts kept a close watch over Indian movement. Undaunted, the Madras Regiment attacked Lalial on 16 December.
- When the platoon commander and several others were wounded, havildar Philipose took charge.
- Accompanied by only 15 men, the havildar led a fierce attack and secured Lalial.
- The enemy soon regrouped for a second attack. Philipose and his men, however rushed at the advancing enemy with fixed bayonets, Philipose was hit by a bullet but he kept going.
- The ferocity of the charge unnerved the Pakistanis and they began retreating.
- A stray bullet hit Philipose again, but he held on grimly till the battle was won.
- He was honored by being awarded with the Mahavir Chakra for his steadfastness and courage.
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