“A single man with a gun against tanks. A warrior with no fear, only fire in his heart for Bharat.”
In the vast fields of Khem Karan, amidst the roar of enemy tanks and the haze of war smoke, stood a man whose bravery would rewrite the destiny of a battlefield and etch his name into the annals of Indian military legend. That man was Havildar Abdul Hamid, the lionhearted soldier who brought Pakistan’s superior armoured units to their knees during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. He did not just fight – he dared.
With a vintage RCL gun mounted on a jeep, Abdul Hamid single-handedly destroyed seven Pakistani Patton tanks — a feat so unimaginable that it would inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike. For his gallantry, he was awarded India’s highest wartime gallantry award — the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) — posthumously.
🔹 Roots of Resilience: Early Life and Values
Born on 1 July 1933, in Dhamupur village, Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, Abdul Hamid came from a modest family. His father, Mohd Usman, was a tailor by profession, and his mother, Sakina Begum, instilled in him values of integrity, service, and deep patriotism.
Young Abdul was known for his honesty, discipline, and physical strength. Even before donning the uniform, he displayed a natural affinity for leadership and courage. The desire to serve his nation was not just a dream – it was a calling.
Marching into the Line of Duty: Military Journey
Abdul Hamid joined the Grenadiers Regiment of the Indian Army at the age of 20. His early postings reflected his dedication, but it was in 1965 that fate gave him the stage he was destined for.
As part of the 4th Battalion, Grenadiers, Hamid was deployed in the Khem Karan sector, Punjab, during one of the fiercest confrontations of the India-Pakistan War. Pakistan had unleashed a powerful armoured offensive, boasting American-supplied M48 Patton tanks — technologically superior and heavily armoured.
But no tank is stronger than the spirit of a soldier defending his motherland.
🔥 The Battle of Asal Uttar: Bravery Beyond Comparison
On 10 September 1965, Havildar Hamid spotted enemy tanks advancing. Without waiting for orders, he climbed onto his jeep-mounted recoilless gun (RCL) and fired at the lead tank, destroying it. Then another. And another.
Using cover, agility, and an unbreakable will, he continued firing, maneuvering his jeep through sugarcane fields while dodging tank shells. He had no fear. He had only one mission: stop the enemy or die trying.
On his final assault, while targeting the seventh tank, he was mortally wounded by enemy shell fire — but not before turning the tide of the battle.
🏅 Legacy Carved in Courage: Honours & Remembrance
- Posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for unparalleled bravery.
- A mausoleum was built in his honour at his native village, where people gather every year to pay homage.
- A major road in Delhi, Abdul Hamid Marg, and several institutions have been named after him.
- The destroyed Pakistani Patton tanks were displayed at the Patton Nagar War Memorial, as a symbol of Indian grit.
His wife, Rasheeda Begum, lived on to become a symbol of strength and widowhood with pride — often speaking about her husband’s valor to inspire others.
💥 Human Spirit in Combat: More Than a Soldier
Havildar Hamid was not just a decorated soldier — he was a beacon of communal harmony, a proud Muslim who lived and died for a secular, united India. His story defies every stereotype and reinforces the power of national unity.
He taught us that valour does not come from equipment, but from the heart.
Why His Story Matters Today
In an age where military might is measured by machines, Abdul Hamid reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. His courage gave India not just a tactical victory but a moral one. He inspires countless youth — not just to join the armed forces, but to stand up for what’s right, fearlessly and selflessly.
Final Salute: A Nation’s Eternal Son
As we walk freely in our fields, as we raise our children without fear, let us remember it is because of warriors like Havildar Abdul Hamid. He laid down his life not for a medal, not for glory, but for Bharat Mata — his true love.
"Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Abdul Hamid tera naam rahega."
Let every Indian home tell his story. Let every child grow up with his bravery in their blood.