(Embargoed: Not for publication/broadcast before January 26, 2007)

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today approved 393 gallantry and distinguished service awards to Armed Forces personnel on the occasion of the Republic Day.

This includes six Kirti Chakras (five posthumous), 31 Shaurya Chakras, four Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 73 Sena Medals (Gallantry), one Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 27 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 52 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and one Yudh Seva Medal.

The list also has four Bar to Vishisht Seva Medals, 123 Vishisht Seva Medals, two Bar to Sena Medals (devotion to duty), 41 Sena Medals (devotion to duty), 12 Nao Sena Medals (devotion to duty) and 15 Vayu Sena Medals (devotion to duty).

The Kirti Chakra awardees are : Col Gurbir Singh Sarna (Grenadiers/29 Rashtriya Rifles) (posthumous), Maj Manish Hiraji Pitambare ( 3 Parachute Regiment-Special forces) (posthumous) Capt Vishal Bhandral (Garhwal Rifles/14 Rashtriya Rifles)-postumous, Lt Natarajan Parthiban (5 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry) (posthumous), Havildar Manjit Singh (16 Sikh Regiment) and CISF Jawan Dhirendra Nath Pratab Singh (posthumous).

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