"I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure." - Captain Vikram Batra

In June 1996, Captain Vikram Batra embarked on his military career at the Indian Military Academy, joining the Manekshaw Battalion. After 19 months of rigorous training, he graduated on December 6, 1997, and was commissioned as a lieutenant into the 13th battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Following this, he underwent further training in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, for a month.

Subsequently, Captain Batra was stationed in Sopore, a region plagued by militant activities. His professional growth continued as he attended the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, from March to August 1998, completing the Young Officer's Course with distinction and earning an alpha grade, before rejoining his unit in Jammu and Kashmir.

In January 1999, he pursued the Commando Course in Belgaum, Karnataka, excelling to the extent of receiving the prestigious Instructor's Grade upon completion. Returning to his battalion in Sopore, Captain Batra's unit, 13 JAK RIF, initially stationed in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was reassigned to Dras, Jammu and Kashmir, in June 1999. This move was part of their deployment under the 192 Mountain Brigade of the 8 Mountain Division, marking a pivotal phase in his military service amidst the challenging terrain and operational conditions of Dras. Upon reaching Dras on June 6, the 13 JAK RIF battalion came under the command of the 56 Mountain Brigade and received orders to serve as reserves for the 2nd battalion, Rajputana Rifles (2 RAJ RIF), during the assault on Tololing Mountain.

KARGIL WAR

Earlier attempts by the 18 Grenadiers to capture Tololing, starting on May 22, had resulted in repeated failures and significant casualties. Following these setbacks, the Rajputana Rifles took charge of the operation and achieved success on June 13, 1999, by securing the peak of Tololing Mountain.

Subsequently, with the mountain under their control, the 13 JAK RIF battalion assumed responsibility for Tololing and a segment of the Hump Complex, taking over from the 18 Grenadiers. This marked a critical phase in the Kargil War, as the capture of Tololing was pivotal for gaining control over the strategic heights in the region.

Capture of Point 5140
After successfully securing Tololing Mountain, the focus shifted to Point 5140, the highest peak in the Tololing range, standing at 16,962 feet and commanding views over Tololing Nullah. The Hump Complex, stretching between Tololing and Point 5140, was divided among battalions—the 18 Grenadiers taking Humps I–VIII, and the 13 JAK RIF led by Lieutenant Vikram Batra, tackling Humps IX, X, and the Rocky Knob.

Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi, the next objective was Point 5140. Aware of the perilous terrain and the need for swift action, Joshi assigned B Company, led by Lieutenant Sanjeev Singh Jamwal, and D Company, under Lieutenant Vikram Batra, to attack from the east and south, respectively. Their operation was codenamed 'Oh! Yeah, yeah, yeah!' for Jamwal and 'Yeh Dil Mange More!' for Batra. The assault was set for June 19, with the attack scheduled for 8:30 AM.

As planned, under cover of artillery fire, the assault teams began their ascent towards Point 5140 after midnight. When the troops were 200 meters from their target, the guns fell silent, prompting Pakistani soldiers to emerge from their bunkers and open heavy machine gun fire. Both Jamwal and Batra, coordinating from the Hump Complex, requested continued artillery support until they were just 100 meters away.

By 3:15 AM, both companies had reached Point 5140, with B Company confirming their victory at 3:30 AM. Meanwhile, Batra, opting for a surprise rear approach, launched rockets towards enemy bunkers before engaging in close combat. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he single-handedly neutralized multiple enemy positions and captured Point 5140 by 4:35 AM, signaling his triumph over the radio.

The operation was remarkably successful, with no Indian casualties. In recognition of his bravery and leadership, Vikram Batra was promoted to the rank of captain. Following this pivotal victory, the battalion received orders to rest in Ghurmi on June 26 before moving to Mushkoh Valley on June 30.

Capture of Point 4875
After reaching Mushkoh Valley, the 13 JAK RIF came under the command of the 79 Mountain Brigade with the crucial objective of capturing Point 4875, strategically overlooking National Highway 1. This position allowed the Pakistani Army clear visibility of Indian gun placements, camps, and troop movements, making its capture imperative.

The operation began with meticulous planning. On July 4 at 6:00 PM, Indian artillery commenced a relentless bombardment of enemy positions on Point 4875, continuing through the night. Under the cover of this barrage, A and C companies advanced towards their target starting at 8:30 p.m. Despite being unwell and initially lying in a sleeping bag, Captain Vikram Batra rallied his troops forward.

By the break of dawn, the companies were within 50 meters of their objective and commenced firing on enemy positions atop Point 4875 at 4:30 AM. The battle intensified on July 5 at around 10:15 AM when Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi ordered Fagot missiles to strike enemy bases, aiding the advance.

By 1:00 PM, A and C Companies had successfully captured Point 4875, albeit under continued artillery and machine-gun fire from surrounding areas. Throughout the night, intense skirmishes ensued, with Pakistani forces mounting heavy fire on A and C companies. In the early hours of July 6, Captain Nagappa, holding Area Flat Top, was critically wounded, prompting Captain Batra's courageous decision to join him despite the risks.

In a daring move, Batra led a group towards the enemy's fortified position on a ledge near Twin Bump. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he neutralized enemy bunkers and engaged in close combat, eliminating nine enemy soldiers. Tragically, Captain Vikram Batra was fatally shot by a sniper and RPG splinter, marking a heroic end to his extraordinary leadership and sacrifice in the service of his country.