New Delhi, Oct 17: Indian Army`s 169 Field
Regiment (Op Hill) on Friday become the first artillery unit
from the country to be assigned a United Nations peace-keeping
mission.
The Regiment, the highest decorated artillery unit in
the country, is proceeding to Congo in Africa, where
it will get to don the Blue Berets as part of the Indian
Brigade already serving there under the UN mandate.
Flagging off the contingent at a Sainik Sammelan here,
Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General S P S Dhillon
asked the personnel to build on the outstanding work done by
Indian forces in Congo till now.
He asked the troops to ensure peace in Congo by
demonstrating dedication, devotion and humanitarian approach
there.
Since its raising in 1963, the regiment has
participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, earning the honour
title `Op Hill`. It also took part in 1971 war.
In its stint in the counter insurgency and counter
terrorist operations, the Regiment earned the Jammu and
Kashmir Governor`s Silver Salver in 1995 and Chief of the Army
Staff`s unit citation for `Op Rakshak` in 1996.
The unit has won 90 awards in its 45 years of
existence, which includes two Shaurya Chakras, 17 Sena medals,
two mention-in-dispatches, 41 COAS commendation cards, a Vice
Chief of Army Staff commendation Card and 27 General Officer
Commanding in Chief Cards.
Bureau Report
