The Heroic Legacy of Abdul Hameed: India's Braveheart of the 1965 War
Prakhar Mishra | IIMC Dhenkanal | Sep 18, 2025, 18:20 IST
During the tumultuous days of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, one soldier’s heroic actions stood out: Abdul Hameed of the Indian Army. In the Khem Karan sector, he bravely targeted and destroyed several Patton tanks, showcasing remarkable valor that inspired his comrades on the battlefield.
Highlights
- CQMH Abdul Hameed exemplified fearless bravery during the 1965 war.
- With just a recoilless gun, Hameed took down multiple enemy tanks.
- He sacrificed his life at 32, earning India’s highest military honor.
In the history of India, some names shine like stars. One such name is Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hameed, a soldier of the Indian Army who showed the world what real courage means.
Abdul Hameed was born in 1933 in Uttar Pradesh, in a small village. Coming from a humble background, he joined the Indian Army at a young age. He belonged to the 4 Grenadiers Regiment. By nature, Hameed was simple and soft-spoken, but when it came to protecting his country, he was fearless.
During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Pakistan launched a massive attack in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab. They had modern and powerful Patton tanks from America. The Indian soldiers had no tanks in that area, only guns and recoilless rifles. Many thought it was impossible to stop the enemy. But Abdul Hameed had a different spirit.
On 10 September 1965, Hameed took charge with his 106 mm recoilless gun mounted on a jeep. He moved fast, hiding behind trees and sugarcane fields. With perfect aim, he destroyed four enemy Patton tanks in a single battle. The next day, he continued his attack and destroyed three more tanks. His bravery gave confidence to his fellow soldiers and created fear in the enemy’s mind.
On 11 September 1965, while targeting another enemy tank, Abdul Hameed was hit by enemy fire. He laid down his life for the nation at just 32 years of age.
For his unmatched courage and sacrifice, he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. Even today, his story is taught to inspire soldiers and citizens alike.
Abdul Hameed proved that true bravery is not about having the best weapons, but about having a brave heart and love for the country. His legacy reminds us that one determined soldier can change the course of history.
![I aim my rifle, tanks advance.]()
Abdul Hameed was born in 1933 in Uttar Pradesh, in a small village. Coming from a humble background, he joined the Indian Army at a young age. He belonged to the 4 Grenadiers Regiment. By nature, Hameed was simple and soft-spoken, but when it came to protecting his country, he was fearless.
During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Pakistan launched a massive attack in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab. They had modern and powerful Patton tanks from America. The Indian soldiers had no tanks in that area, only guns and recoilless rifles. Many thought it was impossible to stop the enemy. But Abdul Hameed had a different spirit.
On 10 September 1965, Hameed took charge with his 106 mm recoilless gun mounted on a jeep. He moved fast, hiding behind trees and sugarcane fields. With perfect aim, he destroyed four enemy Patton tanks in a single battle. The next day, he continued his attack and destroyed three more tanks. His bravery gave confidence to his fellow soldiers and created fear in the enemy’s mind.
On 11 September 1965, while targeting another enemy tank, Abdul Hameed was hit by enemy fire. He laid down his life for the nation at just 32 years of age.
For his unmatched courage and sacrifice, he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. Even today, his story is taught to inspire soldiers and citizens alike.
Abdul Hameed proved that true bravery is not about having the best weapons, but about having a brave heart and love for the country. His legacy reminds us that one determined soldier can change the course of history.
I aim my rifle, tanks advance.