Supreme Sacrifice and a National Hero
Supreme Sacrifice and a National Hero
Rishikant sing
The Inspiring Story of Abdul Hamid: The lone soldier who single-handedly destroyed seven "invincible" enemy tanks
Some heroes don’t wear capes—they wear courage in their hearts and the tricolour on their shoulders.
Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid of the Indian Army is one such hero whose bravery echoes through the pages of history, yet his name remains unfamiliar to many.
Born in 1933 in the small village of Dhamupur, dist. Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, Abdul Hamid came from a modest background and limitations of rural life, yet he nurtured a deep sense of patriotism and discipline.
Joining the 4th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, Hamid quickly earned a reputation for being loyal, calm under pressure, and always ready to serve.
The 1965 War:
The India-Pakistan War of 1965 witnessed some of the fiercest battles in Indian military history. The Khem Karan sector in Punjab saw heavy Pakistani assaults backed by the powerful American-made Patton tanks, regarded as unbeatable at the time.
But Abdul Hamid proved otherwise.
Armed only with a jeep-mounted recoilless gun, he refused to retreat. Between 8th and 10th September, Hamid single-handedly destroyed seven enemy tanks, exposing their vulnerability and inspiring the Indian troops to hold their ground in the face of an invincible enemy.
On 10th September 1965, while targeting an eighth tank, his position was located by the enemy. A direct hit ended his life— but by then, he had already changed the course of the battle.
Legacy of a Legend
Abdul Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. His courageous actions not only halted the enemy’s advance, but also lifted the morale of Indian forces, during a critical moment in the war. The legend spread that he had fpund the proverbial Achilles heel of the heavily armoured Patton tank which proved its vulnerability.
The story spread that Abdul Hamid wore anti-tank mines and ammunition on his chest and blew up the Patton tank, named after the American hero General Patton, laying on the grpund and exploding it from underneath.
Though his name may not always be found in school textbooks or popular media, his story remains immortal in the hearts of those who know true valour.
Life Lessons from Abdul Hamid
Courage doesn’t need perfect conditions. He had no tank, no heavy armour—just determination and duty.
Sacrifice is the purest form of patriotism. He gave everything for his fellow soldiers and his country.
Real heroes stay humble. Hamid never sought recognition—his actions defined him.
Abdul Hamid’s story isn’t just military history—it’s a beacon of inspiration. In an age of celebrity worship, we must not forget the brave souls who defend our peace.
Let us remember him not only as a war hero, but as a symbol of courage, selflessness, and the indomitable Indian spirit from the heartland!
