Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid was a soldier in the 4 Grenadiers, Indian Army, who died in the Khem Karan sector during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and was the posthumous recipient of the Republic of India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. The award was announced on 16 September 1965, less than a week after the battle that cost his life.
He was born at Dhamupur village of Ghazipur District in Uttar Pradesh on July 1, 1933, the son of Usman Farooqi , a Policeman. He was enrolled in the 4 Grenadiers on 27 December 1954. During his Army service he earned the Sainya Seva Medal with Clasp J&K, the Samar Seva Medal and the Raksha Medal. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, 4 Indian Division was entrusted with a two-fold responsibility - capture Pak territory east of Ichhogil Canal and contain possible enemy attack on Kasur-Khem Karan axis.
4 Grenadiers occupied a vital area ahead of Chima village on the Khem Karan-Bhikhiwind road. A firm hold on this area was considered essential to sustain the divisional plan of defence.There had been intense artillery shelling and tank fire from the 1 Armoured Division and 11 Infantry Division of Pakistan from September 7 to 10, 1965. The attack was preceded by intense artillery shelling so much so that every yard of ground occupied by the battalion was littered by a shell.At this critical juncture, Hamid was commanding a recoilless gun detachment. Seeing the gravity of the situation, he moved out to a flank with his gun mounted on a jeep. Intense enemy shelling and tank fire did not deter him. From his new position, he knocked out the leading enemy tank with accurate fire. Then he changed his position and knocked out another enemy tank. By this time the enemy who had spotted his position brought down concentrated machine gun and high explosive fire on him. However, while engaging the fourth tank on September 10, 1965, Hamid was fatally wounded. Throughout this action, CQMH Hamid inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight to beat off the enemy tank assault. His sustained act of bravery and disregard for personal safety, in the face of constant enemy fire, were a shining example, not only to his unit but to the whole division and were in the highest traditions of the Army. Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
On Havaldar Abdul Hamid’s death anniversary, the Army performs a memorial service at his mazar and priests of various religions offer prayers. His wife, Rasoolan bibi,who lives in Hamiddhan village in Gajipur district of Uttar Pradesh, usually comes to attends his memorial services.