Biography: Subedar Major Jitbahadur Gurung
Late Subedar Major Jit Bahadur Gurung IOM, Go. Da. Va.
Nick name: The Shiny Eight
DOB: 1910 AD
Gurung Zodiac sign (Lhoo) : Rat
Date of Recruitment : 17th Dec 1931
Unit: 8GR
Rank : Subedar Major
Date Of Retirement: 16 Oct 1954
Date of Expiry : 28th Jan 1986
Late Subedar Major Jitbahadur Gurung was born in 1910 AD, and he was the only baby boy to be born after 6 girls from his Father’s fourth wife. His child hood was spent at the foothills of the mountains, Phalamkhani VDC, Dadra, Parbat where he grew up to become a strong boy walking up and down the hills of Nepal. Physically very strong he used to take part in wrestling competitions during the village festivals.
He joined the Indian Army in 1931 and soon after Jitbahadur Gurung finished his Infantry training on 17th Dec 1931. His outstanding performance, enthusiasm and demonstration skills impressed the Training Officer who selected him to become an instructor at the Training depot. During his 3 years at the Training depot he managed to reach the rank of Sergeant (a flyer in military term). As he was mentally sharp and physically strong, he reached the rank of Jemadar (Viceroy Commissioned officer) at his 9 years’ service, gaining Merit promotion. He fought in various wars around the world, but the most important for him was in Italy where he was awarded the IOM ( Indian Order of Merit) for his gallantry . After serving for 22 years and 303 days with 9 medals on his chest, at the age of 39 years he retired from his colourful army career on the 16 Oct 1954.
He was decorated with following honours and awards:
* Indian Order of Merit (IOM): 1945 AD
* Gorkha Daksina Vahu : Awarded By the then king Mahendra
IOM CITATION TO SUBEDAR GURUNG:
During the night 23 Feb 1945 in Italy, Subedar Jitbahadur Gurung was in command of No. 13 platoon which was allotted the task of establishing a defended post at the blow on the East flood bank of River SENIO. The enemy had been fortifying both banks of the SENIO for some considerable time and had succeeded in building up a very strongly fortified position.
Despite heavy shelling and mortar fire Subedar Jit bahadrur led his platoon onto the bank where they were hotly engaged at close quarters with grenades by the enemy from sheltered positions behind the bank. At the same time the exposed bank on which the platoon was attempting to dig in was under heavy fire from the left flank.
Subedar Jit bahadur immediately retaliated by leading a small party which crept up to two MG posts and destroyed them with grenades. After two hours of bitter fighting in which grenade and khukri predominated Subedar Jitbahadur succeeded in establishing his platoon on its objective.
Life in Nepal
Subedar Major Jit Bahadur Gurung’s civilian life was equally colourful as his military life. He was the Chairman for the Nepal Ex- Servicemen Association of Lumbini zone, and worked tirelessly for their welfare.
He was keen into education and supported for the educational field during his stay in the village, and later when he moved to Kalika Nagar, Butwal. He was later presented the highest Nepali decoration the “Gorkha Dakshina Bhau” by king Mahendra for his highly distinguished social work.
He passed away quietly on 28th Jan 1986, at his birth place Dadra, Parbat, but he’ll always be remembered for his righteous deeds.
