Fazal Din

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Fazal Din (1 July 1921-2 March 1945) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

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He was 23 years old, and an Acting Naik in the 10th Baluch Regiment, Indian Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 2 March 1945 near Meiktila, Burma (now Myanmar), during an attack, Naik Fazal Din's section was held up by fire from the enemy bunkers, whereupon he personally attacked the nearest bunker and silenced it, then led his men against the other. Suddenly six Japanese, led by two officers wielding swords rushed out and Naik Fazal Din was run through the chest by one of them. As the sword was withdrawn, the naik wrested it from the hands of its owner and killed him with it. Having killed another Japanese with the sword he waved it aloft, continuing to encourage his men before staggering back to make his report and collapsing.