It was sheer grit and determination displayed by Havildar Hangpan Dada, who killed four intruding terrorists before laying down his life at the height of 13,000 feet in the harsh and icy Himalayan range of North Kashmir, that won him the Ashok Chakra. He was honoured posthumously, with the government announcing the highest award to an army man during peace-time operations today on the eve of the Independence Day. (Picture credit: DD national)