Draft:Prince Jose

Major Prince Jose Sena Medal
Major Prince Jose, SM - Kargil war veteran
Rank	Major
Unit	9 Para (Special Forces)
Battles / wars	Kargil war (OP Vijay), OP Rakshak (Kashmir Insurgency), OP Prince (Awarded Sena Medal)
Awards	Sena Medal Gallantry, Wound Medal
Alma mater	Sainik School Kazhakkoottam, Kerala, College of Military Engineering (Pune), Military College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Secunderabad), University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, (Dehradun)

Major Prince Jose is a retired officer of the Indian Army known for his actions during the Kargil War in 1999 and Counter-Insurgency operations in Kashmir. He was inspired to join the army by the story his mentor, Captain Paul Bastine, a Para Commando in the 9 Para (Special Forces) unit.

He was awarded the Sena Medal (SM) for gallantry, recognizing his bravery in an Operation Named after him called Operation Prince. The Sena Medal (Gallantry) is a gallantry award presented to members of the Indian Army for individual acts of exceptional courage while on active service. It is considered a prestigious recognition of bravery and commitment to the nation.

Early Life and Influences

Born and raised in India, Jose attended Sainik School, Kazhakootam, in Thiruvananthapuram. He was known for his athleticism, playing football and cycling, which instilled in him the values of physical fitness and determination. A family friend, Captain Paul Bastine, served as a significant influence. Bastine, a Para Commando, inspired Jose to pursue a career in the special forces. Bastine's death during an underwater Diving exercise further solidified Jose's commitment to following in his mentor's footsteps.

Sainik Schools are a system of military schools in India established in 1961 to prepare students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). These schools provide a rigorous academic and physical training curriculum, emphasizing discipline, leadership, and patriotism. Para Commandos are a special forces unit of the Indian Army, known for their highly specialized training and ability to conduct operations in diverse environments, including airborne, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare.

Military Career

Jose volunteered for the Para Commando selection process and successfully joined the elite unit. His Commanding Officer presented him with the maroon beret in front of Captain Bastine's portrait, signifying the continuation of his mentor's legacy.

The maroon beret is a distinctive headgear worn by Para Commandos, symbolizing their elite status and dedication to their specialized role. The presentation of the beret to Jose in front of his mentor's portrait signifies the passing of the torch and the continuation of Bastine's legacy in Jose's service.

Kargil War

The Kargil War was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC). The conflict was triggered by the infiltration of Pakistani forces into positions on the Indian side of the LOC. The war took place in the high-altitude, mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, presenting significant challenges for both sides. Major Jose played a crucial role in India's efforts to regain control of the territory, leading assaults on Sando Top and Zulu Top in the Dras Sector.

During the Kargil War in 1999, the then 26-year-old Major Jose was tasked with planning and executing a special mission to disrupt enemy lines of maintenance. This operation aimed to capture the Gultari Mother base, a critical administrative hub for infiltrating enemy forces. Jose and his team faced numerous challenges, including scaling ice walls and engaging in close-quarters combat with enemy soldiers. Despite the unknown number of enemy combatants and the treacherous terrain, Jose led his team with courage and determination. With the support of artillery fire, they successfully repelled enemy forces and secured their objectives.

Gultar Mother base was a strategically important location for Pakistani forces during the Kargil War, serving as a logistics and communication hub. Capturing this base was crucial for disrupting enemy operations and gaining a tactical advantage. Close-quarters combat (CQC) refers to physical combat in close proximity to the enemy, often involving hand-to-hand fighting and the use of small arms.

During the assault on Sando, while fixing the rope on an ice wall, Major Prince Jose, SM was hit by an enemy artillery splinter. He tumbled 300 feet down the slope and was unconscious for half an hour. When he regained consciousness, he suffered memory loss for about 15 minutes. Despite his injuries, he rejoined his unit and continued to fight. .

This incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by soldiers in high-altitude warfare. Artillery splinters are fragments of exploding shells that can cause severe injuries or death. Major Jose's resilience and determination to continue fighting despite his injuries demonstrate his exceptional courage and commitment to his duty.

Legacy

Major Prince Jose's leadership and bravery during the Kargil War contributed to India's victory in the conflict. His actions exemplify the valor and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.

Major Jose's service is representative of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers in defense of their nation. His story serves as an inspiration to future generations and a reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Major Prince Jose was awarded Sena Medal (Gallantry) for fighting insurgency in Kashmir Valley in 1998. The operation was known as Operation Prince. It was a raid on the militant's hide-out at Tilpatra forest, Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir. In the operation, six militants were killed, and own casualty was one. Capt Prince Jose accounted for two terrorists.

The insurgency in Kashmir is an ongoing conflict characterized by violence and political instability. Operation Prince was a successful counter-insurgency operation that neutralized a militant threat and contributed to maintaining peace and security in the region.

He was awarded Sena Medal in January 1999 post Kargil War.