Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

6th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, 5th Indian Division, Indian Army

Awarded on:

July 18th, 1941

"On 17th March 1941, this officer was commanding a flank coy which was heavily attacked by at least a battalion of enemy, using mortars, light mortars and grenades. When the enemy succeeded in penetrating the center of his sector he led his Coy Headquarters and a few men whom he had collected to the counter-attack. He was hit by a grenade on the ... of his steel helmet and temporarily blinded in one eye. He was also wounded in the legs, but he continued to lead his men, firing at the enemy at a few yards range with his pistol. The enemy withdrew and Company's position was re-established. He continued to command his Company for another five hours, under shell, mortars and small arms fire until ordered to the rear by a senior officer. His action undoubtedly prevented the development of a very serious situation."

Period:

After War Period (1945-now)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion, 5th Gorkha Rifles, Indian Army

Awarded on:

1950

The fine achievement of 1/5 RGR during the ZOJILA operations was due entirery to the courage and fine leadership of Lt-Colonel PATHANIA.
The hardest battle fought by the infantry was in breaking the well fortified enemy position on 'ANANT' feature. The success of this operation was due entirely to Lt-Colonel PATHANIA's personel reconnaissance of the enemy defence and in finding the most suitable routes for the attack of his Bn. on night 14/15 November 1948. Throughout the reconnaisance stage and during the attack this officer personally led his men. He was a source of great encouragement to his men.