India, Feb. 8 -- I wonder how many of those who would be reading this piece have heard of Subedar Kali Das of the 8th battalion of the J&K Militia. Perhaps not one unless he/she has read Narratives from the Heart of a Veteran by Lt-Gen Baljit Singh AVSM, VSM (Retd), which tells the story of his courage and sacrifice far beyond the call of duty. On December 7, 1971, Pakistani troops, supported by tanks, had attacked Dewa, a post near the battalion's headquarters in Jammu & Kashmir. Defence having become unsustainable, orders to evacuate was issued at 14.45 hours on December 8. Retreat in broad daylight and under the eyes of Pakistanis who had their tails up, was not easy. They had to be held at bay with automatic fire as Indian troops made...