India, June 26 -- On 26 June 2025, the legendary Second Battalion of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), fondly called the "VC Paltan," marks the 81st anniversary of Victoria Cross Day - a stirring tribute to unparalleled courage, sacrifice and tradition. The Battalion's story is etched in both history and legend

The Victoria Cross (VC) For Valour was the highest award for gallantry between 1856 and 1947 when the British Indian Army won 153 of the 1340 VCs, 25 VC winners being Gorkhas. The first VC was won on 26 June 1857. Till 1911, Indians were not eligible for VC. Instead, they were entitled to its equivalent Indian Order of Merit. The first Gorkha winner of IOM was Kishanbir Nagarkoti of 1/5 GR (FF). He bagged it four times ear...