Indian Army honours mule for service with "Army Chief’s Commendation Card" in Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang, Jan 18: In a significant development, a mule with the force has received a Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card for rendering service at the sensitive Yangtse in the Tawang sector.

Hoof No 122, a mountain artillery mule employed with the Army, was awarded the COAS Commendation Card, which the Army’s Gajraj Corps said was an apt recognition of selfless service by unsung warriors. Notably, "Army Chief’s Commendation Card" is generally reserved for exceptional soldiers and officers who have shown extreme courage, dedication, and valour while serving in conflict zones.

In a tweet, Army’s Gajraj Corps said, "Mules of animal transport units have been a vital link in logistics chain in remote regions under most challenging conditions. Hoof No 122, one such Hero awarded COAS Commendation Card on #ArmyDay2023, an apt recognition of selfless service by unsung warriors"

 

 

As per the citation given for the decoration, the mule endured extremely tiring and inhospitable conditions and always stood at the forefront of Animal Transport convoys from Forward Patrolling Point to Yangtse, which is above 15,000 ft.

 

Yangtse, which lies close to the Line of Actual Control in the Tawang sector, had seen several clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the past, including a major clash last month. It also said, "His steadfast physical presence and extremely composed temperament had put calming influence on other panicky animals and was thus instrumental in ensuring zero casualty rate," the citation added.

 

It further said that despite all odds of heavy rains and treacherously slippery track conditions, "the mule displayed tremendous physical robustness, surefootedness and was ever willing for load lifting duties remarkably contributing to tough tasks like lifting vital Engineer/ Ammunition and ration loads during Advance Winter Stocking 2021".

 

"This six-year-old mule lifted load of around 6,500 kilograms and covered a distance of 750 kilometres. His exemplary keenness, supreme dedication beyond the call of duty in uncongenial operational environment, rightly merits due recognition and has been awarded Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card on Army Day 2023.”