Marshal of the Indian Airforce (IAF) Arjan Singh was given a 17 Gun Salute on his last journey as unarguably the most decorated officers of IAF died at the age of 98 on Saturday. Despite the history of Indian Armed Forces being full of epics of heroism, three officers stand out above the rest of them.
Yes, three officers who were conferred with a rank of Marshal, five-star rank officers who stand out and hold their ranks throughout their lives. Three such heroes, India has seen so far are Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Field Marshal KM Cariappa who also happened to be the first chief of army staff post-independence and last Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh.
The highest rank attainable in the Indian Army is Field Marshal. Ranked as a Five Star General Officer, a Field Marshal is ranked above a General.?
The insignia of Field Marshal comprises the national emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a wreath of lotus flowers. Once a Field Marshal always as a Field Marshal as the rank holder carries this rank throughout his life. There is no retirement and they are always considered as serving officers until their death which includes the payrolls and all other benefits. Field Marshals are required to be in full uniform during any official occasion.?
There is hardly any Indian who has come across this legend¡¯s name. Sam Manekshaw aka Sam Bahadur, a man who remained unfazed from politicians, no matter even if was Indira Gandhi herself. Sam Manekshaw is someone every soldier aspires to be, a man who created Bangladesh within 16 days of war in 1971.
Read More:?Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, The Proud Gorkha Who Fought Five Wars For India
PTI
Sam Manekshaw as an officer defines Indian Army¡¯s valour, discipline and charisma and his legacy is immortal.
Another legend and the first Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa aka Kodandera "Kipper" Madappa Cariappa was the second to be chosen for this honour. Since he was first army chief, he had seen the tough days of Kashmir war in 1947. He had also served in WW-II.
The equivalent of the Army's Field Marshal, the highest rank attainable in the air force is the Marshal of the Indian Air Force and Arjan Singh was the only person who held this rank in the history of IAF.?
It is mostly awarded in a ceremonial capacity. MIAFs are ranked immediately above the Chief of Air Staff. ?Arjan Singh was a 1965 war hero but served in many other wars including WW-II.
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions in the 1965 Indo-Pak War.