Mohammad Usman
Mohammad Usman MVC Nowshera ka Sher | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 July 1912 Bibipur (now Mau district), United Provinces, British India |
| Died | 3 July 1948 (aged 35) Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Allegiance | British India India |
| Branch | British Indian Army Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1948 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Unit | 10th Baluch Regiment Dogra Regiment |
| Commands | 50 Para Brigade 77 Para Brigade 14/10 Baluch |
| Battles / wars | Second Mohmand Campaign World War II Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 |
| Awards | Maha Vir Chakra |
Brigadier Mohammad Usman MVC (15 July 1912 – 3 July 1948) was the highest ranking officer of the Indian Army killed in action during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. As a Muslim, Usman became a symbol of India's inclusive secularism. At the time of the partition of India he with many other Muslim officers declined to move to the Pakistan Army due to the illegal occupation and riots and continued to serve with the Indian Army. He was martyred in July 1948 while fighting Pakistani soldiers and militia in Jammu and Kashmir. He was later awarded the second highest Indian military decoration for gallantry in the face of enemy, the Maha Vir Chakra.