Major Nirod Baran Banerjee of the Army Medical Corps was the part of a UN intervention force sent to help South Korea when it was invaded by communist North Korea in 1950. Major Banerjee and his medical unit, India's 60 Para Field Ambulance soon found themselves poerating in near freezing conditions of the Korean winter. On 29th March 1951, the unit parachuted down to provide medical support to troops as a part of 'Operation Tomahawk'. Major Banerjee led from the front-tirelessly tending to the injured and the wounded for five continuous days, braving hostile mortar fire from all sides.

His disregard for personal safety, courage and dedication inspired his team and a proud nation honoured him with the Mahavir Chakra in 1951.