Single-handedly defended his checkpoint near Babaji, Afghanistan, against a large Taliban assault
Dipprasad Pun
दिपप्रसाद पुन
Nepalese Gurkha awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for single-handedly repelling a Taliban assault in Afghanistan in 2010
Currently Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles
About
On the night of 17 September 2010, Dipprasad Pun was alone on sentry duty at a checkpoint in Helmand Province when Taliban fighters surrounded and attacked his position from all sides. Over roughly fifteen minutes, he fired more than 400 rounds, launched 17 grenades, and detonated a mine, and when his weapon jammed with an insurgent climbing toward him, he threw his machine gun’s tripod to knock the man down. He comes from three generations of Gurkha service — his grandfather Tul Bahadur Pun received the Victoria Cross in World War II, and his father and brother also served with the Gurkhas.
Quick facts
- Birthplace
- Bima, Myagdi District, Nepal
- Profession
- Soldier
- Current role
- Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Sergeant
1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles
Career & life timeline
- 2010-09-17
- 2011-06-01
Invested with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace
Achievements
Single-handedly repelled an assault by 12–30 Taliban insurgents at a checkpoint near Babaji, Helmand Province
2010
Awards & honours
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
Organizations & affiliations
- Royal Gurkha Rifles
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-02