8 Apr :The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) celebrated its 234th anniversary today. On the occasion Major General SK Malhotra, ADG, laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
The AOC is responsible for providing all military hardware to the fighting troops, as they say, ‘from a pin to a tank’ except ration and fuel. The Corps has a historical past spanning more than two-and-a-quarter centuries with outstanding achievements, particularly in the field of inventory management.
In his message, Major Gen. Malhotra conveyed deep gratitude to all the veterans whose contributions and legacy the corps continues to cherish. The Corps salutes the martyrs of the Battle of Kangla Tongbi when a small band of AOC personnel defended the Ordnance Depot and fought the mighty Japanese army in the Imphal sector during the Second World War, which bears testimony to the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier, be it from the Combatant Arms or the Logistic Services. Professionally skilled with value based soldierly attributes, the AOC troops have shown discernible results, a fact acknowledged by the field commanders, he added.
In recognition of their contribution to the nation the Corps personnel have been awarded one Mahavir Chakra, three Vir Chakras, one Kirti Chakra, six Shaurya Chakras, 21 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 36 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 85 Sena Medals, 78 Vishisht Seva Medals, two Raksha Padaks, 32 Mention in Dispatches, five unit citations and 950 commendation cards. In addition, the Corps personnel have also excelled in the field of adventure and sports. The AOC has the distinction of having 3 Arjuna awardees. The Corps sportspersons have represented the country in various international competitions including Olympics. Mountaineers of AOC have successfully scaled a large number of peaks including Mount Everest. Lt AS Pawar, the first woman officer to climb Mt. Everest, also belongs to the AOC. As a tribute to the heroics of the AOC troops, the then Vice President presented the Colours to the Corps in 1970. Armed with a blueprint for change, the AOC is forging ahead with determination to live up to the Corps motto, “Shastra se Shakti”.