Mysore/Mysuru: Col. (Retd.) Mandetira Mandappa Ravi (77), a recipient of Vir Chakra award and a resident of Koramangala in Bengaluru, passed away on Aug. 3 in Bengaluru.

He leaves behind son Col. Avin Uthaiah, a Sena Medal (Gallantry) recipient and a host of relatives and friends.

Born on May 2, 1945, Col. Mandetira M. Ravi was commissioned on Apr. 23, 1967. When commanding a company of Bihar regiment as a Major, he was assigned the task of capturing enemy strong point in the eastern sector. During the assault, his company came under intense artillery, small arm and tank fire and he was seriously wounded by a shell splinter. Undeterred by the heavy bombings and unmindful of his injuries, Major Ravi led the charge and inspired by his courage, his company achieved the objective and captured the enemy strong point after fierce fighting. One enemy tank was also captured. He was awarded the Vir Chakra on Dec. 3, 1971.

Last rites were held at the Wilson Garden crematorium in Bengaluru yesterday (Aug. 4).

A condolence meeting was held at St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, to condole the death of Col. (Retd.) Mandetira M. Ravi, who was an alumnus of the College.