The 32-month tryst of the Indian Peace Keeping Force with LTTE in Sri Lanka, between July 1987 and March 1990, was the first out-of-country overseas assignment since independence for the Indian Armed Forces under the national banner. For the soldier who laid down his life and limb, all wars are the same. The ‘IPKF syndrome’ has been casting its long melancholy shadow over decision-makers ever since the withdrawal of this force in 1990. The book recounts real-life accounts of veterans who fought a grim battle, largely forgotten by the mainstream and a thankless establishment. What was the politico-military aim of the government, and was the Indo-SL Accord watertight in its scope? Was timely intelligence shared with the troops who were launched into battle? What were the feelings of the soldier towards the involvement of IPKF fighting someone else’s war? Were the soldiers given their due? What were the tactical errors committed by the IPKF? These issues are highlighted in these interesting and gripping personal accounts of the veterans. “I hate the drums discordant note Parading round and round To thoughtless youth it pleasures yields And lures from city and fields To sell their liberty for charms Of tawdry lace and glittering arms And when ambitions voice commands To march and fight and fall in foreign lands” Ode XIII by John Scott of Amwell, 1730-93

A comprehensive treatise on international military interventions. A hand-to-hand fight by a young officer against the LTTE and another unit’s bloody pitched battle while encircled by LTTE cadres, facing certain annihilation. An officer and a jawan have a premonition of their impending death. The unit's unflinching support mitigates a widow’s trauma of losing her husband in the face of a callous state government. A brigade commander, a staff officer, and a unit commanding officer share lessons during the command and management of troops in war under ambiguous circumstances. The aviator’s daredevil role of rescue and support in the face of enemy fire. A naval officer’s poignant race, while on a ship, to reach out in aid of his dying army colleague. A VIP heli- landing into an LTTE-infested area almost comes to grief, but for the courage of a few good men. A doctor’s unique bond with troops when the latter virtually denies his leave request. A risky raid, by an infantry column into a thickly forested enemy camp, amidst repeated ambushes. An IAF pilot deftly handles the IL76 to fly in the T-72 tank into an uncharted overseas destination. An attack helicopter pilot shares the unique experience of handling the MI 25, with its deadly firepower, in the jungles against LTTE while minimising collateral damage. Veterans quest to resurrect the IPKF legacy by covering 6,500 Km in 23 days motorcycle expedition to the North East. 28 compelling accounts. By the Authors of ‘ Valiant Deeds, Undying Memories.’ Careless of eye and coarse of the lip, They marched in the holiest fellowship. That heaven might heal the world, they gave Their earth-born dreams to deck the grave. -Marching Men, by Marjorie Pickthall

"In every person’s life, there are a few moments, when one thinks it is the end of life and there is no hope. For some that is the end but in many cases, people miraculously escape the inevitable. They survive to describe those moments of peril to others. The personnel of the Armed Forces while at war face such moments daily, even several times in a single day, particularly the officers and men in the Infantry battalions. They survive, embracing these moments of deadly danger. When enemy forces attack our country, soldiers want to live another day, not to tell the story to near and dear ones but to fight the enemy yet another day."

What drove a young man with a full life to sacrifice it all for his nation? Why did battle-hardened soldiers revere this young man, following him into peril, or even death? A loving son to a doting mother, a loyal friend to fellow officers, a trusted comrade to his brave soldiers, and a fearless warrior against his enemy. Built from true accounts, here is an authentic life story of Major Sudhir Walia of 9 Para (SF). From leading an attack on Zulu Top in the Kargil war, to operations against terrorists in the Kashmir valley, this book charts the journey of this maverick Special Forces Officer. Twice decorated with the Sena Medal, Major Sudhir Walia was killed in action while leading an audacious raid against foreign militants. He was posthumously awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry award – the Ashok Chakra. Nicknamed Rambo for his daredevilry, read on to find what it takes to forge a hero whose legacy and raw courage inspire men even today.