MacGregor Memorial Medal Awards

April 18, 2025

The MacGregor Memorial Medal is a prestigious award recognising exceptional contributions in military reconnaissance and adventure. Recently, five military personnel received this honour for their achievements in 2023 and 2024. The award ceremony took place at the United Service Institution of India, presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

History of the Medal

Instituted on July 3, 1888, the MacGregor Memorial Medal commemorates Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the founder of the United Service Institution of India. Initially, the medal aimed to honour military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys. In 1986, its scope expanded to include military expeditions and adventure activities.

Award Criteria

The medal is awarded for valuable military intelligence gathered through reconnaissance, exploration, or similar activities of national importance. All ranks of the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles are eligible.

Recent Awardees

For 2023, Wing Commander D. Panda from the Air Force and Electrical Artificer (Radio) Rahul Kumar Pandey from the Navy received the medal. In 2024, Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer (Radio) Ram Ratan Jat and Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia from the Air Force were honoured. Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal, Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, was also recognised but was absent due to a mountaineering expedition.

Notable Recipients

Since its inception, 127 medals have been awarded, with 103 given before Independence. Notable recipients include Captain F.E. Younghusband, Major General Orde Charles Wingate, and Colonel Narinder Kumar for his Siachen Glacier exploration.

Evolution of the Award

The medal’s criteria have evolved over time. Initially focused on reconnaissance, it now includes adventure activities such as mountain and desert expeditions, rafting, and polar explorations. This change reflects the declining opportunities for exploration and the need to adapt to modern military challenges.

Current Relevance

The MacGregor Memorial Medal remains a symbol of honour in the Indian Armed Forces. It marks the importance of reconnaissance and adventure in military operations. The award encourages personnel to engage in activities that contribute to national security.

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