New Delhi,  President Ram Nath Kovind conferred 13 Shaurya Chakras, including six posthumous, to the personnel of the armed forces during a Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

The gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty.

The President also conferred 14 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals for distinguished service of exceptional order.

Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. On April 30, Gen. Manoj Pande took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff from incumbent Gen. Manoj Naravane who retired from service. General Pande became the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to head the 1.3 million-strong Army.