Pune: The Army has decorated Malayali Major James Jacob with a medal for his service in Uri. He is the son of Retired Colonel Jacob Thomas and Mariya of Kalathil Vazhakootam from Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha.

Twelve army men including Major James were presented with the Gallantry and Distinguished awards by Lieutenant General S K Saini, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Army Southern Command in Pune.

Major James, from 8 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, has been stationed at Uri for the last two and a half years as part of the Madras Regiment. The Major was honoured for his valour while neutralising two terrorists who were spotted moving with explosives and weapons during a patrol in November 2017.

Major James’s brother Thomas Jacob is serving as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army on the Rajasthan border.