His Majesty The King conferred the Drakpoi Khorlo Medal to Chuma Kinzang Dorji of the Royal Bhutan Army, and the National Order of Merit (Silver) to Anjan Rai and Tashi Wangchuk, both of whom are excavator operators.
The Drakpoi Khorlo medal is awarded to military personnel and recognises heroism and bravery in service of the Tsawa Sum. Chuma Kinzang Dorji, along with four of his fellow soldiers, helped rescue five people who were stranded in the flash flood of Maochhu on the night of July 21. He was the only member of the rescue team who survived.
His Majesty granted audience to the families of the four deceased soldiers, at the RBA Wing IX in Pelrithang on July 23.
The families received the Drakpoi Khorlo Medal on behalf of the deceased. His Majesty conferrred the medals posthumously to Peljab Ugyen, Gopa Pema Wangdi, Chuma Dup Tshering, and Chuma Tandin Dorji for their extraordinary courage and their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Yesterday, while in Gelephu, His Majesty granted an audience to all excavator operators involved in the rescue operations on July 21 and 22, and thanked them for their service.
The recipients of the National Order of Merit, Anjan Rai was part of the operation to rescue five people from the Maochhu Water Treatment Plant, and Tashi Wangchuk helped in the rescue of four forestry officials and the caretaker of Maochhu Water Treatment Plant. Both individuals displayed great courage, and played an important part in saving the lives of the people who were rescued.
The National Order of Merit recognises outstanding civilian contributions to the Tsawa Sum.