Prem Nath Hoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prem Nath Hoon
PVSM AVSM SM
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| Born | 4 October 1929 Abbottabad, North West Frontier Province, British India |
| Died | 6 January 2020 (aged 90) Chandimandir, Haryana, India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service/ |
 Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1949–1987 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars |
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| Alma mater | Indian Military Academy |
Prem Nath Hoon (born October 4, 1929 – died January 6, 2020) was an important Indian military officer. He served as the top commander of the Western Army for the Indian Armed Forces from 1986 to 1987. He led different types of army units, including mountain brigades and infantry divisions, and the XV Corps in Kashmir.
He took part in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. In 1984, he led Operation Meghdoot, a special mission by the Indian Armed Forces to take control of the Siachen Glacier in the Kashmir region. He was also involved in Operation Brasstacks, which was a very large military exercise.
Contents
Life of Prem Nath Hoon
Early Years and Family
Prem Nath Hoon was born on October 4, 1929, in Abbottabad. This place is now in Pakistan, but back then it was part of British India. His father, Pran Nath Hoon, worked for the railway. His father was also involved in India's fight for independence from 1936 to 1947.
Military Career and Achievements
Hoon joined the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in 1947. He became an officer in the Sikh Regiment and was sent to Kashmir. He served in various areas there from 1949 to 1961.
During the 1962 Indo-China War, he was stationed at the Barahoti post. In 1965, during the Indo-Pakistan War, he fought in the Punjab, Sialkot, and Pasrur areas. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and moved to the Kargil sector. There, he was in charge of Special Mountain Forces.
In 1970, he became a Brigadier. He was appointed to lead the Sikkim Brigade, which was based at Nathu La. Later, in 1974, he was posted to Hussainiwala in the Ferozpur sector in Punjab. In 1980, he became the Chief of staff of the Strike Corps in Chandimandir. He also led the 13th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment.
In 1983, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. A year later, in 1984, he led the XV Corps. He also led Operation Meghdoot, a key mission to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. From 1985 to 1987, he worked at the Army Headquarters as the Director General Military Operations. He was also the Chief of Staff of the Western Command.
From October 1, 1986, to October 31, 1987, he was the General Officer Commander in Chief of the Western Army. During these years, he was also involved in Operation Brasstacks, a very large military exercise. He retired from the army in 1987.
Life After the Army
After retiring, Prem Nath Hoon worked as a senior advisor for a textile company from 1988 to 1990. He then became the Managing Director of Jiyajeerao Cotton Mills in Gwalior. Later, he was involved in construction projects in Navi Mumbai from 1991 to 1998.
In 1999, he published his book called Unmasking Secrets Of Turbulence – Midnight Freedom To A Nuclear Dawn. He also published another book, The Untold Truth, in 2015.
He was involved with the Shiv Sena political party and led their ex-servicemen group from 1999 to 2005. Later, he ran a car dealership in Chandigarh. In 2013, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Prem Nath Hoon passed away on January 6, 2020, in Command Hospital, Chandimandir, due to a brain hemorrhage. His funeral was held the next day in Chandigarh.
Family Life
Prem Nath Hoon had a son and a daughter.
