MacGregor Memorial Medal

MacGregor Memorial Medal Latest News

Five military personnel were recently conferred the MacGregor Memorial Medal by Chief of Defence Staff for outstanding contributions in military reconnaissance, exploration and adventure for the years 2023 and 2024.

About MacGregor Memorial Medal

• It was instituted on 03 July 1888 to commemorate the memory of Maj. Gen. Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the founder of the United Service Institution of India (USI). 
• Initially this medal was awarded for military reconnaissance and journeys of exploration such as British Army expeditions in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and Burma. 
• After independence, it was decided to award this medal for adventure activities as well. 
• The medal is open to all ranks, serving and retired, of the Indian Armed Forces, Territorial Army, and Assam Rifles.
• Among the notable recipients of this in the past are Capt F E Younghusband (1890), Maj. Gen. Orde Charles Wingate (1943), Maj. ZC Bakshi, VrC (1949), Col. Narinder Kumar for Siachen Glacier exploration (1978-81) and Cdr. Dilip Donde and Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy for their solo global circumnavigations.

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What is the United Service Institution of India (USI)?

• It is a national security and defence services think tank based in New Delhi, India.
• It was founded in Simla in 1870 by Col. (later Maj Gen) Charles Metcalf MacGregor, to advance military knowledge and professional development among British Indian Army officers. 
• It is the oldest autonomous think tank in India.
• Its mission encompassed promoting knowledge in the art, science, and literature of national security, with a particular focus on the Defence Services. 

Source: TH