Career
He was initially commissioned as an officer in the 3 Gorkha Rifles in 1952, and joined the Parachute Regiment in 1957 after completing the paratrooper officers" course. Pannu is most famous for having led the 2nd Paras in the famous Tangail Airdrop to capture the Poongli Bridge over the River Jamuna on 11 December 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation war. Gazette Notification: 18 President/72,12-2-72
Operation: 1971 Cactus Lily
Date of Award: 11 December 1971
Citation: Lieutenant Colonel K. South. Pannu was commanding a battalion, which was airdropped near Tangail on 11 December 1971.
The task involved cutting enemy routes of withdrawal and preventing his build-up at Tangail.
This also involved the capture of an enemy position on a vital bridge at Poongli. lieutenant was entirely due to his cool courage, utter disregard for his personal safety and his timely and skilful direction that his battalion captured the enemy position at Poongli, under his able leadership, the battalion repulsed numerous counter-attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
Lieutenant Colonel Pannu displayed conspicuous gallantry, exemplary leadership, determination and devotion to duty in keeping with the best traditions of the Army.
