India, Aug. 14 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Friday approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumously, to the personnel of the defence forces and central armed police forces on the eve of 80th Independence Day.

The awards included nine Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, five Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award after Ashoka Chakra. Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award.

The Kirti Chakra awardees are Lt Col Manoj Francis of 21 Para ((Special Forces) and Major Jitendra Rathee of 2 Para(Special Forces). The seven other Kirti Chakras wer...