Ivan Joseph Crasto

Colonel Ivan Joseph Crasto, KC is a retired officer of the Indian Army with the elite Para SF. During a daring civilian rescue mission known as the Timber Trail Rescue in 1992, he was awarded India's second highest peacetime gallantry award the Kirti Chakra for his indomitable courage to save the civilian from cable car.

Early life and education Crasto was born in Goa to a naval officer. His spent his childhood in Mount Abu. He dreamed of being a lawyer, but his father coerced him to join NDA in the footsteps of his elder brother.

Military career Crasto was one of the first gentleman cadets among four others to do para jumping at Indian Military Academy. Joseph Crasto was commissioned into the Para SF in Indian Army in July 1978. He held key command and operational roles, eventually leading the 21st Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

Timber Trail Rescue (1992)

In October 1992, a cable car at Timber Trail, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh became stranded mid-air with 10 passengers trapped inside due to a mechanical failure. Major Crasto led a team in a high-risk rescue operation. Despite turbulent winds and dangerous conditions, Crasto's leadership was crucial in saving the lives of the stranded civilians. For his “remarkable courage and leadership,” he was awarded the Kirti Chakra, one of India's peacetime gallantry awards.

Kirti Chakra The Kirti Chakra citation on the Gallantry awards government of India Website reads as follows:

Rank and later life Crasto rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring from the Indian Army. After retirement, he settled in Australia as a Maths Teacher at St John Paul II Catholic College.