It is awarded for  “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger” not in the presence of the enemy.

Two Indian soldiers who were awarded the George cross during the second world war are:

Jemadar Pir Khan – awarded on 28 June 1940. Jemadar Pir Khan was leading his squadron along the Tochi Road towards Bannu when they were ambushed. Despite being outnumbered, Pir Khan displayed remarkable courage by placing himself in a dangerous firing position and repelling multiple attempts by the enemy to outflank and overwhelm them. While under heavy fire, he also assisted his comrades who were injured and dying. His citations read:

“On February 3rd, 1940, a party consisting of Officers of the Royal Engineers and of the Military Engineering Service, while motoring up the Tochi Road, some three miles from Bannu, was ambushed by thirty hostiles. After the first volley, Colonel Hasted, Major Cator and Pir Khan managed to obtain cover behind a low irrigation culvert wall on the side of the road. Pir Khan took up a firing position round the edge of the wall and immediately opened fire on the hostiles who were round the mill buildings, less than forty yards away, thereby forcing most of them to take cover in the buildings. He continued to fire and frustrate any attempt to outflank the Officers along the road in spite of a hail of bullets being poured in his direction.

When the hostiles finally started to withdraw, Pir Khan had only three rounds of his original 50 left. During the hostile withdrawal he helped to give assistance under fire to the wounded and dying. His loyal, gallant and cool conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of both Colonel Hasted and Major Cator. It also prevented the hostiles from looting the cars and mutilating the bodies of the dead and wounded which were lying in the road.”

He is commemorated on the dome at Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, London.

Rifleman R. Abdul Rahman (Posthumously awarded 10 September 1946) – After witnessing a burning vehicle in Kletek, Java, Rahman bravely ventured into the inferno and successfully rescued three men. This act of selfless courage came after Abdul Rahman had already seen combat against Rommel’s troops in North Africa  and at Imphal and was decorated with the Military Cross in Burma 1944.

His citations read:

“In recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.”

“His jeep hit a mine and was thrown forward into a ditch, bursting into flames. Abdul was thrown clear, but went back to try to free the other three men, who were trapped under the jeep. His task was rendered more hazardous since, owing to the fire, the ammunition began to explode. Nevertheless, he extricated one man, and, although by this time the jeep was burning fiercely, then succeeded in dragging a second man clear. He then returned to help the last man, who was lying under the jeep by the front wheel, but as Abdul took hold of him the petrol tank under the driver’s seat exploded, spouting burning petrol all over him. Despite his condition, he continued his efforts until an ambulance party approached. After calling out to them to complete his work, he fell dead.”