CHANDIGARH: Hero of 1971 war , Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri , breathed his last on Saturday morning. The 78-year old military veteran, who was the recipient of country’s second highest gallantry award, Mahavir Chakra (MVC), was admitted at a private hospital in Mohali where he died at 8.30am.His son Hardeep Singh Chandpuri said that the cremation would take place on return of his other son from Germany.On the night of 5/6 December 1971, Pakistan had launched a massive attack with 51 Infantry Brigade, supported by a Regiment of T-59 and Squadron of Sherman Tanks with the aim to capture Longewala and Ramgarh. ‘A’ company of 23 Punjab led by Chandpuri (then Major) held fast and despite being heavily outnumbered, beat back multiple attacks throughout the night. At dawn of December 5 1971, the Indian Air Force destroyed enemy tanks in precision attacks.Filmmaker JP Dutta's ‘Border’ was based on real life events from the Battle of Longewala.Brig Chandpuri, whose role was played by Sunny Deol in the movie, had shown exceptional courage and determination, moving his men from bunker to bunker, encouraging them in beating back the enemy till reinforcements arrived. He inflicted heavy causalities on the enemy and forced them to retreat, leaving behind twelve tanks.