The 3/4 Gorkha Rifles was deployed in the Siachen area in 1987. On 23rd September, the Pakistanis launched a fierce artillery offensive that killed the Indian Section Commander.

Naik Prem Bahadur Gurung took over the command and led his men in repelling the enemy attacks. His bravery was inspiring as he ran twice to the platoon headquarters in the thick of battle to return with the ammunition. In their second attack the next night, when the enemy stood barely 50 meters away from the Indian post, Naik Gurung charged at them, armed with Grenades and a rifle. He went on firing, until his ammunition ran out. Then he unsheathed his Khukri and attacked the enemy, killing three Pakistani soldiers. However he was fatally wounded when a retreating Pakistani soldier shot him in the chest. He succumbed to his injuries soon after.

Naik Gurung was posthumously honoured with the Mahavir chakra.