Manoj Kumar Pandey was born on 25th June 1975, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh to Gopi Chand Pandey. He did his schooling from Uttar Pradesh Sainik School in Lucknow. He had keep interest in sports specially boxing and bodybuilding .

He stayed in MIKE squadron during his time in NDA(national defense academy). He graduated in 90th course batch of NDA. He got commissioned in 1/11 Gurkha Rifles.

During Kargil war Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks. He forced back the enemy forces with heavy causalities in  Battlik. He also captured the Jabbar top.

On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance on Khalubar Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey's company came under intense Pakistani fire from the surrounding heights. He was given the mission to clear the enemy positions. He had to clear the enemy positions before morning else his battalion's position would become vulnerable to enemy attack.

Under the heavy enemy fire Lieutenant Manoj Pandey quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position. He sent one section to the right and took one section with him and went to the left to clear the enemy positions.

He bravely assaulted the first enemy position where is killed 2 enemies and destroyed the second position by killing 2 more enemies. He got badly wounded while clearing the third position. He got shot on his shoulder and legs. Without  caring for his fatal injuries Lieutenant Manoj Pandey continued  to lead he troops to attack the fourth position. He destroyed it with a grenade but got a fatal burst on his forehead.

His last words were "Na chodnu" (Don't Spare Them).

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey

This outstanding dare devil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided a strong base for this companies, which finally led to the capture of Khalubar. Lieutenant Pandey however, died due to his injuries.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, was awarded with India's highest wartime gallantry award the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously for his most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and for making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey's father, Mr. Gopichand Pandey, received the PVC from the Indian President on the 52nd anniversary of Indian independence.

Manoj Kumar Pandey wrote this  in his personal diary  "Some goals are so worthy, it's glorious even to fail".