Field Marshal Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was an exceptional soldier with a distinguished military career spanning four decades from the British era and through five wars, including the Second World War.

When Sam quoted chapter and verse to Mrs Gandhi

Handsome, witty and sporting his trademark handlebar moustache, Manekshaw had the rare distinction of being honoured for his bravery - Military Cross - right on the battle front itself during the Second World War. He was also the first Indian officer to command the Gorkhas after India got Independence.

'Jawaharlal, do you want Kashmir, or do you want to give it away?'

Manekshaw, who got a second life after the young Captain survived near fatal wounds during the Second World War in Burma, is the first of only two Indian military officers to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal of the Indian Army (The other being Field Marshal K M Cariappa).

Many of you out there must have met Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Share your memories of Sam Bahadur. Tell us your impressions of the valiant soldier.