Introduction

The MacGregor Memorial Medal was instituted in 1888 in memory of the late Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, KCB, CBI, CIE, founder of the United Service Institution of India.

So far 121 medals have been awarded – 7 gold medals to officers, 62 standard size silver medals to officers (including 5 JCOs), and 48 reduced size silver medals to soldiers. Amongst the well-known British Indian Officers winners have been Capt FE Younghusband (1890) and Maj Gen OC Wingate (1943). Thirteen Indian Officers have won the medal. These are Maj Gen ZC Bakshi(1949), Col IC Katoch(1951), Capt MS Jarg(1956), 2/Lt IB Goel (1956), Capt V Badhwar (1957), Capt SL Tugnait (1959), Brig ML Whig (1969), Maj Prem Chand (1970), Col CS Nugyal (1971), Capt Ravindra Misra (1972), Sqn Ldr RK Makar (1986), Flt Lt RTS Chhina (1986), and Lt Col NJ Korgaonkar(1997), Col Narender Kumar (1978-81), Wg Cdr Rahul Monga (2007), Wg Cdr Anil Kumar (2007) and Cdr Dilip Dende (2010). One officer earned it twice - Maj AS Lancaster in 1938 and then as Col in 1946.

The Awards

• Silver Medal                                                  -           For Officers.
• Silver Medal with gratuity of Rs. 100/-    -           For all other ranks.
• Gold Medal                                                   -           For especially valuable work in place of or in addition to the Silver medal, if  deemed  fit.  

Criteria

• First Priority.
  • Military reconnaissance.
  • Journey of exploration.
• Second Priority.
  • Mountain/desert expeditions.
  • Rafting/world cruises.
  • Polar expeditions.
  • Running/trekking across the Himalayas.
  • Adventure flights.

Personal risk to life is not a necessary qualification.  However, in the event of two undertakings of equal value the person who has incurred the greater risk will be considered to have the greater claim.

When the work of the year has not been of sufficient value or recommendations received too late, the achievement of the previous year may be considered.

Eligibility

• Service personnel of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
• Service personnel of Territorial Army, Reserve Force, Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles and Militias.

Procedure

Recommendations for first priority cases should be submitted to the Joint Planning Committee through the Service Headquarters (Training or Operations) by 30 June, and be accompanied by a detailed report of the reconnaissance or other achievement, sketch and its value for consideration/award.  Recommendations for second priority cases may be submitted directly to the USI.

Recommendations of the Joint Planning Committee should reach the Director by 31 August so that these can be considered by the Executive Committee in Oct and the Council in Dec.  In case the reconnaissance report is of such a confidential nature that it cannot be included in the recommendation papers sent to the USI, the Joint Planning Committee may arrange a briefing of the Council or alternatively to a nominated Sub Committee comprising serving members of the Council.

The decision of the USI Council shall be final.

Presentation

The presentation is made by the Chairman COSC or the Service Chief concerned at an appropriate function.

Wearing

The medal may be worn around neck on uniform on ceremonial parades as prescribed by respective Services.