Sam Manekshaw, a decorated Indian Army General and war hero who led Indian forces in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, died on June 27, 2008 at the age of 94. Born in Amritsar, India April 3, 1914, Manekshaw was the education of British colonial officers, earning him the nickname 'Sam Bahadur' — 'brave Sam' — bestowed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Manekshaw initiated his military career in 1932, initially training as an infantryman and later qualifying as a Commissioned Officer in 1934. Throughout his career as a soldier, Manekshaw went on to receive numerous military accolades, including a Padma Vibhushan (India's second highest civilian award), Military Cross (for bravery in the fight against the Japanese in World War II), Order of British Empire, Padma Bhushan, and Title of Field Marshal by the President of India, Sanjiva Reddy. His most celebrated victory, however, came in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 on behalf of India. Manekshaw is widely credited for enabling a decisive victory and securing independence for newly formed Bangladesh, resulting in the Treaty of Simla in 1972. Manekshaw remained in active service until his retirement in 1973. He remained a revered figure in his native India for the remainder of his life. He is survived by his sons, Arvind and Aroop.