Colonel Chewang Rinchen MVC & Bar, SM (Kalon Tsewang Rigdzin,[1] 1931–1997) was a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army from the Union territory of Ladakh.

[2] He was the youngest ever recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest Indian gallantry decoration, for his role in the defence of Ladakh in the First Kashmir War.

[3] He received the Maha Vir Chakra for a second time after Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, for his role in the conquest of the Turtuk and Tyakshi (a small village of the Chorbat.

On 15 Dec when ordered to capture a hill feature near BIAGDANGDO, he walked through snow for 3 days and succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw.

This JCO displayed exemplary courage, inspiring leadership, initiative and the ability to plan and carry out his schemes successfully under the most adverse conditions.Rinchen also served in the 1962 India-China War, where he was awarded a Sena Medal.

[14] In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Rinchen, now a major in the Ladakh Scouts, led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the Pakistani Army and the strategic outpost of Turtuk.

Major Chewang Rinchen of Ladakh Scouts was commander of the force assigned the task of capturing the Chalunka complex of enemy defences in the Partappur Sector.

[19] On 1 October 1983, he was re-employed and assigned to command 246 Transit Camp with the local rank of lieutenant-colonel, while serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

[22] On 21 October 2019 Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, in eastern Ladakh just 45 km from border with China.