Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa MVC (15 April 1907 – 25 February 1999) was a military officer of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces and later the Indian Army.

Revered as the Hero of Skardu,[1] he was a recipient of the Indian Army's second highest gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC).

Sher Jung's father, Arjun Thapa, was an Honorary Captain (2/5 GR(FF)) in the British Indian Army and a World War II veteran.

His commanding officer, Col. Abdul Majid was based at Bunji in the Astore wazarat, bordering the Gilgit Agency, which had been returned to the princely state by the departing British administration.

Unfortunately, the Muslim officers of the regiment mutinied under the leadership of Captain Mirza Hassan Khan and joined the Gilgit Scouts.

[note 1] Major Thapa was promoted to lieutenant colonel and asked to take charge of the remaining 6th Infantry at Skardu.

For over six months from February to August, Thapa withstood the attack, housed in the garrison with dwindling ammunition and food.

Thapa is believed to have been spared due to his earlier association with Douglas Gracey, who was then the Chief of the Pakistan Army.