Two Army Majors were today decorated with the country's second highest peace-time gallantry medal Kirti Chakra, including one posthumously, for their bravery during counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.<br/><br/>President Pratibha Patil also gave away 15 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam Yuddh Seva Medals, 26 Ati Vishisht Seva medals and 25 Shaurya Chakras, 10 of them posthumously for their valour and courage in fighting terrorists and protecting the unity and the integrity of the nation.<br/><br/>Major Amit Oscar Fernandes won the second highest gallantry medal for his courage, extreme determination and timely action in saving the lives of his comrades, while<br/><br/>eliminating three hardcore terrorists in Baramulla on November 2008. <br/><br/>Our correspondent reports emotion ran high, when the nears and dear ones of those went to the President to collect the award posthumously. President Mrs Patil breaking protocol came half way to decorate them.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Defence minister Mr A K Antony and three service chiefs were among those present at the function.