The President Mrs Prathibha Devi Singh Patil today presented awards to the armed forces for their exemplary courage. <br/><br/>Some of the awards were presented posthumously. <br/><br/>Mrs Patil gave away 15 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Kirti Chakras, 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/>AIR correspondent reports emotion ran high, when the nears and dear ones of those went to the President to collect the award posthumously. <br/><br/>President Mrs Patil breaking protocol came half way to decorate them. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Defence minister Mr A K Antony and three service chiefs were among those present at the function.<br/>