He is the only war-decorated army commander who has to his credit successes against both Indian adversaries, China and Pakistan.

He was commissioned into the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (13 JAK RIF) of the Indian Army. The battalion has been honoured with the title 'Bravest of the Brave'.

In 1999, during the Kargil War, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the war zone and given command of the battalion. Under his command, the battalion captured two strategically very important mountaintops in the Dras and Mushkoh Valley sub-sectors.

For its exceptional performance in battle, 13 JAK RIF was awarded a total of thirty-seven gallantry awards, including two Param Vir Chakras, eight Vir Chakras and fourteen Sena Medals. The battalion was also awarded the Chief of Army Staff Citation and conferred with the title of the 'Bravest of the Brave'.

He is 'Kargil War Hero' Lt Gen. Y.K. Joshi. Candid, evocative and emotional, Who Dares Wins is his memoir.