This officer was rushed to Srinagar during the most critical period of Kashmir Operations, where conditions were extremely difficult. During his brief stay he carried out 37 sorties completing 29 hours 30 minutes. His keenness, enthusiasm and efficiency on the ground and his dash and coolness in the air were an inspiration to everyone on the detachment. An officer who distinguished himself during his brief stay and carried out the duty to the highest tradition of service.

This officer operated under very difficult conditions during the early part of the Kashmir Operations and put in most valuable work.

The late Flt. Lt. Arthur Srihari (3181) always showed tenacity of purpose and precision in all his sorties. By his ability to make quick decisions, he had on one occasion attacked and totally destroyed an enemy Brigade Headquarters which was controlling operations against our hard pressed forces.

He completed in a short period approximately 100 successful operational sorties, all of which were outstanding for the perseverance and determination in pressing home the attack on the enemy. Many long range sorties of his across a very difficult terrain in the Northern Sector were outstanding because of its navigational precision, ability to spot the camouflaged targets, and skill in attacking to destroy.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, the officer was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.

Sqn. Ldr. (now Gp. Capt.) Zafar Ahmed Shah (1805) while in Command of an Operational Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir Area personally led attacks on GURAIZ. PIR KANTHI Area and GILGIT which enabled our ground forces to advance without much casualty. By taking off a modern fighter/bomber aircraft from the old Srinagar Air-Field which was barely 1300 yards long, he made it possible for operations to be carried out from that base.
His fine leadership and efficiency were reflected in the high fighting qualities of the Squadron which operated under difficult and adverse conditions.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flying Officer (Now Squadron Leader) Narsimha Murthy (2434) operated in Jammu and Kashmir theater with distinction during 1948. In spite of meeting heavy enemy fire, he persistently operated with singleness of purpose showing relentless courage and exemplary devotion to duty and completed about 100 ground attack sorties.

In one of these sorties, when his aircraft under-carriage was badly damaged by enemy fire and emitted fumes, he persisted for 45 minutes in an attempt to get the under-carriage of the aircraft down in order to save the valuable fighter plane.

For the good service rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Squadron Leader (Now Group Captain) Daviah Subia (1866) always showed great courage and fortitude whilst operating over the Jammu and Kashmir area. By example and excellent leadership, he inspired all his Squadron Pilots. All his sorties were marked fro pressing home the attack, despite all odds.

He flew over 70 sorties in a period of a month and a half, often operating under adverse conditions and from difficult airfields. It was partly due to this officer’s courageous and relentless attacks that the resistance of the enemy at Gurais broke down. The excellent air operations conducted by this officer largely contributed towards the successful capture of Gurais eventually by our land forces.

He proved himself to be an extremely capable leader and was thus a source of encouragement and inspiration to all his Squadron pilots.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operation, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.