Details : | As the Commanding Officer of a fighter bomber squadron [No.32 Squadron, Sukhoi-7] he has undertaken a number of interdiction and close support missions and also many photographic reconnaissance sorties, without fighter escort, deep into enemy territory. The information brought by him from the reconnaissance sorties has been of great value to the Army and the Air Force in their operational planning. While on a strike mission his aircraft was hit thrice by intense anti-aircraft fire but he pressed forward until he found that the other aircraft in his formation had also suffered serious damage. At this point enemy interceptors came on the scene. Despite this, he extricated his formation from the hazardous situation and led it safely back to base. On landing it was found that his aircraft was extensively damaged and major portions of the control surfaces completely shot away. Only superb flying skill and courage of the highest order could have brought such a badly damaged aircraft back to a safe landing. His leadership of the mission in those circumstances was outstanding. He has displayed gallantry determination and professional skill of the highest order. |