Flight Lieutenant Virender Singh Pathania was one of the Gnat pilots who were sent to Pathankot to establish our air superiority in that region during the recent operations against Pakistan. He flew repeated missions seeking out Pakistani aircraft and engaging them. On the 4th September, 1965, during one such mission he came up against a formation of enemy Sabre Jets and immediately engaged them in battle. With great confidence and courage, he out-maneuvered the enemy all the time, got behind one of the enemy Sabres and shot it down.

In this encounter, Flight Lieutenant Virender Singh Pathania displayed cool courage and firm determination in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Virendra Singh Pathania has been flying the Gnat aircraft since January 1964. He has carried out 692 hours of flying on this type and is one of the most experienced pilots on the Gnat. His profound knowledge of the aircraft has benefited many other pilots, whom he has trained with patience and understanding. His personal qualities in the air and on the ground have been a shining example for his juniors to emulate.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Virendra Singh Pathania has displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.