Vir Chakra | |||||
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Flt Lt | Krishna Kant Saini 4436 GD(P) | Unit : No.110 Helicopter Unit | Award Date 18 Nov 62 | Announced 10 Jan 63 | |
Details : | Flight Lieutenant Krishan Kant Saini had been operating in NEFA area since October, 1960. On 18th November, 1962, he , along with his co-pilot was evacuating seriously injured battle casualties in Walong area. He was instructed to land at a helipad close to the enemy line which was reported to be clear of enemy troops. When he was over the helipad, Chinese troops opened fire from many directions. His helicopter was hit at several places; the main reducter was damaged and oil from it gushed out in a thick spray which blinded him temporarily. His right ankle was also injured by a splinter and he was bleeding profusely. With great determination, presence of mind and skill, he dived the helicopter almost to ground level in order to avoid further damage from enemy fire. He thus saved the helicopter and the lives of his co-pilot and passengers. In spite of the damaged hydraulic system and the personal injury, he skillfully brought the aircraft back to base. Flight Lieutenant Saini displayed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India , 11th January 1964 - No.3 - Pres/64 dated 1st January 1964 | ||||
Bar to Vir Chakra | |||||
Wg Cdr | Purshottam Lal Dhawan 2351 GD(P) | Unit : No.19 Squadron | Award Date 20 Oct 62 | Announced 26 Jan 63 | |
Details : | Wing Commander Purshotam Lal Dhawan was in command of one of the Transport Squadrons in the J &K Area – his third operational assignment in this area. After active hostilities commenced in Ladakh, information was received that Chandni post was under fire and no clear picture was available regarding our posts in the Daulat Beg Oldi area. Wing Commander Dhawan, knowing that he would encounter enemy fire, successfully carried out a complete reconnaissance over the area before landing at Daulat Beg Oldi and obtained information about the latest situation in the forward posts in that area. When our troops were retreating from Daulat Beg Oldi, Wing Commander Dhawan located them and dropped essential winter clothing and food without which they could not have survived. Wing Commander Purshotam Lal Dhawan , displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India , 16th February 1963 - No. 17-Pres/63., dated 26th January, 1963 | ||||
Vir Chakra | |||||
Wg Cdr | Tom Lionel Anderson 3126 GD(P) | Unit : No.44 Squadron | Award Date 20 Oct 62 | Announced 26 Jan 63 | |
Details : | On 20th October, 1962, after the Chinese had invaded our borders it became evident that Chushul airfield in Ladakh would be one of their main objectives. The garrison at Chushul depended mainly on air supply. In order t prevent our aircraft from supplying the garrison, the Chinese had established a number of MMG posts near the airfield circuit. Although each sortie to Chushul was fraught with grave danger from concentrated enemy fire, wing Commander Anderson, was in command of one of our Transport Squadrons, flew nearly 70 operational hours during the critical days, delivering vital supplies to the garrison. It was due to his courage and perseverance that the tank lift to Chushul was made possible. His ceaseless efforts inspired the officers and men of his squadron to work round the clock to maintain the supplies required for the survival of the garrison. In these operations, Wing Commander Anderson displayed commendable courage and unflinching devotion to duty | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India , 16th February 1963 - No. 18-Pres/63., dated 26th January, 1963 | ||||
Vir Chakra | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Chandan Singh 3460 GD(P) | Unit : No.44 Squadron | Award Date 20 Oct 62 | Announced 26 Jan 63 | |
Details : | On 20th October 1962, Squadron Leader Chandan Singh was detailed to carry out supply dropping in the Chip Chap area in Ladakh. On reaching the dropping zone, he noticed that the outposts were under heavy fire from the Chinese forces. He successfully dropped vital supplies to our garrison although his aircraft was hit 19 times by enemy ground fire, Squadron Leader Chandan Singh displayed courage and devotion to duty in carrying out the task in complete disregard of his personal safety. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India , 16th February 1963 - No. 18-Pres/63., dated 26th January, 1963 | ||||
Vir Chakra | |||||
Flt Lt | Vinayak Bhiwaji Sawant 4401 GD(N) | Unit : No.106 Squadron | Award Date 20 Oct 62 | Announced 26 Jan 63 | |
Details : | Flight Lieutenant Vinayak Bhiwaji Sawant was employed on operational tasks which involved flying over difficult and mountainous terrain, both by day and by night. The aircraft had to be navigated accurately in the face of adverse weather conditions. Flight Lieutenant Sawant undertook these hazardous tasks cheerfully and displayed gallantry and a high degree of professional efficiency | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India , 16th February 1963 - No. 18-Pres/63., dated 26th January, 1963 | ||||