During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Bharat Bhushan Soni was serving with Fighter Squadron. During an enemy air raid on the airfield he took off and engaged one F-104 aircraft after it had attacked the airfield. He flew his aircraft at almost supersonic speed at low level and shot down the enemy aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Bharat Bhushan Soni displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah was serving with a detachment of a fighter-bomber Squadron. On the 16th December, 1971, he was detailed to escort an offensive sweep mission. As the leader of the escort, he substantially helped the offensive sweep mission to accomplish the task. While returning to base, he spotted a section of the enemy aircraft approaching our aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah immediately engaged the enemy aircraft and in the ensuing air battle shot down the leader of the enemy formation. Due to shortage of fuel, he was prevented from going after the other enemy aircraft. Despite this handicap he frustrated the efforts of the second enemy aircraft and landed safely without any damage to his own aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, as a pilot of a FighterBomber Squadron, was detailed to attack a massive enemy thrust at Longewala on the 5th and 6th December, 1971. Despite heavy and concentrated enemy ground fire, he successfully destroyed five enemy tanks as well as several gun positions and vehicles.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chander Gosain displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Hemant Sharat Kumar Sardesai was serving with a Fighter Squadron. From 3rd December to 16th December 1971, he flew 11 sorties of counter air missions, 8 sorties of offensive air support missions and 3 sorties of air defensive missions. In one of the offensive support missions, he was responsible for locating and later directing an attack at well-camouflaged enemy headquarters bunkers between Rajinderganj and Mahenderganj which resulted in the capture of the enemy Headquarters and about 160 enemy personnel. In counter air operations, his contribution was unique. On 6th December, 1971, he was in the first bomb strike mission of the Squadron over Tezgaon Airfield, rendering it inoperative. On the night of 12th December 1971, he attacked a ghost Airfield at Narsingdi and followed the attack by day Bombing and rendered the airfield unusable. He was also in the formation that struck a vital military target in Dacca on the 14th December, 1971. He was also in the first formation that stricke enemy troop concentrations in Dacca University, which accelerated the surrender of Pakistani forces in Bangla Desh.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Hemant Sharat Kumar Sardesai displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

On 22nd November, 1971, at about 1450 hours order was given to intercept four Pakistani aircraft which had intruded into our territory. Flight Lieutenant Mandepanda Appachu Ganapathy who was detailed to fly as No. 3 in a formation of 4 Gnat aircraft proceeded to intercept the enemy. On sighting the enemy aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered his section and got behind one Sabre Jet and shot it down.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Mandepanda Appachu Ganapathy displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, as a pilot in a FighterBomber Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Ashok Kumar Singh flew 15 missions deep in the enemy territory in the face of heavy ground and air opposition. On the 17th December, 1971, he was ordered to undertake a photo reconnaissance mission which involved flying the aircraft at extreme range and over a target which was heavily defended. While he was over the target his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire resulting in leakage of fuel. Undeterred and in complete disregard to his personal safety he completed the mission flying the aircraft skillfully and landed safely with critical fuel state, and brought back vital information.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Ashok Kumar Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Jagdamba Prasad Saklani, as a pilot of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, flew thirteen operational missions in support of our ground forces. In addition to the destruction of four tanks and one jeep, he successfully attacked Chander airfield, bombed enemy concentration of troops and tanks and also bombed Zaffarwal, inflicting heavy damage to the enemy.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Jagdamba Prasad Saklani displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistani in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Aruna Kumar Datta flew several operational missions while serving with a detachment of a Fighter Squadron. On the 12th December, 19711, while he was escorting a strike mission, the leader of the escort mission spotted two enemy F-104 aircraft constituting direct threat to our strike force. Both the enemy aircraft were immediately engaged by Flight Lieutenant Datta and his leader. Flight Lieutenant Datta got behind one of the enemy aircraft but it rolled out and attempted to escape. With great skill he manoeuvred his aircraft behind the enemy and fired both his missiles at an interval of 3-4 seconds, and destroyed the enemy aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Aruna Kumar Datta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Dilip Kamalakar Dighe as a pilot of a FighterBomber Squadron, he flew fourteen sorties in support of our ground forces. On two of these missions, he spotted enemy tank concentrations. He immediately directed the formation on to the target and his own accurate shooting resulted in the destruction of four tanks, numerous enemy vehicles and two gun positions in Chhamb-Jaurian Sector.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Dilip Kamalakar Dighe displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Partha Das Gupta was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He flew 19 operational missions out of which twelve were flown deep into enemy territory. On the 5th December 1971, while flying as Number Two on a dawn tactical reconnaissance and strike mission in Chistian Mandi - Bahawal Nagar area he spotted a train carrying tanks near Chistian Mandi. Despite heavy anti aircraft fire he attacked the train twice and destroyed three tanks. Again while flying as Number Two in a strike mission to Multan he destroyed a huge oil dump at Multan and returned to base with a marginal endurance of three minutes. He carried out all his missions to the ultimate limits of endurance.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Partha Das Gupta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Rajendra Singh Wahi Gupta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamasji was serving with a helicopter unit. His Helicopter flown by him was attacked twice by machine gun and twice by mortars. He showed great presence of mind and brought back his aircraft to the base. On one occasion his helicopter had engine failure over enemy position, but he brought it safely to a post within our territory.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamasji displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, as a pilot of a front line Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Kuldeep Singh Sahota flew thirteen missions in support of our ground forces. He destroyed four enemy tanks and a few heavy guns. On two occasions, information brought by him about enemy tank concentrations in Chhamb-Jaurian Sector resulted in planning of subsequent missions, which destroyed these enemy tanks.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Kuldeep Singh Sahota displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, on a number of night bombing attacks on vital targets deep inside enemy territory, Flight Lieutenant Yogendra Prasad Singh displayed navigational skill of a very high order in accurately navigating over difficult and unfamiliar terrain with determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition. His example of courage, determination and skill was a source of inspiration to other aircrews.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Yogendra Prasad Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Vijay Kumar Wahi was a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 6th December, 1971, he was detailed as number two in an Air to Ground mission to Chhamb area. The target was heavily defended by anti aircraft guns and enemy aircraft but the destruction of this target was of vital important to our ground forces which were under heavy pressure. He pressed home the attacks and knocked out two enemy tanks. While returning from the mission, his aircraft was hit and he ejected sustaining fatal injuries.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Lawrence Fredrick Pereira displayed gallantry, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Winston Rabinder Sanjeeva Rao (10191) was attached to a Brigade in the Rajasthan area for duties as a forward Air Controller in the Air Contact Team of the Brigade. The duty of an Air Contact Team requires its members to position themselves at vantage points in the battle zones, from where they can see enemy targets, and to guide the pilots of attacking aircraft on to the desired targets by radio. On the 5th December, 1971, a platoon patrol of the Army came under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. A company of troops was rushed to help the patrol, and Flight Lieutenant Rao was detailed to accompany them. He rushed to the area on a camel and took up a position on a dominating sand dune, exposed to enemy fire, from where he could direct our aircraft on to the enemy positions. Again on the 7th December, 1971, a company of the Army was under heavy enemy fire at Saidan and asked for an air strike to take place at 1715 hours. Flight Lieutenant Rao volunteered to proceed to the spot to carry out FAC duties, although he knew that Saidan was 52 kilometers away across the desert, including 12 kilometers through enemy territory, and that it was already 1200 hours. He succeeded in reaching the road head at 1400 hours and then having organised a patrol led it himself, carrying his radio set along with him on a camel. He succeeded in reaching Saidan well in time to direct the air strike very successfully and returned to the Battalion Headquarter on the 11th December, 1971. On the 14th December, 1971, at about 1000 hrs, the Saidan defended position was surrounded by an enemy battalion, and by 1400 hours it came under heavy enemy pressure. Once more, Flight Lieutenant Rao volunteered to go to the area to dire strike aircraft against the besieging enemy troops. He left the Battalion Headquarters in a jeep with his radio set and after linking with a patrol from one of the companies, managed to get through to the surrounded Saidan position. The enemy attack was beaten back, but during the night, they built up again for another attack. An air strike was called for at 0830 hours on 15th December 1971, and this was excellently directed by Flight Lieutenant Rao as a result of which the enemy was forced to withdraw having suffered heavy casualties in men and equipment.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Winston Rabinder Sanjeeva Rao displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron. On 4th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two on a tactical reconnaissance mission in Naya ChorUmarkot-Dhornaro area. Near Chor he observed enemy vehicle convoys moving towards Dhornaro Railway Station. He immediately went in for a front gun attack and scored direct hits on the vehicles. This mission then flew directly over Dhornaro Railway Station and once again he spotted a goods train being unloaded. He attacked the train despite concentrated ground fire and caused considerable damage. He pressed on with his third attack, but while pulling up his aircraft was hit and damaged by ground fire. He brought the damaged aircraft under control and headed for base, which was about 100 miles. Under compelling circumstances, he abandoned the aircraft. In this operation, he made the supreme sacrifice.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte displayed gallantry and determination of a high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Donald Lazarus was serving with a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On 22nd November 1971, Flying Officer Lazarus was detailed to fly as No. 4 in a formation of four Gnat aircraft. The formation was ordered to intercept four hostile aircraft which had intruded into our territory. The formation leader maneuvered the formation to an advantageous position and engaged the introducing Sabre Jets. In the ensuing air Battle, Flying Officer Lazarus maintained his stations as number four ensuring the safety of his element leader. At one stage, when Flying Officer Lazarus noticed that one of the Sabre Jet was becoming a threat to his element leader, he maneuvered his own air craft with great skill and got behind the Sabre Jet and pressed home his attack till the Sabre Jet disintegrated in the mid air.

In this action, Flying Officer Donald Lazarus displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadrons. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a dusk strike mission over an enemy airfield. In spite of poor visibility over the target, he successfully carried out the attack and destroyed one blast pen. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two in a strike mission over an enemy Signals Unit. He attacked the Radar Unit and caused such extensive damage that the Radar Station never came on the air throughout the operations. In this operation he made the supreme sacrifice.

In this action, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani displayed gallantry, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya was serving with Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He carried out two counter air day missions to enemy airfields and destroyed a heavy transport aircraft on the ground and also caused extensive damage to permanent airfield installation in the face of heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the Operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian was serving as a pilot with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On 4th and 5th December 1971 he flew deep day penetration operational missions to enemy airfield and successfully damaged enemy airfield on ground and other airfield installations despite heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Bartan Ramesh was serving with a Helicopter Unit. He carried out forty-five successful operational missions, some of which were in the heart of the battle area. During two of these missions he, with complete disregard to his personal safety, evacuated Army Battle casualties from forward Helipads in the Uri Sector in the face of constant shellings by the enemy.

Throughout, Flying Officer Bartan Ramesh displayed gallantry, professional skill and, devotion to duty of high order.

On 4th December 1971, Flying Officer Harish Masand was No. 3 in a 3 aircraft strike mission for attacking an enemy airfield. Just short of the target the formation was intercepted by two Pakistan Air Force Sabre aircraft. In the ensuing dogfight, he shot down one Sabre aircraft. He also undertook a number of Fighter Reconnaissance missions in the enemy territory and completed the tasks assigned to him.

Throughout, Flying Officer Harish Masand displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat as a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, flew several operational missions against the enemy. On the 5th December he carried out a strike in Kathua sector and destroyed a bridge. On the 7th December, while on a close support mission, he des troyed a number of enemy tanks. During one of his missions his aircraft was badly hit by enemy ground fire but he remained calm and cool and brought the aircraft back safely. On the 9th December 1971, he was number two in a two aircraft formation when the formation was attacked by six enemy Mirages. He kept a good look around and gave full cover to and support to his leader. Even though 12 Air to Air missiles were fired at them by the enemy aircraft. The formation safely returned to base. On the 10th December while on a close air support mission in Chhamb sector he saw his leader being hit by ground fire and crashing but he remained unperturbed and pressed home his attack on the enemy concentration causing heavy damage.

Throughout, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971 as a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Flying Officer Mohan Dikshit flew several sorties. He flew as a wingman on a strike mission and damaged a bridge in spite of heavy enemy defence. In the Pathankot sector he damaged four marshalling yards and the canal headworks. While on a close air support mission he destroyed few gun positions in the Chhamb area.

Throughout, Flying Officer Mohan Dikshit displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Sukhdev Singh Dhillon flew as a pilot in a Helicopter unit and single-handed evacuated 87 battle casualties from the most difficult and hazardous terrain of Kargil sector in complete disregard to his personal safety. He carried out these evacuation missions in the face of heavy ground and air opposition.

Throughout, Flying Officer Sukhdev Singh Dhillon displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Parminder Paul Singh Kawatra (11383) was attached to a fighter squadron. He flew several missions including three as mission leader in Poonch, Uri, Tithwal and Kargil sectors. Despite limited experience on type he successfully completed all his missions. On the 15th and 16th December, 1971, while engaged in attacks at the enemy posts his aircraft engines flamed out but he continued the attack after relighting the engines. On the 15th December, 1971, during an enemy air raid on one of our airfields, the camouflage net covering a blast pen caught fire. He rushed to the spot and put off the fire despite the fact that enemy aircraft were still over head.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Parminder Paul Singh Kawatra displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Satish Chandra Sharma was attached to a Brigade in the Eastern Sector for duties as a Forward Air Controller in the Air Contact Team of the Brigade. On the 7th December, 1971, Flying Officer Sharma was detailed to accompany a Company which was airlifted by helicopter to a site behind the enemy occupied area at Sylhet. He landed at the helipad at 1700 hours with a small party and signal sets, under heavy enemy fire. He immediately took control fo the situation and brought his men safely to vantage point from where he directed the incoming helicopters sorties to strike enemy postions at the branch on river Surma and enemy Headquarters at Circuit House. This strike was so effective that the enemy did not fire for quite sometime. The enemy resumed its fire pressure at the subsequent landings on the morning of 8th December 1971. Flying Officer Sharma again went to a vantage point under heavy enemy shelling and successfully directed our bombers on the enemy positions and targets. These strikes were so accurate that the enemy firing ceased immediately. On the night of 8th/9th December, 1971, the enemy occupied positions around two of our forward block companies and engaged then with heavy MMG and mortar fire. Flying Officer Sharma again went to a vantage point and effectively directed our air strike. Undeterred by the enemy fire all around him, he led his escort party towards the forward company location. Enroute, he encountered a small enemy patrol, who fired at his party from a nearby grove. Though unfamiliar with infantry tactics, Flying Officer Sharma ordered his small party to attack the enemy, and personally led the charge on the enemy patrol. This spontaneous and swift action resulted in the death of two enemy personnel. Flying Officer Sharma and his party moved forward with confidence and reached a suitable vantage point close to the forward block company. From that position, he directed air attacks on the enemy occupied area. The air strikes were so accurate and effective that they disorganized enemy’s preparation for a possible attack on the forward block company.

Throughout, Flying Officer Satish Chandra Sharma displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Lieutenant Arun Prakash was on deputation to IAF. On the 4th Dec, 71, he led an IAF strike mission to an enemy airfield. In the mission he destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft on ground and returned to base. On the 5th Dec 71, he led a deep strike penetration day ops strike into enemy territory and attacked an enemy airfield, heavily defended by air and ground forces. He destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.

Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Prakash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Man Mohan Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1951. During the India-Pakistan conflict of December, 1971, he was in command of an Operational Fighter Squadron in the Eastern Sector. His squadron flew 110 sorties in Bangladesh in close support and anti-shipping roles and met all its operational commitments without damage to any of its aircraft. He personally led 19 sorties and successfully engaged enemy defence positions, gun boats and ships despite heavy ground fire. When the heliborne operations across the Maghana river commenced, his squadron provided very effective air cover for the successful completion of the task. In addition, the squadron provided valuable support to the Army in Agartala Sector inspite of the fact that the aircraft had to operate from a short runway at Agartala.

Throughout the operations, he displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa served with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 4th December, 1971, when the enemy had encircled a Battalion of our troops in a small enclave in the Hussainiwala area and was pressing hard with tanks, he led a two aircraft formation in this area. He carried out over 12 attacks and personally destroyed or damaged seven enemy tanks and a jeep. This action blunted the enemy assault and enabled our encircled troops to extricate themselves with minimum casualties. On 5th December, 1971, he was detailed as the Sub-Section Leader of a four aircraft strike mission over the enemy gun positions which were constantly shelling our positions in an area in the west of Amritsar. Despite the heavy ground fire from the enemy guns, he carried out successful attacks until in his sixth attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire and he had to eject at a very low altitude.

In this action, Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Apramjeet Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air force in June 1963. During the Indo-Pakistan conflict of December, 1971, he flew 21 operational sorties consisting of escort and sweep missions, deep inside enemy territory. On 8th December 1971, while flying as Number two in the Chhamb Sector, his formation encountered heavy enemy ground fire in which his leader was shot down. His aircraft was also hit and sustained heavy damage. Despite the fact that the aircraft had become almost uncontrollable, due to damage to its port wing, and many other systems becoming unserviceable, he displayed exemplary skill and courage in bringing his aircraft back to base safely.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Apramjeet Singh displayed gallantry and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Melvinder Singh Grewal served with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 4th December, 1971, he was detailed as a member of a four aircraft strike mission over the enemy airfield ‘Shorkot Road’. He successfully carried out the mission destroying one aircraft on ground and damaging a building. The same day, in the evening, he carried out another strike mission. As a member of a formation over the same airfield, he pressed the attack despite heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. However, in this attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed.

Flight Lieutenant Melvinder Singh Grewal displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Aditya Vikram Pethia served with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 5th December, 1971, he was detailed as leader of a tactical reconnaissance mission over Chistian Mandi to seek and destroy enemy armour vehicles. He spotted a train moving towards Bhaval Nagar transporting about 15 tanks. Despite heavy enemy ground fire, he made two attacks on the train and destroyed two enemy trains. Unmindful of his personal safety, he made another attack to silence the enemy anti-aircraft gun. However, his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and crashed.

Flight Lieutenant Aditya Vikram Pethia displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Kariyadil Cheriyan Kuruvilla served with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 4th December, 1971, he carried out a strike mission over Chander airfield and successfully attacked enemy aircraft on ground and airfield installations. On 5th December, 1971, he flew another strike mission over Chistian Mandi, scored a direct hit on the engine of a train and inflicted heavy damages to the train despite intensive Antiaircraft fire. Again, on 6th December, 1971, he undertook another strike mission over Dera Baba Nanak area and attacked enemy tank concentrations. During this attack, while making a second pass over the target, his aircraft was hit by the enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed.

Flying Officer Kariyadil Cheriyan Kuruvilla displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Hersern Singh Gill was commanding a Fighter Squadron in the Western sector. He led several operational missions on air defence, close support and counter air operations during the period 3rd December, 1971 to 13th December, 1971. He set an inspiring example to his pilots with his fearless approach, flying skill and dedication to his duties. His Squadron shot down one enemy F-104 aircraft over Jamnagar and hit another F-104 aircraft on 11th and 12th December 1971 respectively. Disregarding his personal safety and with great courage and skill, he undertook strie mission over the Badin Signals Unit Complex in the face of intense enemy Anti-Aircraft fire. On the 13th December 1971 he undertook another strike mission on the same target. During this attack his aircraft was shot down by the enemy Anti-Aircraft fire.

Throughout these operations, Wing Commander Hersern Singh Gill displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a very high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. on the 4th December, 1971, he carried out two strike missions over Mianwali airfield and attacked enemy aircraft parked on the ground. As he turned homeward after the attack, he was attacked by enemy Sabre and Mirage aircraft. He successfully disengaged himself from the enemy attack and brought his aircraft safely back to base. On the 5th, 7th and 9th December, 1971, he carried out further successful missions to Poonch, Sambha and Dinanagar Sectors in support of our ground forces. On the 10th December 1971 he was detailed as leader of a two aircraft strike mission, to the Chhamb Sector. Despite heavy and concentrated ground fire he made accurate bomb and cannon attacks on the enemy positions. During this action his aircraft was hit and crashed in enemy territory.

Throughout these operations, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a strike mission on a Sakesar Signals Unit Complex. He carried out the mission successfully, causing extensive damage to the installations and aerials of the unit, despite strong air and ground opposition. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as leader of a strike mission to the same target. He exhibited conspicuous courage and determination in the face of strong enemy opposition and succeeded in damaging the Radar Unit to the extent that it went off the air completely thereafter. But unfortunately, he could not be contacted thereafter.

Throughout this operation, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was No. 2 in a two aircraft strike mission over Murid airfield. While engaged in attacking the enemy airfield, he spotted an enemy aircraft close on the tail of the leader of the mission. He engaged the aircraft and shot it down, when a Mirage and two Sabres of the enemy closed in to attack him. In ensuing air battle, in spite of being outnumbered, he fought valiantly but his aircraft was shot down.

Throughout this operation, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Narayan Sapre was involved in planning and execution of Helicopter Operations in support of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from the beginning. On the night of 11th/12th October 1987, Wing Commander Sapre led the night Special Heliborne operations comprising four Mi-8 aircraft. He successfully carried out the entire mission landing the troops at the designated helipad, which was under heavy fire by the militants. However, since this was a critical mission, he displayed outstanding grit and courage and completed three successful missions. Through, heavy damage was caused to his helicopter, Wing Commander Sapre quickly assessed the situation and flew back the aircraft to base with great skill.

Wing Commander VKN Sapre has flown 150 sorties in the area out of which 76 have been flown during the current hostile phase.

Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Narayan Sapre thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and professional competence in the face of militants.

Squadron Leader Thirumangalath Kattil Vinay Raj carried extensive flying in Jaffana Peninsula during the month of October 1987 as a part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation. On the night of 11/12 October 1987, during the course of high Special Heliborne Operation, Squadron Leader Vinay Raj was the Captain of No. 2 aircraft in four aircraft formation, detailed for a special mission. He was responsible for successfully landing three missions at the designated helipad, which was under heavy fire by the militants. During this operation the helicopter received extensive damage but Squadron Leader Vinay Raj was able to fly the helicopter back to base safely.

Squadron Leader Thirumangalath Kattil Vinay Raj thus displayed conspicuous gallantry in the face of heavy militant firing.

On the night of 11th/12th October, 1987, Wing Commander Doraisami was the Captain of an aircraft in four-aircraft formation detailed for special mission. He carried out three successful missions for landing troops in a helipad, which was totally surrounded by the militants. The helicopter came under fire and was extensively damaged. Undaunted Wing Commander Doraisami assessed the damage and flew back the helicopter to base.

Wing Commander Daniel Rajkumar Doraisami thus displayed conspicuous gallantry in the face of militants ground firing thereby saving valuable aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash formed part of Indian Air Force element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. On the night of 11th/12th October 1987, he was the Captain of helicopter in a four aircraft formation and involved in the critical Special Heliborne Operation. Despite being comparatively junior in service and relatively inexperienced, he showed determination and grit of a very high order. He successfully carried out three missions during the night. The helipad was under heavy fire by the militants and his helicopter suffered extensive damage but Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash managed to fly it back to base safely.

Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash showed exceptional courage in the face of militants’ ground fire.

Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh served in the Indian Air Force element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. On 3rd November 1987 Squadron Leader Singh was detailed to strike the militant strongholds which were impeding the advance of a para commando Regiment towards Mulai. On reaching the area he was directed to attack a stronghold which was heavily defended with heavy machine guns. In spite of heavy ground fire he carried out repeated front gun attacks with deadly accuracy. During his third attack on a machine gun nest the aircraft was hit by ground fire. After pulling out of the attack he noticed that the left engine was damaged and had heavy oil leak. He immediately switched off the left engine and established flight on single engine to avoid engine fire. Though the aircraft was heavily loaded with ammunition, he decided not to jettison the much needed armament stores. Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh realized that he was flying over a very hostile area and forced landing would result in getting captured by the militants. He kept absolutely calm and nursed the aircraft back in a very professional manner. He tried to contact base on Radio Telephony but the Radio set had also been damaged due to ground fire. In spite of heavy traffic over base, he landed the aircraft on a single engine without causing any damage to the aircraft.

Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and professional competence in the face of the militant ground fire.

Wing Commander Chandra Datt Upadhyay was deployed as ‘Type Force Commander’ of the Pratap Fleet of Indian Air Force Element of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka from the 19th October, 1987 to 3rd November 1987, when the IPKF was engaged in fierce battle with Tamil Militants for control of Jaffna town.

On the 19th October, 1987 and again on the 20th October, 1987, Wing Commander Upadhaya carried out sorties to take urgent rations, petrol, oil and ammunition for the advancing Army columns and evacuate casualties. He carried out the mission by landing on an open field which was under fire from all sides.

On the 21st October, 1987, a single helicopter special mission of para commando was dropped at Achuvail and then para commandos and prisoners were picked up from Puttur West. During take off from the ground at Puttur West, his helicopter was fired at by the militants by machine gun & rockets. One rocket damaged the trailing edge of a rotor blade, causing severe vibration. The helicopter went out of control and started descending rapidly. Wing Commander Upadhyay showing great professional skill controlled the helicopter only a few feet above the ground and turned back and landed the stricken helicopter in the same field. All the passengers and crew took shelter in ditches and once the crossfire ceased, he inspected the helicopter. Since the damage was very light, he restarted the helicopter, boarded the passengers and managed to fly it back at low speed to the airfield, thus saving valuable lives and a helicopter.

Wing Commander Chandra Datt Upadhaya thus displayed exceptional professional skill, extreme devotion to duty and courage in the face of the militants in Sri Lanka.

On the 22nd June, 1988, Flight Lieutenant Nicodemus Manohar Samuel was detailed for a special task involving winching down of IPKF reconnaissance party in the most difficult and thickly vegetated terrain in Mullaitivu area in Sri Lanka. This operation involved hovering over an area which was expected to be infested with hard core militants. During the execution of this mission, his helicopter came under heavy ground fire from the surrounding area. However, with utmost dedication and total disregard to personal safety, Flight Lieutenant Samuel continued to hover till the recce party was retrieved by winching. In the resultant ground fire, the helicopter sustained extensive damage and some of the crew members and the troops on board were injured. In spite of being subjected to heavy ground fire, Flight Lieutenant Samuel kept his cool and continued to fly his helicopter in the damaged condition till his mission was completed. He also displayed excellent airmanship by correctly assessing the damage caused to the helicopter and flying this crippled machine safely to the nearest helipad, thereby avoiding further damage to his helicopter and also to render immediate medical aid to the injured troops/crew.

In the whole operation, Flight Lieutenant Nicodemus Manohar Samuel showed courage and professional skill of extremely high order, with total disregard to personal safety in the face of the militants.

On the 23rd September 1987, Flight Lieutenant Abdul Naseer Hanfee was launched in Siachen area to assist the Army. Taking off in a short time, he immediately undertook the much-needed Army support missions in the area. At a time when all our forward posts were under attack by enemy and the demand for ammunition and other logistic support came up, Flight Lieutenant Hanfee rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge. Flying from sunrise to sunset in marginal weather conditions with frequent snow blizzards and white out conditions and frequent enemy shelling of the posts, he achieved 14 to 15 sorties a day for three continuous days, with total disregard to him personal safety. He single handedly managed to provide the much-needed logistic support for two days, which was a big morale booster for the troops in Siachen Glacier area, fighting the enemy a hostile terrain.

In a restricted area where the guns were required to fire continuously to meet the enemy challenge, he also showed exceptional professionalism by evacuating 38 casualties in a single day from the area which was in the close proximity of enemy posts with undue disregard to his personal safety.

Thus, Flight Lieutenant Abdul Naseer Hanfee exhibited high degree of professional skill and courage in the face of the adversary.

Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru was inducted in Air Force Element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka with the very first fleet of Akbars while he was still undergoing conversion. On 26th October 1987, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a mission ex-Jaffna to search and destroy militants vehicles operating on the Jaffna Karaitivu causeway. Five vans were located on the causeway while attempting to flee towards Karaitivu. With extra ordinary accuracy and commendable professional calmness he destroyed these vehicles and killed all the militants personnel aboard these vehicles.

On the 3rd November 1987 Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a close air support mission for one of the Commando Battalion of the Para Regiment. The Commandos were surrounded by the militants and subjected to heavy automatic fire. He engaged the militants’ location on the Para Commando perimeter. These locations were within three hundred meters of friendly forces. The militants engaged the aircraft with automatic weapons using tracer ammunition and scored a hit. In spite of the visible stream of ground fire, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru engaged the militants. His action forced the militants to retreat from their positions. The Para commandos won this action solely because of the Air Support provided by Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru’s determined attack on militants’ position.

On the 7th December, 1987, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a search and destroy mission in support of one of the Commando Battalions of the Para Regiment in area Mulaitivu. The militants disembarked from a tractor and opened fire at the aircraft. In complete disregard of personal safety, Flight lieutenant Atanu Guru swiftly and accurately returned the fire and silenced the militants’ guns. Subsequent intercepts of militant radio messages showed that the devastating fire had destroyed the tractor and killed and wounded several militants.

On the 15th December 1987, while engaging a militant vehicle-carrying reinforcements against a battalion of Garhwal Rifles in Mulaitivu area the militants opened fire and the aircraft was hit on the main rotor blade. Despite this and intense enemy fire, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru returned the fire and destroyed the van.

Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru, thus, displayed conspicuous gallantry in a series of missions undertaken in support of IPKF ground forces.

Since 1st March, 1988 Flight Lieutenant Manavendra Singh (16983) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of an Operational Helicopter Unit.

Flt Lt Manavendra Singh has to his credit the successful carrying out of over 2000 operational missions and over 1000 sorties to the highest helipad in the hospitable terrain of the Siachen Glacier. Between 26th June and 21st August 1988 on eight separate occasions, at three different helipads on the Siachen Glacier, Flight Lieutenant Manavendra Singh faced the additional challenges due to incessant enemy small arms and artillery. He has faced this grim situation every time with exceptional courage and gallantry. Being a dedicated soldier, he always undertook such missions with unusual enthusiasm in spite of being clearly aware of the inherent dangers.

His gallant conduct has been a source of inspiration to all personnel of his unit besides upholding the great traditions of the Indian Air Force.

On the 24th August 1988 when ‘OP CHRCKMATE’ phase (III), being conducted by 4 Inf Div in Mitikaikulam jungles in Sri Lanka, Wing Commander Dhirendra Nath Sahae was detailed of standby at Mulaitivu helipad with 4 x 16 57 mm RPS in offensive role. During a dare devil attack on the TAC HQ of 7 Brigade, the militants blew up one OP Chetak and managed to damage another. They also managed to attack the HQ with RPG and automatic weapons thus gravely endangering lives of GOC IPKF Land Forces, other senior Army and Air Force Officers present at that location. Wing Commander Sahae was immediately asked to scramble in order to deal with LTTE threat. He got airborne and reached the area within record time of 12 minutes. He engaged the militants and fired the rockets at the area as directed by another airborne Chetak aircraft. He successfully neutralized and threat and ensured safety and security of the TAC HQ and senior Army and Air Force Commanders at the site. Three militants were reported killed due to his timely action and they were forced to withdraw without causing any further damage.

Wing Commander Dhirendra Nath Sahae, thus, displayed exceptional professional skill, devotion to duty, courage and bravery of high order in action against militants.