During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971, Group Captain Robert Arnold Weir in command of an operational Squadron in the Western Sector. He carried out a large number of operational missions in Poonch area flying at heights of 30-50 feet above ground level fully knowing that aircraft was vulnerable to even small arms fire and also that escape by parachute or force landing in the event of damage to aircraft was not possible. Between the 8th and 11th December, 1971, he engaged and destroyed a large number of enemy gun positions in the face of heavy ground opposition. In addition he carried out numerous other missions in support of our ground forces inflicting heavy damage on enemy positions and undertook recce missions for the location of infiltrators in the area.

Throughout the operations, Group Captain Robert Arnold Weir displayed professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Wing Commander Arun Kant Mukherjee was commanding a Tactical Flying Unit. He undertook a number of operational sorties and attacked heavily defended enemy air bases. Due to his sound planning, all tasks allotted to his unit were accomplished in an exemplary manner. The unit carried out deep penetration sorties at night with single engine aircraft in the face of heavy enemy defences. The unit did valuable work in keeping the enemy force harassed at night.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Arun Kant Mukherjee displayed gallantry, leadership and flying skill of a high order.

During hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Keshev Chandra Aggarwal was in command of an operational Fighter Squadron. He led a number of operational missions against enemy armour and troops concentrations in support of our ground forces. Though faced with heavy ground fire and air opposition, he pressed home his attacks and destroyed numerous vehicles and a petrol dump. On the 4th December, 1971, and again on 8th December, 1971, he undertook reconnaissance sorties in Chor-Doronara areas and successfully located two trains carrying ammunition and destroyed them. On the 6th December, 1971, he led a formation and destroyed a railway engine and fifteen wagons containing ammunition in Chor-DoronaraHasiar area. Again on the 9th December, 1971, he destroyed fifteen wagons and damaged approximately forty wagons at Mir-Purkhas, which deprived the enemy of vital supplies.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Keshev Chandra Aggarwal displayed gallantry, leadership and flying skill of a high order.

During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Murari Lal Trehon was in command of a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. He flew several operational missions deep into the enemy territory and destroyed a number of enemy tanks, bunkers and gun positions in the face of heavy ground fire. His squadron also carried out a large number of fighter recce sorties deep into enemy territory which were of great value in planning and execution the subsequent operations successfully.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Murari Lal Trehon displayed gallantry, leadership and flying skill of a high order.

During the India-Pakistan conflict in December 1971, Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi was in command of an operational Fighter Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He led the first two Bombing mission over Tezgaon airfield and undeterred by heavy ground fire, he hit Tazgaon runway and also destroyed a large transport aircraft on the ground. During one of these Bombing missions, his aircraft was hit by a heavy shell and sustained severe damage. Notwithstanding this, he pressed home the attack. On the 14th December, 1971, he raided military targets in Dacca inspite of intense ground fire. His attacks on the Government House at Dacca and other targets were carried out with accuracy. During the missions in support of Indian army, he led 10 sorties against heavily defended enemy positions in the Comilla Sector and destroyed enemy Bunkers and strongholds.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar was in command of a Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. During the period 3rd December 1971 to 14th December 1971, he under-took various missions against air bases and port installations which were heavily defended by Missile carrying fighters and anti-aircraft guns. Disregarding personal safety and with great courage and skill, he attacked air bases at Masoor, Drig Road and Port Installations at Karachi. He was instrumental in depleting the enemy’s oil reserves and crippling his port facilities at Karachi.

Throughout the operation, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar displayed gallantry, leadership, and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest was commanding the Operational Training Unit. On the 4th December, 1971, he led a formation which attacked and set fire to Karachi Port bulk oil installation. On the 5th December, 1971, he carried out a daring attack on Mauripur airfield and destroyed at least six enemy aircraft on ground and caused extensive damage to others. Again on the 6th December, 1971, he attacked and destroyed the Warehouses at Drigh Road airfield. In addition he carried out a number of close air support and interdiction missions. He was instrumental in neuteralising heavy enemy armoured thrust in the Longewala section and in setting on fire numerous goods trains. On one occasion he was wounded by enemy fire and war profusely bleeding. Despite excruciating pain and loss of blood he successfully brought his formation back to base.

Throughout, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a high order.

During the hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Arya Bhushan Lamba was the Flight Commander of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he led sorties on Risalwala and Chander airfields blasting the dispersals. On the 5th December, 1971, he destroyed a tank and a tank transporter. On the 6th December, 1971, he destroyed enemy positions near Narowal. On the 7th December, 1971, he struck twice; once on a troop concentration and later on guns and tank concentration. On the 9th December, 1971, he blew up a bridge over Ichogil canal with a direct hit. By maintaining close liaison with technical staff, he ensured a high rate of serviceability of aircraft in the Squadron.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader Arya Bhushan Lamba displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Ravindar Nath Dogra (4725) was in command of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He flew a number of missions deep into enemy territory which were heavily defended and often came back with a number of bullet holes in this aircraft. His fearlessness and personal example inspired confidence and courage amongst the pilots of his Squadron who volunteered for the hazardous missions and completed them with success.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Ravindar Nath Dogra displayed gallantry, leadership and flying skill of a high order.

During the hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Kohli was attached to an operational Bomber Squadron. He successfully flew a number of missions deep into enemy territory which involved penetration into enemy radar coverage, against well defended targets. He was a source of inspiration to his colleagues and junior pilots of the Unit.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Kohli displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

At the outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Jiwa Singh was on the strength of a front line Fighter Squadron. During the operations Squadron Leader Jiwa Singh led a formation to search and strike enemy tanks and troops which were engaging our ground forces. He successfully located the hidden tank positions and pressed home his attack even though his section was encircled on airfield by 4 enemy aircraft. He engaged an enemy F-104 in aerial combat in order to give his number two a chance to get away safely. In the combat his aircraft was shot at low level as a result which he was killed.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jiwa Singh displayed gallantry and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Farokh Jehangir Mehta as a senior pilot in one of the Fighter-Bomber Squadron, flew twentytwo operational missions consisting of close air support in Kutch and Barmer sector and successful strikes at Mirpur and Badin. He flew five counter air missions against Badin, Talahar and Masroor airfield. On the 13th December 1971, while he was proceeding on a strike mission to Talahar airfield he was engaged by a Sabre. In the ensuing air battle, he shot down the enemy aircraft. On another occasion, while he was on a close air support mission in Naya Chor area he was attacked by a Sabre. He maneuvered his aircraft with great skill and secured a hit at the enemy aircraft which was seen crashing.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Farokh Jehangir Mehta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Gursaran Singh Ahluwalia was the Senior Flight Commander of a Bomber Squadron. He was largely responsible for the initial planning, tactics, weapon delivery system and overall supervision in the conduct of bomber operations of the unit. His planning and execution, which included his leading seven missions into enemy territory with courage and successfully completing them in spite of his aircraft being damaged on three missions due to heavy flak acted as a source of inspiration to the air and ground crew.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Gursaran Singh Ahluwalia displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, as a Flight Commander of a Fighter Bomber Squadron, Squadron Leader Allan David Alley flew 15 operational missions in close support of our ground force, interdiction and offensive strike. Between 4th December and 6th December he led strike missions in the Eastern Sector in Saidpur area and destroyed three steamers and four trains. He also extensively damaged three marshalling yards and destroyed four bridges and four enemy bunkers. In the Western Sector he flew as a Deputy Leader in a strike mission over Sialkot and Wazirabad marshalling yards. In spite of heavy enemy ground fire he caused serious damage to the marshalling yards.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Allan David Alley displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Jal Maniksha Mistry was a Senior Pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On 4th December he carried out a daring counter air deep day penetration mission to Kohat and caused extensive damage to the airfield. On 5th December he was leading a formation of two aircraft on a strike mission to Sakesar Radar Station, which was very heavily defended. The aircraft flown by his Number Two became unserviceable during take off itself. Undeterred by this, he proceeded alone on this mission. After reaching the target he attacked the Radar Station in the face of heavy ground fire and succeeded in damaging and putting the radar station off the air.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jal Maniksha Mistry displayed commendable courage, determination and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Bakshi was a senior pilot in one of the Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 6th December, 1971, he was leading a mission over Naya Chor and Dhoran area. While proceeding to the target his Number two spotted a formation of four enemy Sabre aircraft. Though outnumbered he turned towards the enemy aircraft and engaged them in aerial battle and in the ensuring dogfight he shot down one Sabre. In addition he also led a number of offensive air strike missions causing extensive destruction to enemy ground defended positions, Vehicles and troops in the face of heavy ground fire.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Bakshi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Suresh Damodar Karnik served as Flight Commander of a Bomber Squadron. He flew six very important and difficult missions, by day as well as by night in the Western and the Eastern Sector. These missions involved day and night bombing raids over enemy airfields and interdiction of enemy boats by day. The interdiction missions were flown against a large volume of flak, resulting in damage to his aircraft by enemy fire. Despite this, he pressed home his attacks and claimed a number of enemy boats destroyed. He also carried out a day bombing raid over Chittagong airfield in the fact of heavy Ack Ack fire. During this mission, he bombed and destroyed a large P.O.L. dump, which was seen to catch fire, by subsequent aircraft. Throughout the operations, in addition to flying his share of missions, he shouldered the burden of supervision of missions and the administration of the flight.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Suresh Damodar Karnik displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ravindra Nath Bali was a senior pilot in a FighterBomber Squadron. He was detailed to destroy a massive enemy thrust spearheaded by a tank regiment at Longewala. He led three strike missions on the 5th December, 1971 and one on the 6th December, 1971. During these attacks he destroyed three tanks and caused extensive damage to a number of other tanks and vehicles despite heavy ground fire and on some occasions intense enemy air opposition. On the 7th December 1971 he again led a strike mission to the same area and destroyed two tanks. However during the pull out after the second attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire and half of the control surfaces were knocked off. Despite the damage to his aircraft, he skillfully brought it back to base. His missions contributed significantly in neutralizing the enemy thrust and in the overall success of the operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ravindra Nath Bali displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in 1971, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh flew a number of operational missions over heavily defended enemy areas. In spite of heavy ground opposition he pressed home his attacks and destroyed a number of enemy tanks, gun positions and bunkers. He also supervised the servicing of aircraft and thus ensured maximum serviceability of aircraft for operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Bhadra as Flight Commander of a Bomber Squadron carried out and led night bombing missions deep into enemy territory, attacking vital and heavily defended military targets. On one occasion, although he was subjected to heavy Ack Ack fire at a low altitude, he kept cool and continued with his attack and dropped his bombs on the target causing considerable damage.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Bhadra displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Kirpal Singh with utter disregard to his safety, carried out 9 successful operational sorties in the face of stiff enemy air and ground opposition. The information obtained from these sorties proved of great value to our Air and Ground forces in taking swift action to deal with enemy concentrations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Kirpal Singh displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron leader Dinesh Chandra Bhandary was serving with a Bomber Squadron. As a senior Navigator, he was responsible for leading and planning the raids against various difficult targets. He flew nine missions against deep centred enemy targets, which were well defended with air cover and ground ack-ack. Some of the missions were flown in broad daylight involving great risks. His determination and cool courage in hitting the enemy targets were an ideal example to the junior Navigators. His guidance and advice were mainly responsible for the success of other missions also.

Throughout, Squadron leader Dinesh Chandra Bhandary displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Sachdeva served with a FighterBomber Squadron. On 4th December 1971, he carried out attacks with determination and tenacity against very heavy ack-ack defended targets at Chittagong and later destroyed seven trains, carrying vital supplies to the Pakistani forward positions, at Laksham. He flew 15 operational sorties in 6 days of the operations and destroyed a number of ships, tanks, Gun positions, bunkers, trains and fuel tanks in the face of heavy ground fire. He landed back with serious bullet holes in the aircraft on two occasions. On 10th December 1971, while carrying out a sortie, his engine flamed out after an attack on an enemy boat and his aircraft crashed as a result of which he died.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Sachdeva displayed gallantry, leadership, determination and flying skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sindhaghatta Subbaramu was attached to a Fighter Squadron. He flew a total of thirtytwo missions in the form of Combat Air Patrol, escort and interception. He flew these sorties in adverse weather conditions and in pitch-dark night in the vicinity of hilly areas. During every escort mission, he ensured that the strike force was never threatened in any way by enemy aircraft, which enabled the strike force to attack the targets fearlessly. He always brought the strike forces back to base safely.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Sindhaghatta Subbaramu displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Kalyan Kumar Dutta, as Navigations Leader of a Bomber Squadron played a key role in the successful performance of the Squadron. The entire missions and the route missions for the squadron were meticulously carried out by him. In addition, as Navigator to his Squadron Commander he undertook the most difficult and dangerous missions himself with exemplary keenness and courage. On a special mission to an airfield by night, he executed some of the best and most accurate navigation at extremely low attitude of 100 to 200 feet above the hilly terrain resulting in a successful first run attack over the runway.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Kalyan Kumar Dutta displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh Sandhu was in command of a helicopter unit. On the night of December the 7th and 8th December, 1971, he personally led a special heli-born operation deep behind the enemy positions in the Eastern Sector. During the very first mission his force came under enemy fire, but he successfully carried out the landings of his force. The same night he flew an additional five similar missions.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh Sandhu displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde was serving as Senior Pilot in a Fighter Squadron. He led a number of ground attack missions in support of our troops. On two occasions he was responsible to rescue our trapped battalions by blunting the advance of enemy armour in Chamb Jaurian Sector. With utter disregard to his personal safety he led this formation in a determined and fearless attack knocking out 7 enemy tanks and 27 vehicles despite heavy anti aircraft fire. This action of his bad a decisive effect in relieving enemy presence on our ground forces in this sector.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Vishnu Narain Johri was commanding a FighterBomber Squadron. He was leading a tactical reconnaissance mission on the 5th December, 1971, when he spotted a train at Bhawal Nagar, carrying tanks. He immediately went into attack and while attacking the train the port wing of his aircraft was damaged by anti aircraft fire. Undeterred and unmindful of his personal safety he pressed home his attack and destroyed a large number of tanks. After pulling out of the attack he found the port wing of his aircraft on fire. With great presence of mind and skillful flying, he brought the crippled aircraft back to base safely. He also flew several other missions successfully.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Vishnu Narain Johri displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh was a senior pilot of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 6th December, 1971 he carried out a tactical reconnaissance mission deep behind the enemy lines in LONGEWALA area and brought back exhaustive information of vital importance which altered the course of battle in the area to our advantage. Later, on the same day he destroyed a tank and a large number of support vehicles in the area. Again on the 9th December, 1971, after carrying out another very useful tactical reconnaissance he attacked and destroyed four tanks despite heavy ground fire. His mission contributed significantly in neutralizing the enemy thrust in the area.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sanjay Kumar Choudhury served in the Eastern Sector. On the night of the 7th/8th December 1971, a special heliborne operation was undertaken for landing a battalion at Sylhet, which was at that time under enemy occupation. Squadron Leader Choudhury volunteered and landed with a first wave of troops to personally hold up and supervise the lighting of flares. During the process the helicopter landing area came under heavy enemy gunfire. Regardless of his safety, he with the help of one jawan made effort to light up the landing zone. Shortly thereafter, the jawan was killed by enemy fire. Undeterred Squadron Leader Choudhury single-handed lit the flares and kept them lit the whole night. This enabled the heli-borne operation to continue the whole night and its successful completion.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Sanjay Kumar Choudhury displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ghanshyam Singh Thapa served with a Bomber Squadron. He was the lead Navigator of a formation of four Bomber aircraft that carried out the first bombing attack, on the night of the 3rd/4th December, 1971, deep into the enemy territory, over the vitally located and well defended Pakistan Air Force base of Masroor. He navigated the aircraft to the target despite very heavy ground fire. He dropped all the bombs with precision causing heavy damage. Throughout, Squadron Leader Ghanshyam Singh Thapa displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dalip Kumar Dass as a pilot in a Fighter Bomber Squadron, flew a number of operational missions. On the 5th December, 1971, he was detailed on a mission to destroy a massive enemy thrust spear headed by a tank regiment at Longewala. He carried out three strike missions on 5th the December and one on the 6th December, 1971, and destroyed four tanks, a number of vehicles and droops concentrations despite heavy ground fire. His missions had a decisive effect in frustrating the enemy thrust.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dalip Kumar Dass displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Preet Pal Singh Gill carried out a number of successful night bombing missions over vital and heavily defended targets situated deep inside enemy territory. His cool courage, professional skill and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition besides resulting in severe damage to enemy installations, inspired other aircrews to follow his gallant example.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Preet Pal Singh Gill displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh Bindra was commanding a detachment of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 17th December, 1971, while on a combat Air Patrol for giving cover to a strike mission he spotted one enemy F-104 aircraft approaching the airfield. He engaged it before the enemy aircraft could launch an attack on the airfield. Finding tough opposition, the enemy aircraft abandoned the mission and attempted to escape but Squadron Leader Bindra pursued the aircraft and shot it down. In addition to carrying out operational duties, he also ensured a high rate of aircraft serviceability.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh Bindra displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia was a flight commander of a Fighter Bomber Squadron. He flew a large number of missions deep inside enemy territory and brought back useful information. He also led three deep-penetration counter air strikes against enemy airfields, which were heavily defended by Anti Aircraft Guns. On his subsequent missions, notwithstanding heavy ground fire and patrolling by enemy aircraft, he pressed home his attacks. He was responsible for the destruction of three enemy aircraft and numerous other military installations on the ground. He also carried out interdiction missions disrupting enemy lines of communication. In addition, he provided close air support to our ground forces.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Kukke Sreekantasastry Suresh was on the strength of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 5th December, 1971, he was detailed to destroy a massive enemy thrust spear headed by a tank regiment at Longewala. During this mission he destroyed two tanks and damaged a number of other tanks despite heavy ground fire. While carrying out the attack his aircraft was hit and damaged by ground fire, but he skillfully brought the damaged aircraft back to the base safely. On the 13th December 1971, while on a strike mission he engaged a Sabre aircraft and shot it down.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Kukke Sreekantasastry Suresh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Sekhon was commanding a detachment of a front line Fighter Squadron. He flew 14 missions at low heights in very difficult terrain of Jammu and Kashmir and caused extensive damage to several enemy bunkers, vehicles, guns, mortar positions, POL and ammunition dumps. He carried out these missions in their face of heavy ground fire. He substantially contributed to the success of our ground forces in Kargil Tithwal, Poonch and Uri Sectors. He also ensured a high rate of serviceability of aircraft.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Sekhon displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Manbir Singh served with an Operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He flew 20 sorties in counter air and offensive support missions over Bangla Desh. During an escort mission he engaged enemy aircraft successfully, forcing them to break off their attacks on the main formation, which was occupied in striking the enemy’s airfield. He executed bombing missions against heavily gun-defended airfields by day and night. He also took part in rocket and bomb strikes against variety of targets, like troops, bunkers, gun positions, tanks dumps and Radio transmitters. These targets were protected by guns of varying calibre, and on more than one occasion his aircraft was hit by ground fire.

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

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Chandra Mohan Singla served with a Helicopter Unit in the Eastern Sector. On the night of 7th/8th December, he flew an armed helicopter and gave cover to a special Heliborne operation at Sylhet. During this mission, the enemy directed intense ground fire on him and his helicopter was hit at eight places. Flight Lieutenant Singla kept up these missions and gave air cover for 4½ hours and fired 35 rockets at ground targets with exceptional accuracy. Thereafter, he continued to operate on such hazardous missions every night from 7th December to 12th December at various places in enemy territory and deep behind the enemy lines. For his outstanding devotion to duty, determination and cool courage in the face of enemy, Flight Lieutenant Chandra Mohan Singla is awarded the Vir Chakra. Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Chandra Mohan Singla displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Dhillon flew 50 sorties amounting to 27.50 hours in Chhamb, Sakargarh and Poonch sectors. In the Jorian Sector, he evacuated a number of casualties on the 6th, 8th, 10th and 11th December, 1971. On the 7th December, 1971, while on a mission to the Chhamb sector, he had to take off from Udhampur airfield when enemy aircraft were in the vicinity, enroute he spotted another 9 enemy aircraft and by the time he came to Jorian, enemy’s air activity and artillery shelling was intense. He courageously and skillfully manipulated the helicopter at very low height and achieved the mission successfully. On the 10th December, 1971, he undertook sector reconnaissance flight all along the battle field and completed the task assigned to him despite heavy enemy fire. On the same day, he evacuated 15 casualties. On the 11th December 1971, he evacuated 8 casualties from quickly improvised Helipad in Shakargarh sector.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Dhillon displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Syed Shahid Hussain Naqvi was serving with a Fighter Squadron. He flew nineteen missions deep into enemy territory. On the 9th December, 1971, while on a visual tactical reconnaissance mission in the Western Sector, he flew for nearly twelve minutes over the area despite heavy ground fire and brought back information. He also flew a number of operational missions to Railway yards. Though these areas were heavily defended, he pressed home his attacks undeterred and set ablaze a number of trains carrying fuel and also goods wagons. During these missions, his weapon delivery had always been accurate and effective and because of his tactics all our aircraft returned safe to base from their missions.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Syed Shahid Hussain Naqvi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Nitin Gajanan Junnarkar flew a number of hazardous Photo Reconnaissance mission over enemy territory. He has always completed the task assigned to him to the full satisfaction. The information obtained by him on these missions has contributed to a large extent to the successful conduct of operations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Nitin Gajanan Junnarkar displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Harbans Perminder Singh was serving with a Bomber Squadron. On the 5th December, 1971, he was detailed on a mission to raid an enemy airfield. The route to target involved deep penetration into enemy territory having adequate radar coverage. The target itself was well defended with enemy fighters and ack-ack. He reached the target and bombed it with accuracy. He also successfully completed six other missions allotted to him.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harbans Perminder Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Shivinder Singh Bains as a pilot in a Fighter Squadron, flew fourteen operational missions in Poonch, Uri and Kargil Sectors in close support of our ground forces. He led missions deep into the enemy territory in the face of heavy enemy ground opposition. He destroyed two enemy conveys of trucks in the Haji Pir Bulge. In one of these missions in the Poonch Sector, his aircraft was hit by ground fire but he managed to get the aircraft back to base safely.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Shivinder Singh Bains displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 4th December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Andre Rudolph Da Costa flew as Number Two on offensive recce sorties in Lal Munirhat, Rangpur Sector. After successfully strafing the Army targets, the pair attacked a goods train south of Lal Munirhat bridge and both the aircraft ejected close to the base. Flight Lieutenant Da Costa was also hit and although he tried to bring his aircraft back, he fell unconscious and his aircraft crashed short as a result of which he died.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Andre Rudolph Da Costa displayed gallantry of a high order.

On the 4th December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Vinod Kumar Neb was No. 3 of a formation of four aircraft, on a mission to strike the airfield of Kurmitola in the Dacca complex. While the formation was near the target, it was intercepted by three Sabres. Flight Lieutenant Vinod Kumar Neb engaged an enemy aircraft and shot it down. Thereafter he saw another Sabre and although he was low on fuel, he started maneuvering his aircraft for a vantage position to engage the enemy aircraft. In the meantime, the fire warning light on the aircraft came on and his leader also ordered him to disengage in view of the limited fuel. He brought the aircraft safely to base inspite of engine trouble. Subsequently, he operated from the Detachment of the Squadron away from the base and flew a number of ground strike missions in the Comilla Sector. Alongwith his leader, he was responsible for destroying the enemy bunkers and gun positions on the hillocks overlooking our troops in Barkar which enabled its capture by our troops.

Throughout the operations, Flight Lieutenant Vinod Kumar Neb displayed gallantry and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Mahabir Prasad Premi was commanding a Helicopter detachment in the Rajasthan sector. On the 6th December, 1971, while engaged in casualty evacuation he discovered an unexploded bomb lying near his Helicopter. On two early occasions delay fuse bombs had exploded in its vicinity. Realising that if the bomb near the Helicopter exploded the Helicopter would be damaged, he decided to take off the Helicopter. After he had started up the Helicopter, an air raid alert was given over the airfield, but inspite of it he took off and landed the Helicopter in a safer area. Immediately after this bomb exploded as expected but by his timely action the Helicopter was saved. On the 11th December, 1971, he evacuated two casualties from an area which was under enemy air attack.

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