Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Keshar Singh Panwar, pilot of an Indian naval aircraft, carried out repeated strikes on enemy held port in Bangladesh. Despite the fact that enemy harbour guns and ships directed very heavy anti-aircraft fire against his aircraft, he was responsible for the sinking of three enemy ships. It was as a result of his vigilant aerial patrol and harassing of enemy ships that no ships could leave Bangladesh ports during the operations. On 6 December he helped our ships capture enemy ships.

Throughout, Lieutenant Panwar displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of high order.