Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 16 September 1965, Flying Officer Prakash Pingale led a section of two aircraft on a "scramble" mission. His section engaged a Pakistani F-86 aircraft which was also under its own radar control. With great skill Flying Officer Piangale manoeuvered his section behind the enemy aircraft. When he noticed another Sabre jet coming in to attack, he immediately changed his position and shot down the enemy aircraft which he had engaged earlier. Then he turned to the other enemy aircraft and flying with great skill and accuracy, engaged and shot it down also. 

The skill and leadership displayed by Flying Officer Pingale in this air combat were in the best traditions of the Air Force.