Vir Chakra (VrC)

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

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