Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Samar Bikram Shah was serving with a fighter bomber squadron. On 16 December he was detailed to escort an offensive sweep mission. As leader of the escort, he substantially helped the mission in accomplishing the task. While returning to base he spotted a section of the enemy aircraft approaching our aircraft. He 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 second enemy aircraft and landed safely without any damage to his own aircraft. In this action, Flight Lieutenant Shah displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.