Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Raminder Singh Sodhi was the pilot of an Indian Naval Aircraft, which carried out repeated strikes on enemy ports in Bangladesh. He carried out eight strikes on the heavily defended ports of Chittagong, Khulna and Mongla. He was the section leader during an attack on Khulna harbour on 6 December. Although his aircraft was hit by enemy fire he continued his attack and led his section until one enemy ship and port oil installations were set on fire. On 11 December he was with the force which attacked Chittagong harbour. Despite heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, he destroyed two oil tanks and shore installations.

Throughout, Lieutenant Sodhi displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.