Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 8 December 1971, during a battle in the Rajastan Sector, Captain Inayat Altaf Yusufji of the air observation post flight flew four missions to locate and engage enemy concentration. Though his aircraft was riddled with bullet holes, undeterred, he remained airborne, directing own artillery fire. While he was thus engaged, he saw six enemy fighter aircraft approaching. He momentarily broke off the engagement and, with great flying skill, evaded the enemy aircraft only to return to resume the engagement of the enemy position. As a result of the bullet holes, the fabric of his aircraft was slowly tearing off and the response to the flying controls was extremely sluggish. Unmindful of the imminent danger, he continued the engagement until the enemy was silenced and then brought his aircraft safely back to the base.

In this action, Captain Yusuf Ji displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.