Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 20 October 1962, after the Chinese had invaded our borders it became evident that Chushul airfield in Ladakh would be one of their main objectives. The garrison at Chushul depended mainly on air supply. In order to prevent our aircraft from supplying the garrison, the Chinese had established a number of MMG posts near the airfield circuit. Although each sortie to Chushul was fraught with grave danger from concentrated enemy fire, Wing Commander Tom Lionel Anderson, who was in command of one of our transport squadrons, flew nearly 70 operational hours during the critical days, delivering vital supplies to the garrison. It was due to his courage and perseverance that the airlift to Chushul was made possible. His ceaseless efforts inspired the officers and men of his squadron to work round the clock to maintain the flow of supplies required for survival of the garrison. In these operations, Wing Commander Anderson displayed commendable courage and unflinching devotion to duty.