Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, as a pilot in a fighter bomber squadron Flight Lieutenant Ashok Kumar Singh flew 15 missions deep inside enemy territory in the face of heavy ground and air opposition. OR 17 December he was ordered to undertake a photo reconnaissance mission which involved flying the aircraft at extreme range and over a target which was heavily defended. While he was over the target, his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire resulting in leakage of fuel. Undeterred and incomplete disregard of his personal safety, he completed the mission and landed safely with critical fuel state, and brought back vital information. In this action, Flight Lieutenant Ashok Kumar Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.