Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Bipinchandra Bhaskar Bhagwat was the pilot of a naval aircraft, which carried out repeated strikes on enemy held ports in Bangladesh. Despite the fact that enemy harbour guns and ships directed very heavy anti-aircraft fire against his aircraft, he was responsible for the sinking of three enemy ships. It was as a result of his vigilant aerial patrol and his aircraft harassing enemy ships that no ship could leave Bangladesh ports during the operations. On 6 December he helped Indian naval ships capture enemy ships.

Throughout, Lieutenant Bhagwat displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.