Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 14 September 1965, Wing Commander Bharat Singh was the leader of a section off our Gnat aircraft providing air cover to our Canberras engaged in a bombing mission in the Khem Karan Sector in the operations against Pakistan. En route, the formation encountered four enemy Sabre jets. During the battle that followed, Wing Commander Bharat Singh noticed the leader of the enemy formation closing in on one of our bombers with his guns firing. After warning the bomber, Wing Commander Bharat Singh engaged the Sabre jet. With superb airmanship he out manoeuvered the enemy aircraft at every stage in the dogfight and finally shot it down. Meanwhile, the three other enemy Sabre jets had broken off the attack and fled to safety. By his daring action, Wing Commander Bharat Singh not only saved an aircraft and its crew, but also warded off a serious enemy attack on our bomber formation. 

In this operation, Wing Commander Bharat Singh displayed conspicuous professional skill and gallantry in the best traditions of the Air Force.