Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the India-Pakistan conflict in December 1971, Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi was in command of an operational fighter squadron in the Eastern Sector. He led the first two bombing missions over Tezgaon airfield and undeterred by heavy ground fire, he hit Tezgaon runway and also destroyed a large transport aircraft on the ground. During one of these bombing missions, his aircraft was hit by a heavy shell and sustained severe damage.

Notwithstanding this, he pressed home the attack. On 14 December, he raided military targets in Dacca in spite of intense ground fire. His attacks on the Government House in Dacca and other targets were carried out with accuracy. During the missions in support of the Army, he led 10 sorties against heavily defended enemy positions in the Comilla Sector and destroyed enemy bunkers and strongholds. 

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Bishnoi displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.