Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 4 December 1971, Wing Commander Narinder Chatrath led an attack on Kurmitola, the heavily defended airbase near Dacca. Near the target, the formation was intercepted by Pakistani Sabres. As the formation broke out to deal with the attacking Sabres, Wing Commander Chatrath engaged a Sabre. After a dogfight the Sabre disengaged and started returning to base. Although the weather was bad and the fuel was running low, he chased the Sabre deep into enemy territory, engaged it in another dogfight and shot it down. The aircraft hit the ground and blew up in flames.

In this action, Wing Commander Chatrath displayed gallantry and flying skill of a high order.