Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Squadron Leader Sanjay Kumar Choudhury was posted in the Eastern Sector. On the night of 7 December, a special heliborne operation was undertaken for landing a battalion at Sylhet, which was at that time under enemy occupation. Squadron Leader Choudhury landed with the first wave of troops to personally supervise the lighting of flares to guide subsequent landings. During the process, the helicopter landing area came under heavy enemy gun fire. Regardless of his safety, Squadron Leader Choudhury with the help of one jawan, made efforts to light up the landing zone. Shortly thereafter, the jawan was killed by enemy fire. Undettered Squadron Leader Choudhury carried out the task single-handed and kept up the flares the whole night. This enabled the heliborne operation to continue the whole night and ensured its successful completion. 

In this action, Squadron Leader Choudhury displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of high order.