Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 7 September 1965 when the Kalaikunda airfield was under attack by six Pakistani Sabre jet aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, who was leading two of our aircraft on combat air patrol, immediately led the aircraft to intercept them. Although our own anti-aircraft guns had already started to fire, he engaged two of the enemy aircraft in complete disregard of his personal safety. The enemy aircraft tried evasive and counter-offensive manoeuvres, but with firm determination and exceptional skill, Flight Lieutenant Cooke out manoeuvred the enemy and pressed home his attack and shot down one of the enemy aircraft which disintegrated in midair. Subsequently, he skillfully put his aircraft in a favourable position behind another enemy aircraft, but by then he had no ammunition left. However, he kept the enemy on the run and the remaining enemy aircraft fled in confusion.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Cooke displayed great courage, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.