Vir Chakra (VrC)

During operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Virendra Kumar Datta was the pilot of the Indian Naval aircraft, which carried out repeated strikes on enemy held ports in Bangladesh. He carried out eight strike missions over the heavily defended ports of Chittagong, Mongla and Khulna. On 12 December while carrying out a bombing run at Chittagong airfield, his aircraft was struck on the front windscreen by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Undeterred, he continued to carry out his attack and deliver his weapons accurately. On completion of the attack on Chittagong airfield, he attacked the gun positions and destroyed them. Throughout, Lieutenant Datta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.