Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

Squadron Leader Ravinder Nath Bhardwaj, on 5 December 1971, led a raid on an enemy airfield, which was heavily defended by anti-aircraft and small arms fire. He himself set fire to an enemy heavy transport aircraft and eventually led his mission safely back to base. On 7 December he led another mission to a heavily defended power station causing heavy damage to it without any loss to our aircraft. On 10 December, he led a close support fire mission in the Chhamb area. During the first attack, his aircraft as well as that of his No. 2 were hit by ground fire, and as they pulled out of the attacks they were engaged by enemy Sabres. Squadron Leader Bhardwaj guided his No. 2 out of danger and then returned to the fray, shooting down a Sabre. By this time he was alone, but he returned to the attack against Pakistani tanks and troops and caused extensive damage to these targets before bringing his damaged aircraft back to base.

Squadron Leader Bhardwaj displayed conspicuous gallantry and leadership in the face of heavy odds which are in the highest traditions ofthe Air Force.