Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 6 September 1965, Flying Officer Adi Rustomji Ghandhi was number two in a section of two aircraft on a combat air patrol sortie over Halwara. Two other aircraft were also airborne on the same mission for mutual cover. Suddenly four Pakistani F-86 aircraft sneaked in low to attack the airfield and pulled up just behind Flying Officer Ghandhi’s section. One of the enemy Sabres shot down his leader before it was spotted. Undeterred by this sudden misfortune, Flying Officer Ghandhi skillfully manoeuvered his aircraft behind the F-86 aircraft and shot it down. Thereafter, overwhelmed by numbers he was himself shot down. The Sabres were, however, driven off, the enemy attack foiled, and our airfield, aircraft and ground installations escaped damage. In this operation, Flying Officer Ghandhi displayed commendable courage in the face of the enemy.