Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Commander Vijai Jerath was the commanding officer of an Indian naval unit. On the night of 8 December, he led his ship into the approaches to Karachi and despite the enemy's shore gun batteries and possibility of an air attack, he was able to sink at least two enemy ships. The task force of which he was a member destroyed four ships and in addition attacked military targets at Karachi.

In this action Lieutenant Commander Vijai Jerath displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.