Vir Chakra (VrC)

Havildar Athanika1 Basil Jesudasan of an air defence regiment was commander of a 40 MM gun detachment deployed for the defence of an important Air Force installation in Amritsar. On 7 September 1965, when his gun was being strafed during an air raid by Pakistani F-104 Star fighters and F-86 Sabre jets, Havildar Jesudasan skillfully controlled his fire. As a result an enemy Sabre jet was damaged and the Air Force installation saved.

In this action, Havildar Jesudasan displayed cool courage and presence of mind.