Vir Chakra (VrC)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Balchandra Chengapa Karumbaya was serving with a fighter bomber squadron. He carried out two, counter air day operation missions to enemy airfields and destroyed a heavy transport aircraft on the ground and also caused extensive damage to permanent airfield installations in the face of heavy ground fire. In this action, Flying Officer Karumbaya displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.