Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 3 September 1965, on receipt of a report that a formation of Pakistani fighters was circling over our army position in the Chhamb Sector of Jammu & Kashmir, a formation of Gnat aircraft was ordered to intercept the intruders. Approaching the area, Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor, who was a section leader in the Gnat formation, sighted enemy F-86 Sabre jets and engaged them in air battle. When the combat was in progress, F-104 Star fighters of Pakistani Air Force also joined in. Unmindful of the numerical superiority of the enemy, Squadron Leader Keelor chased a Sabre jet and pressed home his attack until the enemy aircraft caught fire and disintegrated in the air. This was the first victory of our air force in the air battles against the Pakistani Air Force.

In this operation, Squadron leader Keelor displayed courage and leadership of a high order in the best traditions of the Air Force.