Vir Chakra (VrC)

In December, 1971, Captain Madan Pal, AOP pilot in the Western Sector, flew missions round-the-clock deep inside enemy territory to bring back valuable information regarding enemy troop concentrations and directing own artillery fire on enemy targets. On occasions, his aircraft was riddled by enemy machine gun fire but undeterred he continued with his mission till the required information was obtained.

On 14 December, his aircraft was badly damaged by enemy fire. Unmindful of the danger to himself he continued to fly over the target area directing our artillery fire. On 16 December, while on a similar mission directing our artillery fire on enemy locations, he was hit and killed by a bullet from an enemy machine gun. 

Throughout the operations, Captain Madan Pal displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.