Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 7 September 1965, when Kalaikunda airfield was attacked by six Pakistani Sabre jets, Flying Officer Subodh Mamgain, who was flying as 'wingman' in a section on combat air patrol, followed his leader to intercept them immediately. Although the enemy aircraft were superior in number and our anti-aircraft guns were active over the combat area, he engaged the enemy aircraft in complete disregard of his personal safety. With firm determination and exceptional skill, he out manoeuvered two enemy aircraft and pressed home the attack ruthlessly. This resulted in one of the enemy aircraft being sent spinning to the ground, while the other, badly damaged, was seen escaping trailing a cloud of smoke. In this encounter, Flying Officer Mamgain displayed great courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.