Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 14 September 1965, Squadron Leader Chitranjan Mehta took off to attack enemy installations at Bhagtanwala at night. Halfway to the target, all his navigation aids failed. Visibility was less than one mile navigating visually with great difficulty and skillful avoiding anti-aircraft fire, he reached the target. Anti-aircraft guns from Sargodha airfield opened up a heavy barrage on him. To reconnoiter the airfield and to attack the targets, he had to stay over the target for at least 10 minutes. Heedless of the anti-aircraft fire and ignoring risk of being intercepted by missile carrying fighter aircraft that were patrolling a few miles away, Squadron Leader Mehta carried out the reconnaissance successfully. Squadron Leader C. Mehta carried out nine successful missions penetrating deep into enemy territory fearlessly by day and by night and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Squadron Leader Mehta displayed cool courage, determination and skill of a high order in his mission.