Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Chandan Singh, Maha Veer Chakra, Veer Chakra, AVSM.

During the Indo-China conflict of 1962, Sqn Ldr Chandan Singh was detailed to carry out supply dropping in the Chipchap area in Ladakh. On reaching the dropping zone, he noticed that the outposts were under heavy fire from the Chinese forces. He successfully dropped vital supplies to our garrison although his aircraft was hit 19 times by enemy ground fire. During this action, Sqn Ldr Chandan Singh displayed courage and devotion to duty in carrying out the task in complete disregard of his personal safety. This earned him the Vir Chakra.

During the Indo-Pak conflict of 1971, Gp Capt Chandan Singh was the Commanding Officer of an IAF Station in Assam. He was responsible for the planning and execution of the special helicopter operations to airlift two companies of troops to the Sylhet area.

During the advance of the Army towards Dacca, he planned and executed the move of nearly 3000 troops and 40 tonnes of equipment and heavy guns with the extremely limited helicopter force at his disposal. This operation entailed landing the troops and equipment very near heavily defended areas by night in the face of heavy enemy fire.

He also carried out numerous helicopter sorties personally in the face of heavy ground fire. On the night of 7th December 1971, he alone flew eight missions deep into enemy territory to guide and inspire his pilots. Later he undertook a further 18 missions in the same operation, always leading the landings at new places. On many occasions, his helicopter was hit by ground fire, but this did not deter him from further missions.

The success of this major airborne operation contributed significantly to the fall of Dacca and the capitulation of the Pakistan armed forces in Bangladesh.

Throughout, Gp Capt Chandan Singh displayed conspicuous gallantry, organising ability, determination and professional skill of a very high order. For this he was awarded the Mahaveer Chakra.