The Air Chief further said that any chronicles on the World's Aviation Hall of Fame or accomplishments of PAF would remain incomplete without the mention of Air Commodore M M Alam (Retd). A daring fighter pilot, Top Gun of his own class, war hero, scholar par excellence, a patriotic Pakistani and a committed professional, M M Alam was an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but also for the Muslims across the world.
M M Alam was born on July 6, 1935 in a well educated family of Calcutta, British India. Having completed his secondary education from Government High School, Dhaka, in 1951, M M Alam joined PAF in 1952 and was granted commission on October 2, 1953.
During his service career, Alam underwent many courses including Fighter Conversion Course, F-86F Familiarisation Course, Fighter Leader Course, PAF Staff College Course, Orientation Training Course-USA and Royal College of Defence Studies Course-UK. His major appointments included Air Gunnery & Tactical Instructor at Fighter Leader School, Officer Commanding No 11, No 5 and No 26 Squadrons, Director Operation Research, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters.
He also served in Syria on deputation. During Indo Pak war in 1965, Squadron Leader M M Alam, while Commanding No 11 Squadron at Sargodha, shot down two and damaged three Indian Air Force aircraft on September 6, 1965. On this act of outstanding bravery and heroism, he was awarded with Sitara-e-Jur'at (gallantry award). September 7, 1965 is the day when M M Alam rewrote the history of Air Warfare by setting new records while defending Pakistan's Airspace against the aggressors.
He shot down five Hawker Hunter fighters of Indian Air Force, in air-to-air combat by shooting down five Indian aircraft in less than 60 seconds, the first four within a span of 30 seconds only. For such an awe inspiring feat of gallantry, M M Alam was again awarded Sitara-e-Jur'at (with Bar). Government of Pakistan also paid him a befitting tribute by naming one of the prominent roads in Gulberg, Lahore after his legendary name. His funeral prayers offered at PAF Base Masroor, Karachi, and buried with full military honours at PAF graveyard.-PR