Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui (Shaheed), HJ, SJ: On 6th September 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui led a formation of three F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. Soon after crossing the Indian border Squadron Leader Rafiqui had been warned about a large number of enemy interceptors being in the air by the leader of a returning F-86 formation. He, however, continued his mission single-mindedly. On the way back, the formation was intercepted by about ten Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. After Squadron Leader Rafiqui shot down one Hunter aircraft, his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing, upon which he refused to leave the battle area as he would have been perfectly justified to do; he instead ordered his No 2 to take over as leader and continuing the engagement with the enemy. His himself now took up a defensive position in the formation in an attempt to give it as much protection as was possible by continuing fighting maneuvers in unarmed aircraft whilst the remainder proceeded to give battle to the enemy. This called for a quality of courage and dedication on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui equal to the best in the history of air-fighting. The end for him was never in the doubt. He chose to disregard it and in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not without his action enabling his formation to shoot down three more Hunter aircraft. Squadron Leader Rafiqui thus provided exemplary leadership in battle and displayed outstanding courage in the face of exceptionally strong opposition. His inspiring leadership and selfless example significantly affected the subsequent course of the air war in which the PAF never failed to dictate terms to an overwhelmingly larger and better equipped enemy. Squadron Leader Rafiqui's conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest tradition of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is posthumously awarded Hilal-i-Jurat.

Squadron Leader Muhammad Iqbal (Shaheed), SJ

"Squadron Leader Muhammad Iqbal flew many operational missions which played a vital part in the success of the Pakistan Air Force during the India-Pakistan war. He carried out these missions with determination, enthusiasm, outstanding ability and at great personal risk. His performance, throughout, was exemplary and highly inspiring for the personnel under his command. For his outstanding leadership, valour, loyalty and invaluable services to the Pakistan Air Force and the country, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat.

Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed (Shaheed), SJ

Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat posthumously for "displaying courage and determination in the face of heavy odds and beyond the call of duty." The citation read: "During the war, a high-powered, heavily defended radar station in Amritsar, was eventually rendered infective after several determined missions by PAF fighters. In all these missions Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed unhesitatingly volunteered to fly and without regard for his personal safety exposed himself within the firing zone of enemy guns for long periods in attempts to locate and destroy the targets. In the final successful attack on September 11 he made the supreme sacrifice when his aircraft was fatally hit by the heavy concentration of ack-ack gums. Before his last sortie Squadron Leader Munir flew eight combat missions by persistently appealing to his colleagues to temporarily relieve him of his ground duties as Wing Operations Officer. In one of these missions, on his own initiative, he led his formation into Indian territory to seek out enemy fighters and shot down an IAF Gnat on September 10.

Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed (Shaheed), SJ

"Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat posthumously and the citation read: "Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed led his squadron in twenty combat missions against the Indian ground and air forces. His leadership throughout the operations was cool, courageous and most determined which inspired the greatest confidence amongst pilots of his formation and resulted in destruction of many Indian tanks and vehicles. In his last sortie, he attached and blew up and important ammunition train at Gurdaspur rail-head in compete disregard to his personal safety. During this attack on September 13, his aircraft was damaged and was reported missing over enemy territory. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the officer died in this action. For his exemplary leadership, courage and valour, Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat."

Flight Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Lodhi (Shaheed), SJ

"Flight Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Lodhi was a navigator of exceptional ability and a complete dedicated officer. He possessed unusual skill, enthusiasm and drive, which enabled him to make a valuable contribution towards operations. He undertook several operational missions most cheerful and enthusiastically, invariable attaining outstanding results. It was on one such mission on 11 September 65 that he lost his life. For his extreme dedication to duty. Flight Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Lodhi was awarded Sitara-i-Jurat."

Flight Lieutenant Yunus Hussain (Shaheed), SJ

"Yunus fought in air battle over enemy territory aggressively, fearlessly and with great professional skill. On 6th September, while attacking Halwara airfield, his small formation was intercepted by a large number of enemy aircraft. He fought them with exceptional gallantry exceeding all limits and in the process shot down two Hunters. Although his aircraft was hit, he refused to break off engagement in complete disregard to his personal safety. He became a symbol of courage and professional ability for the other pilots. For his, valour, professional skill and devotion to duty he is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat"

Leading Aircraftman M. Anwar Hussain Khan (Shaheed), TJ

"Leading Aircraftman Anwar Hussain was on duty at a vital point. His position was rocketed by enemy aircraft and the place caught fire. Anwar Hussain was the only person on duty over there. He fought the fire single-handedly with the available fire appliances and managed to control it and thus saved expensive equipment. His death is an example of courage and unfaltering devotion to duty towards the services as well as to the country. He is awarded Tumgha-e-Jurat."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2015