Heroes Of 1965 War

PAF Heroes form a galaxy of dedicated men who have expanded their lives
in the service of Pakistan Air Force, each leaving behind the best of
himself, and adding yet another measure to the courage and honor poured
into its foundations by those before him; that endless cavalcade of men
who look back with swelling pride and say, ‘ I was in the Pakistan Air
Force.’

SQUADRON LEADERS
Alauddin Ahmed - Sitara-i-Jurrat
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 formations
and resulted in destruction of many Indian tanks and vehicles. In his last
sortie, he attacked and blew up an important ammunition train at
Gurdaspur rail-head in complete 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-i-Juraat.

Muhammad Iqbal - Sitara-i-Jurrat

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-i-Juraat.

Munir Ahmed - Sitara-i-Jurrat

During the war a high-powered heavily defended radar station near
Amritsar was attacked repeatedly by PAF fighters. In all these missions,
Squadron Leader Munir unhesitantly volunteered to fly without regard for
his personal safety, exposed himself to intense ack ack fire for long
periods in attempts to locate and destroy the target. In the final successful
attack on September 11, he made the supreme sacrifice when his aircraft
was hit. Before his last sortie, Munir flew eight combat missions and shot
down an IAF Gnat on September 10. For displaying courage and
determination in the face of heavy odds and beyond the call of duty,
Squadron Leader Munir-ud-Din Ahmed was awarded Sitara-i-Juraat.

Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui - Hilal-i-Jurrat

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 continue the
engagement with the enemy. He 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 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 P.A.F. 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-Juraat.
FLIGHT LIEUTENANTS
A S Khalid

A T M Aziz

M A Butt

Saifullah Khan - Sitara-i-Juraat

Flight Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Lodhi was a navigator of exceptional
ability and a completely 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
cheerfully and enthusiastically, invariably 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-Juraat.

Younus Hussain - Sitara-i-Juraat

Flight Lieutenant Younus Hussain fought in air battles aggressively,
fearlessly and with great professional skill. During one such engagement,
he fought singly against six enemy aircraft and shot down two Hunters.
Though his own aircraft was damaged in this encounter, he managed to
bring it back to base safely. On 6 September, while attacking Halwara
airfield, his small formation was intercepted by a large number of enemy
and, although his aircraft was hit, he refused to break off the engagement,
in complete disregard of personal safety, and was reported missing from
this mission. He became a symbol of courage and professional ability for
other pilots. For his , valour, professional skill and devotion to duty he was
awarded Sitara-i-Juraat.

FLYING OFFICER

M A Khan
S S Azam

LEADING AIRCRAFT MEN

Anwar Hussain Khan - Tumgha-i-Juraat
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 service as well as to the country.
He was awarded Tumgha-i-Juraat.