Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) EZRA D’SYLVA MASILLAMANI (1774) displayed a high degree of skill, courage and determination whilst flying in KASHMIR Operations. First in the capacity as a Flight Commander, he flew over 100 operational hours in close support of our ground forces on tactical and offensive sorties, flown mostly during adverse weather. He had thus proved himself to be skilled pilot and an inspiring leader. Again as a Squadron Commander, the officer completed many sorties on his second tour of operations. He attacked GILGIT and enemy gun positions near CHAKHOTI and TITHWAL. He also took part in the GILGIT operations and attacked the KISHENGANGA BRIDGE in the face of intense enemy “fire” with complete disregard for personal safety.

On another occasion this officer located the enemy concentration in a forest near PALANDRI, the headquarters of the so-called AZAD KASHMIR Forces and successfully attacked Military objectives in the area with rockets and cannons. To ensure complete destruction of the enemy targets, he took off leading another formation to attack the targets again. He attacked the target with good result killing several enemy troops and over 100 mules which were being employed for transporting arms and ammunition to the front line in POONCH. As a result of these attacks, the enemy pressure was considerably reduced. The location and subsequent destruction of the enemy concentration proved to be of immense value to our Army.

For the valuable services rendered by him during the JAMMU and KASHMIR Operations, he has been awarded Vir Chakra.