PAF - Hall of Fame

[courageneverdies]

On 6 September, 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui led a formation of 3 F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. The formation was intercepted by about 10 Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. But then his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing. However, Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area which he would have been perfectly justified to do; instead he ordered his No. 2 to take over as leader and continue the engagement while he tried to give the formation as much protection as was possible with an unarmed aircraft. This called on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui. The end for him was never in doubt but he chose to disregard it and, in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not before enabling his formation to shoot down 3 more Hunter aircraft. Rafiqui’s conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest traditions of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is awarded Hilal-i-Jurat and Sitara-i-Jurat.

LONG LIVE PAKISTAN

KIT

 

[courageneverdies]

​

During the war of 1965, a high-powered heavily defended radar station near Amritsar was attacked repeatedly by the PAF fighters. In all these missions, Squadron Leader Munir unhesitatingly volunteered to fly and 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 fatally 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 is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat.

LONG LIVE PAKISTAN

KIT

 

[Imran Khan]

great man all of nation free because them

 

[courageneverdies]

great man all of nation free because them

You know that saying, "SHAHEED KI JO MAUT HA WO QAUM KI HAYAT HAY"

We are independent because of these heroes.

KIT

 

[Muradk]

Munir God Bless his Soul was a very sweet person, Humble as they come.

 

[Munir]

I am honoured to have the same name. A true hero indeed.

 

[fatman17]

On 6 September, 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui led a formation of 3 F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. The formation was intercepted by about 10 Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. But then his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing. However, Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area which he would have been perfectly justified to do; instead he ordered his No. 2 to take over as leader and continue the engagement while he tried to give the formation as much protection as was possible with an unarmed aircraft. This called on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui. The end for him was never in doubt but he chose to disregard it and, in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not before enabling his formation to shoot down 3 more Hunter aircraft. Rafiqui’s conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest traditions of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is awarded Hilal-i-Jurat and Sitara-i-Jurat.
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN

KIT

the only PAF officer who is awarded both HJ (=DSO) and SF (=DFC). a true hero.

 

[fatman17]

​

During the war of 1965, a high-powered heavily defended radar station near Amritsar was attacked repeatedly by the PAF fighters. In all these missions, Squadron Leader Munir unhesitatingly volunteered to fly and 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 fatally 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 is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat.

LONG LIVE PAKISTAN



KIT

amongst his contemporaries, S/Ldr. Munir was the senior (age-wise) and everyone looked to him for Leadership which he so gallantly displayed.

 

[Muradk]

The Indian pilot who shot him, he didn't know that his guns are jammed, after the war he always wanted to meet the family, he retired as a AVM a message was given to the family
it said.
" I am sorry what happend if I knew his guns were jammed I as a IAF fighter pilot I wouldn't have shot him." the message was sent to COAS PAF

 

[p2prada]

Nice. Which squadron was he from?

 

[z9-ec]

True patriot. We must learn from many such examples of exemplary valour to defend Pakistan.

 

[Muradk]

Nice. Which squadron was he from?

In the course of the evening, Pushpindar Singh put me through on phone, to retired Air Marshal Dev Nath Rathore who could not attend the party due to sickness. Rathore is the one who had shot down our Sqn Ldr Rafiqui over Halwara.. I will quote Rathore verbatim: ” I always wanted to convey to you my warm regards, and am glad to be talking to you. I must state that wars are bad and cause too much suffering. Though I had a kill, but I never felt good because a life had been lost in that encounter, at my hands. After having read your book, I really felt very sad about Rafiqui as I now realise what a great pilot and officer he was. If you are in contact with any of his family members please convey my sincere regrets about the whole incident.” Rathore’s sincerity was evident in his voice, I am certain about that. I shall shortly visit Mr Aizaz Rafiqui (brother) to convey Air Marshal Rathore’s messag

 

[fatman17]

Sir, very moving narration
thx for sharing!

 

[p2prada]

In the course of the evening, Pushpindar Singh put me through on phone, to retired Air Marshal Dev Nath Rathore who could not attend the party due to sickness. Rathore is the one who had shot down our Sqn Ldr Rafiqui over Halwara.. I will quote Rathore verbatim: ” I always wanted to convey to you my warm regards, and am glad to be talking to you. I must state that wars are bad and cause too much suffering. Though I had a kill, but I never felt good because a life had been lost in that encounter, at my hands. After having read your book, I really felt very sad about Rafiqui as I now realise what a great pilot and officer he was. If you are in contact with any of his family members please convey my sincere regrets about the whole incident.” Rathore’s sincerity was evident in his voice, I am certain about that. I shall shortly visit Mr Aizaz Rafiqui (brother) to convey Air Marshal Rathore’s messag

Thank you for sharing.

 

[courageneverdies]

​

September 1965, 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 of his personal safety. During this attack on September 13, his aircraft was damaged and he 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 is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat.

LONG LIVE PAKISTAN

KIT