The British went to India but left deep scars in Indian history through the divide and rule strategy which led to the creation of two different countries i.e. India and Pakistan in 1947.
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Since then, India and Pakistan have had a turbulent relationship marked by numerous wars and territorial disputes.
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One of those wars was the 1965 war, when the two countries fought over the Kashmir region, which ended in a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. India ultimately won the war.
What is the reason? India’s strong, loyal and brave soldiers who fought bravely and steadfastly to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
One of the commandos was Air Marshal Denzil Keeler, who shot down a Pakistani Sabre fighter jet during the 1965 war. He and his brother Trevor were both awarded the Vir Chakra for successfully shooting down a Pakistan Air Force Sabre fighter jet in a dogfight.
Who is Air Marshal Denzil Keelor?
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor was an air officer in the Indian Air Force and a hero of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
He and his brother, Wing Commander Trevor Keeler, shot down a Pakistani Sabre fighter jet, a turning point in the war. Their bravery and fighting skills earned them India’s third-highest military decoration, the Vir Chakra.
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Keelor has received several awards like ParamVishisht Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Sadly, he passed away on 28th August 2024 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication to the nation. His contribution to the Indian Air Force will always be remembered and honoured.
Denzil Keeler: Military Career, Awards and Achievements
As mentioned above, Denzil Keelor received many important awards like Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Ati Vishisht Seva medal.
Vir Chakra
Denzil Keelor was a heroic Air Marshal who provided fighter escort for the mystery aircraft during the raid on Pakistan on September 19, 1965.
His formation of four Gnats engaged four enemy Sabre jets at less than 2,000 feet, with anti-aircraft guns active. Under his leadership, his squadron leader shot down one Sabre jet, while Keelor himself engaged another, destroying it.
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Throughout the operation, he was an inspiration to the pilots and ground crew, displayed extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, and embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force. After the engagement, he managed to land safely back at the air base. His heroic act earned him the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
Kirti Chakra
Similarly, on March 27, 1978, while flying a MiG-21 FL at high altitude, the canopy of his aircraft fell off, causing him to suffer explosive decompression and severe winds, injuring his eyes, eardrums and left arm.
Despite the circumstances, he chose to retake the aircraft rather than abandon it, and despite strong winds and limited visibility in one eye, he successfully returned to base and performed an emergency landing.
On May 17, 1978, during a live-fire air-to-air flight, a 23mm shell exploded, causing severe damage and a complete loss of power. With no instruments or communications, Keeler assumed an engine failure and attempted an emergency recovery.
Despite the throttle being stuck at 60%, he managed to land safely. His actions showed extraordinary courage, skill and dedication and he was awarded the Kirti Chakra for handling these emergency situations.
Ati Vishist Seva Medal
Denzil Keelor served as the Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Paris, France with the rank of Air Commodore from 1980 to 1982. After leaving the post, he served as the Commandant of Maharajpur Air Force Station as the Air Commandant.
Keelor was awarded the Ati Vishist Seva medal on January 26, 1986 and the Param Vishist Seva medal on January 26, 1989 for his distinguished services.
He has made significant contributions to the Indian Air Force during his career, demonstrating leadership and a variety of expertise throughout his service.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion