Mahavir Chakra (MVC)
Awardee: Sqn Ldr Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya, MVC
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Gazette Notification: 36 Pres/88,26.1.88
Operation: 1987 Pawan Sri Lanka
Date of Award: 26 Jan 1988
Citation:
Squadron Leader Aijamada Bopayya Deyayya flew in a Mystere aircraft as a member of strike formation that was assigned the task of attacking the heavily defended Sargodha airfield in Pakistan at 0555 hours on 7 September 1965. All members of the mission except Squadron Leader Devayya returned safely to base. As no other details were available at that time, Squadron Leader Devayya was listed as "Missingin Action".
Careful research and innumerable interviews with pilots, who flew on that day, have conclusively proved that Squadron Leader Devayya had performed a preeminently daring act. Having accomplished a successful raid over Sargodha airfield at the appointed time, the Mystere aircraft, piloted by Squadron Leader Devayya was intercepted by a Pakistani supersonic F-104 Star Fighter. The pilot of F-104 first fired an air-to-air Sidewinder missile, which Squadron Leader Devayya successfully evaded and the missile hit the ground. However, by virtue of its faster acceleration, the F-104 rapidly closed in on the Mystere, fired a burst of its 20 mm multi-barrel cannon and succeeded in damaging Squadron Leader Devayya's Mystere. The F 104 went ahead ofthe Mystere due to its higher speed. Undaunted and in utter disregard for his personal safety, Squadron Leader Devayya flew his damaged Mystere in pursuit after the F-104. His decision was critical because the Mysteres were operating at the extremity of their range and combat with an F-104 meant significantly lowering his chances of return to base. Neither the Pakistani pilot's flying skill, nor the F-104's superior performance were apparently a deterrent for Squadron Leader Devayya's determination and purpose, manoeuvring a damaged aircraft he finally shot down the F-104. Thereafter it is conjectured that Squadron Leader Devayya was unable to maintain control of his aircraft and was either killed in an unsuccessful low level ejection or in a crash because of the damage that his aircraft had sustained.
Squadron Leader Ajjamade Bopayya Devayya thus performed an act of conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy.
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