Defence Minister's Visit to Russia

India-Bhutan Joint Army Expedition

Mrs Elizabeth Paul, the mother of Aircraftman Sunderdas Paul receiving 
the honour

Mr Geevarghese Koshy the brother of Corporal Konayil Geevarghese Mathai receiving the honour from 
Air Marshal DS Basra

Mrs Mariamma Daniel, mother of Aircraftman Iype Daniel receiving the honour

The Indian Air Force honoured four of its martyrs who made supreme sacrifice during the Indo-Pak conflict in 1965. The ceremony was held at the Southern Air Command Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram. Air Marshal DS Basra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Air Command presented a scroll of honour, emblem of honour and a cheque for Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of four war heroes. The honours were received by Mr Geevarghese Koshy, the elder brother of Corporal Konayil Geevarghese Mathai, Mrs Mariamma Daniel, 85 year-old mother of Leading Aircraftman Iype Daniel, Mrs Elizabeth Paul, mother of Aircraftman Sunderdas Paul and Mr Shahul Hameed, brother of Aircraftman II Jamaludeen. Corporal Mathai laid down his life while on duty at Adampur Air Field on September 13, 1965. Leading Aircraftman Daniel made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duties at Adampur Air Field on September 13, 1965 amidst live bombs knowing fully well that there was grave danger to his life. Aircraftman Sunderdas Paul was on duty on September 8, 1965 at Pathankot Air Field when the Air Field was struck by a large formation of enemy aircraft. He sustained serious injuries during the air raid and later succumbed to them. Aircraftman II Jamaludeen made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duties on September 13, 1965 at Adampur Air Field.

input: P Rajendran