Archive · 21 Sep 2025
IAF Hero's Unrecognized Valor: The Case of Flt Lt Alfred Cooke
Imagine a super brave pilot named Alfred Cooke who was in a dogfight during a war.
He was flying a plane against enemy jets from Pakistan.
Cooke bravely fought four enemy planes all by himself.
He shot down one plane and damaged two more, even chasing away another after he ran out of bullets!
For his bravery, he got an award.
But people think he deserved an even bigger, more important award, like the highest one for bravery.
The article is asking for him to be recognized with the highest honor.
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke shot down one and damaged two Pakistani Sabre jets during a 1965 air battle.
Cooke's actions near Kalaikunda air base are considered by many to warrant the Param Vir Chakra.
Cooke was originally awarded the Vir Chakra for his actions.
The battle involved Cooke's IAF Hunter aircraft and Pakistani F-86 Sabre jets.
The article highlights the possibility of upgrading Cooke's award, much like similar upgrades in the US military.
- Who
- Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke and Pakistani pilots.
- What
- An intense air battle where Cooke, piloting an IAF Hunter aircraft, engaged and shot down Pakistani Sabre jets.
- When
- September 7, 1965
- Where
- Kalaikunda Airfield, West Bengal, India.
- Why
- To defend the Kalaikunda air base from a Pakistani Air Force raid and to protect Indian airspace.
- Pilot
- Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke
- Conflict
- 1965 Indo-Pak War
- Action Location
- Kalaikunda Airfield, West Bengal
- Opponent
- Pakistani Air Force (PAF)
- Original Award
- Vir Chakra
- Recommended Award
- Param Vir Chakra