Today is the 14th anniversary of military hero Cecil Chaudhry’s death.

Today (Monday) marks the fourteenth anniversary of the death of Group Captain (retd) Cecil Chaudhry, a war hero and fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Chaudhry, who was born on August 27, 1941, made a name for himself in the 1965 war by shooting down three Indian aircraft with remarkable bravery and skill.

His outstanding efforts won him the Sitara-e-Jurat, a symbol of his valor in combat. Chaudhry was stationed at Sargodha Air Base during the 1971 war. He had to use a parachute to escape his burning aircraft on a mission close to the Indian border.

Chaudhry’s unwavering devotion to his country allowed him to take part in 14 more flying missions, earning him the Sitara-e-Basalat, despite suffering four broken ribs. In addition to being well-known for his valor in battle, Chaudhry also showed remarkable leadership abilities and went on to command the prestigious Air Fleet. He joined the Pakistani Embassy in Britain in 1978 as a military attaché.

When Chaudhry went on a deputation to Iraq in 1979, he gave Iraqi airmen vital instruction. Iraq’s highest non-military medal was given to him in recognition of his achievements. Chaudhry continued to serve his country in a different way after leaving the Pakistan Air Force in 1986 and entering the field of teaching.