Air Marshal V.K. ‘Jimmy’ Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM, VrC & Bar (retd) was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 26 May 1962. In 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, he flew 18 operational missions on Mystere IVA aircraft. On 8 September 1965, he took a heavy toll of enemy armour and artillery unmindful of heavy anti-aircraft fire. His attack on Ichhogil Canal Headworks went a long way in foiling Pakistan plans to flood the canal to thwart advance of the Indian Army. During Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, he flew 16 operational missions on Sukhoi Su-7 aircraft, most of them deep inside enemy territory. For his bravery and courage during these missions, he was conferred with Bar to Vir Chakra joining the rare breed of Indian air warriors in this category. The Air Officer is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. He has commanded a fighter squadron and two operational air bases. The Air Officer has the rare distinction of commanding three operational commands viz., Central, South-Western and Western. He maintained his operational flying status right through his career. Air Marshal VK Bhatia superannuated in 2002 after more than 40 years of distinguished service.
