Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane Honored with Shaurya Chakra for Bravery
New Delhi [India], August 14: Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane, a seasoned fighter pilot, has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra by the President of India for his exceptional bravery and quick thinking during a perilous situation on July 24, 2023.
Critical Emergency
Wing Commander Keane, part of a frontline fighter squadron, was on a routine sortie in a Jaguar fighter aircraft when both the primary and secondary oil systems failed simultaneously. This unprecedented malfunction had no established emergency protocols. At an altitude of 2500 feet, the right engine failed, leaving the aircraft in a powerless glide towards densely populated Gorakhpur town.
Heroic Actions
Despite the critical situation, Keane displayed superlative flying skills. He controlled the aircraft, turned away from populated areas, and jettisoned empty fuel tanks to prevent potential loss of civilian life and property. He then attempted to relight the left engine and successfully revived it, safely recovering the aircraft on a single engine.
Recognition
During these life-threatening moments, Keane’s courage, perseverance, and composure ensured the safety of a valuable national asset and prevented probable loss of lives and property on the ground. His actions have been rightfully recognized with the Shaurya Chakra.
Doubts Revealed
Wing Commander -: A Wing Commander is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force. They are responsible for leading and managing a squadron of aircraft and pilots.
Vernon Desmond Keane -: Vernon Desmond Keane is a pilot in the Indian Air Force who showed great bravery during a dangerous situation while flying a plane.
Shaurya Chakra -: The Shaurya Chakra is a prestigious award given by the Indian government to people who show great bravery and courage, usually in situations that involve saving lives.
President of India -: The President of India is the head of the country and the highest-ranking official. They give out important awards like the Shaurya Chakra.
Jaguar fighter aircraft -: A Jaguar fighter aircraft is a type of military plane used by the Indian Air Force. It is designed for attacking targets on the ground.
oil systems failed -: Oil systems in an aircraft help keep the engines running smoothly. If they fail, the engines can stop working, which is very dangerous.
right engine failed -: An engine failure means that the engine stopped working. In this case, the right engine of the plane stopped working while it was flying.
relight the left engine -: Relighting an engine means starting it again after it has stopped. Wing Commander Keane managed to restart the left engine of the plane to keep it flying safely.