World · India Bureau
Vir Chakra recipient Flight Lieutenant A.T. Cooke dies at 78
The decorated Indian Air Force officer, who served with distinction during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, passed away in Delhi on September 18. The IAF has paid tribute to the veteran airman's contributions to the nation.
LSN India ·
Flight Lieutenant A.T. Cooke, a Vir Chakra awardee and decorated veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani conflict, passed away in Delhi on September 18 at the age of 78. The Indian Air Force has acknowledged his death and paid formal tributes to his memory.
Cooke's military career was marked by exceptional service during the 1965 war, when he demonstrated courage and skill in aerial operations. His gallantry in combat earned him the Vir Chakra, one of India's highest military decorations for bravery in the face of the enemy.
The Flight Lieutenant's passing marks the loss of another veteran from India's defence operations during a significant period in the nation's history. His service during the 1965 conflict contributed to the Indian Air Force's operational effectiveness during that critical military engagement.
The IAF's tribute to Cooke underscores the service and sacrifice of officers who shaped the country's aerial defence capabilities during the Cold War era. His legacy remains part of the institutional memory of India's armed forces.