MM Alam-an icon, a role model for PAF, world Muslims
Monday, March 18th, 2013 3:15:18 by Tahir Khan
Air Commodore (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood Alam, Sitara-i-Jur’at (with Bar), a veteran of 1965 and 1971 wars and world renowned ace pilot of PAF, who died in Karachi on Monday, was an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but also for the Muslims across the world.
He died after prolonged illness at PNS Shifa (Hospital), Karachi, the PAF spokesman said. He was 78.
A daring fighter pilot, Top Gun of his own class, war hero, scholar par excellence, a patriotic Pakistani and a committed professional, M M Alam was an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but also for the Muslims across the world.
M M Alam, was born on 06 July 1935 in a well educated family of Calcutta, British India. Having completed his secondary education from Government High School, Dhaka, in 1951, M M Alam joined PAF in 1952 and was granted commission on 2nd of October, 1953.
During his service career, Alam underwent many courses including Fighter Conversion Course, F-86F Familiarization Course, Fighter Leader Course, PAF Staff College Course, Orientation Training Course-USA and Royal College of Defence Studies Course – UK.
His major appointments included Air Gunnery & Tactical Instructor at Fighter Leader School, Officer Commanding No 11, No 5 and No 26 Squadrons, Director Operation Research, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters. He also served in Syria on deputation.
During Indo Pak war in 1965, Squadron Leader M M Alam, while Commanding No 11 Squadron at Sargodha, shot down 02 and damaged 03 Indian Air Force aircraft on 6th September, 1965. On this act of outstanding bravery and heroism, he was awarded with Sitara-i-Jur’at (gallantry award).
September 7, 1965 is the day when M M Alam rewrote the history of Air Warfare by setting new records while defending Pakistan’s Airspace against the aggressors. He shot down 05 Hawker Hunter fighters of Indian Air Force, in air-to-air combat by shooting down five Indian aircraft in less than sixty seconds, the first four within a span of 30 seconds only.
For such an awe inspiring feat of gallantry, M M Alam was again awarded Sitara-i-Jur’at (with Bar). Govt of Pakistan also paid him a befitting tribute by naming one of the prominent roads in Gulberg, Lahore after his legendary name.
Air Chief Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force has expressed his grief on the sad demise of the iconic legend and a national Hero M M Alam.
The Air Chief further said that any chronicles on the World’s Aviation Hall of Fame or accomplishments of Pakistan Air Force would remain incomplete without the mention of Air Commodore (Retd) M M Alam.
He would be buried with full military honours at PAF graveyard Masroor Air Base.
Tags: Air Chief Marshal, British India, Calcutta, Indo-Pak war, MM Alam, Orientation Training Course-USA, PAF Staff College Course, Pakistan Air Force, PNS Shifa, Royal College of Defence Studies Course, Sitara-i-Jur’at, Tahir Rafique ButtShort URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=39131
Posted by Tahir Khan
on Mar 18 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan.
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The greatest air combat fighter plane pilot produced by the Pakistan Air Force passed away. During the 1965 War Pakistan Air Force ruled the blue skies in the air under the dynamic leadership of ex-air force chief, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan. There were so many extraordinary pilots who fought courageously against the enemy with limited resources. M.M.Alam was the top pilot in that war. Not far behind were Sarfraz Rafiqui, Younis, Middlecoat, Sajjad Haider, Hatmi, Alvi, Ceciel, Christy and so many more. Youngest being Ejazuddin who was a Flying officer at the time when all the above mention names were sqd. leaders and flt.lt’s. M.M. Alam stands out among on the top of the tops. He was the,” TOP GUN ” of Pakistani Version. He shot down five enemy air planes in just a little over a minute and all through the war got nine enemy air planes. He was feared by the opponent air force in the air. Famous pilot of the world General Yeager in his book says that in the 1965 and 1971 war Pakistan Air force pilots shot down too many enemy air planes and in return the enemy was just able to destroy few air planes of Pakistan Air force. In 1965 war the difference between the Pakistan Air Force and enemy air force was 4 to 1 and in 1971 war the difference between the two was 3 to 1. Pakistani air force got 102 enemy air planes wher as the enemy air force got 34 air planes. M.M.Alam’s contribution was unmeasurable in the 1965 war and in 1971 war despite of his keeness to go up in the air to engege the enemy in a combat was not approved by the security clearance. Although M.M. Alam did not need any security clearance but the higher up’s just made a point and did not allow. Even enemy pilots when listening the pakistani air force at their frequency requested to send Alam up in the air but was not given permission. I am sure PAF badly missed him in the 1971 war.” MAY ALLAH BLESS HIS SOUL AND GIVE HIM PLACE IN THE HEAVENS ” AMEEN.
he lives in our heart for ever
MAY ALLAH BLESS HIS SOUL AND GIVE HIM PLACE IN THE HEAVENS ” AMEEN and give courage to Pakistan and to his family to bear a great loss
recite fatehya for him