Muhammad Mahmood Alam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Air Commodore
M.M. Alam
 Sitara-e-Jurat & Bar SJ & Bar SI(M) |
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Muhammad Mahmood Alam in 2010
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| Nickname(s) | M. M. Alam, Little Dragon |
| Born | 6 July 1935 Calcutta, Bengal, British India (present-day, Kolkata, West Bengal, India) |
| Died | 18 March 2013 (aged 77) Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan |
| Service/ |
 Pakistan Air Force |
| Years of service | 1953 – 1982 |
| Rank |  Air commodore |
| Service number | Pak/1492 |
| Unit | No. 11 Squadron Arrows (1965)< No. 5 Squadron Falcons |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Soviet–Afghan War |
| Awards |  Sitara-e-Jurat & Bar Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) |
Muhammad Mahmood Alam, often called M. M. Alam, was a brave fighter pilot and a true war hero from Pakistan. He was born on July 6, 1935, and passed away on March 18, 2013.
He is famous for a special achievement during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officially says he shot down five Indian fighter planes in less than a minute! This amazing feat set a world record. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. For his courage, he received Pakistan's third-highest military award, the Sitara-e-Jurat, not once, but twice.
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Early Life and Education
M. M. Alam was born in Calcutta, which was part of British India back then. Today, this city is known as Kolkata in India. His family moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after Pakistan was created in 1947.
He finished his high school education in Dhaka in 1951. In 1952, he joined the Royal Pakistani Air Force, which is now the Pakistan Air Force. He officially became an officer on October 2, 1953. Alam was the oldest of 11 children. He never married because he took on the important job of helping to raise his younger brothers and sisters.
Serving in the Pakistan Air Force
The 1965 War
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, M. M. Alam was stationed at Sargodha. He flew an F-86 Sabre jet.
On September 7, 1965, the PAF says Alam performed an incredible act. In a single flight, he shot down five enemy planes in less than a minute. This made him an "ace in a day," meaning he shot down five planes in one day, and he did it in record time.
However, some people, including another retired PAF officer, have questioned the exact details of this event. The Indian Air Force also said they did not lose five planes on that day. No official video from his plane's gun camera was ever released. Despite these debates, M. M. Alam is still honored at the Pakistan Air Force Museum in Karachi for his actions on that day.
Later Years in Service
In 1967, M. M. Alam became the leader of the first squadron of Dassault Mirage III fighter jets for the PAF. These were advanced planes for their time. He retired from the Air Force in 1982 with the rank of Air commodore.
After retiring, he lived in Karachi. He was known as a very honest and respectful person. He loved to read and kept up with the news. Sometimes, he would give talks at universities in Pakistan.
Passing Away
M. M. Alam passed away on March 18, 2013, at the age of 77. He had been ill with breathing problems for about 18 months. His funeral was held at PAF Base Masroor, an airbase where he had served for many years. He was buried in the Shuhuda (Martyrs) Graveyard at the airbase. Many important military leaders and war veterans attended his funeral to honor him.
Honoring His Memory
M. M. Alam's bravery is remembered in Pakistan.
- A major road in Lahore, Punjab, is named M. M. Alam Road in his honor. This road is a busy area with many restaurants and shops.
- On March 20, 2014, exactly one year after his death, the PAF Airbase Mianwali was renamed PAF Base M.M. Alam.
Awards and Decorations
M. M. Alam received several important awards for his service:
- Sitara-e-Jurat & Bar (Star of Courage) - He received this award twice, for his actions in the 1965 War and the 1971 War.
- Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) - This is a high civilian and military award.
- He also received various campaign and service medals, including the Tamgha-e-Diffa (General Service Medal) and Sitara-e-Harb (War Star) for both the 1965 and 1971 wars.
Commemorative Postage Stamp
On March 20, 2014, Pakistan Post released a special postage stamp to remember M. M. Alam and his great service to Pakistan.
See Also
- Aviators who became ace in a day
- Saiful Azam
