Dilawar Hussain (air marshal)

Hussain was born at Quetta, one of the major cities of Pakistan in 1940. Completing his studies from the Government College in Quetta, he opted for the Pakistan Air Force.^[3]

Hussain joined the Pakistan Air Force Academy in 1959. During his training, he was sent to United States for advanced training with United States Air Force. He flew various elite aircraft of the time, including the T-33, T-34, and T-37. His tenure at foreign also allowed him acquiring experience of mastering the F-86.^[4]

Hussain was assigned to No. 19 Sqn during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. In the early hours of the war, the PAF conducted Pathankot airstrike, of which Hussain was a part. With only 8 F-86F, under the leadership of Squadron Leader Sajad Haider, No. 19 Sqn had destroyed at least 11 (some claims say 13 or 14) aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Hussain flew an F-86F in this mission, which became PAF's most successful air raid. For his gallantry, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat, Pakistan's third highest award.^{[5][6][7][8][9][10]}

Hussain was part of the No. 14 Sqn in Dacca during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. On 4 December 1971, he flew the Canadair Sabre Mk6 and shot down Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Charles Tremenheere of No. 14 Sqn, who was later taken as a Prisoner of War.^{[11][12][13][14]} On 6 December, Hussain flew with a group of four F-86s to support Pakistani soldiers in the Comilla Sector near Dacca. During this mission, one of the officers under his command, Flying Officer Shamshad reportedly shot down an IAF Hunter.^[14][15]

After participating in two major wars, Hussain later commanded the No. 14 Sqn. He held the appointment of Director of Operations at the Air Headquarters and also served as Commanding Officer of the Combat Commanders' School as a Group Captain. As an Air commodore, he was appointed as Base Commander PAF Base Mushaf, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations). Upon elevation to the rank of Air vice-marshal, he served as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations). He also headed the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.^[4][16]

Hussain died on 24 November 2020 at his residence in Islamabad. The then Chief of the Air Staff, Mujahid Anwar Khan had shared deep sorrow over the death of the respected War Veteran, according to a PAF news release. He was laid down with full military honour.^[17][18][19]