Introduction:
Muhammad Mahmood Alam, popularly known as MM Alam, is a name that resonates with pride and valor in the history of Pakistan. Born on July 6, 1935, in Calcutta, India, Alam’s journey from a young boy in British India to becoming a national hero of Pakistan is nothing short of extraordinary. MM Alam was a Pakistani fighter pilot and war hero who was officially acknowledged by the Pakistan Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak War for downing five Indian fighter planes in less than a minute, setting a world record. This article delves into the remarkable life and career of M.M. Alam, highlighting his unmatched achievements as a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Early Life and Education
MM Alam was of mixed ancestry: his paternal line was Bihari, while his maternal line was Bengali. M.M. was only 12 years old during the partition of India in 1947. His family migrated from Calcutta to East Pakistan during the partition and would later move to Karachi, West Pakistan in 1971. In 1952, he joined the then-Royal Pakistani Air Force (now Pakistan Air Force). He was only 18 years old when he was commissioned on October 2, 1953.
He was the oldest of 11 siblings, and after his father passed away, he took responsibility for the whole family. Due to this, he broke off his engagement to his fiancé and the idea of beginning his own life and family.
His brothers went on to achieve their own success in their respective fields. M. Sajjad Alam, a particle physicist at SUNY Albany, passed away in 2022 in New York. M. Shahid Alam is an economist and professor at Northeastern University in Boston.
Military Career:
Nicknamed the ‘little dragon’, MM Alam embarked on his military journey by joining the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as a commissioned officer. With a strong determination to serve his nation, he underwent rigorous training and displayed a natural aptitude for flying. His dedication and talent paved the way for a successful career in the PAF.
The 1965 India-Pakistan War: Ace in a Day:
The defining moment of M.M. Alam’s career occurred during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. On September 6, 1965, he piloted an F-86 Sabre jet during a dogfight over the Chawinda area in Punjab, Pakistan. In a breathtaking display of courage and skill, Alam achieved the seemingly impossible — he shot down five Indian Hawker Hunter aircraft in less than sixty seconds. He spotted two aircrafts and chased them while flying low. In continuation to that he then found four Hunters flying together. Instead of moving to the opposite direction in their defense, they all moved in the same direction which made them the victim of missiles fired for the F-86 under the commandment of Squadron Leader MM Alam. This unparalleled feat earned him the revered title of “Ace in a Day,” a distinction unmatched in the history of aerial warfare. Later in his life he also served the Syrian forces for about five years.
Achievements and Awards of MM Alam:
M.M. Alam’s exceptional bravery and contributions during the 1965 war earned him numerous awards and honors. Notably, he was bestowed with the Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage) and the Tamgha-e-Jurat (Medal of Courage). His exemplary service led to a well-deserved promotion to the rank of Squadron Leader.
Retirement:
M.M. Alam was placed on pre-retirement leave in 1981 as part of his original retirement call in 1982, with the claim that he was incapable of reading and writing and that his services were no longer necessary by the force. On that note, Air Commodore M.M. Alam bid the PAF farewell. On his retirement he said, “I was thrown out of the force with the allegation that I am not a learned man as I most of the times used to disagree and argue with other higher officials of the force”.
“I was Air Commodore when I was retired. I would have surely made it to the highest ranking if I was given a chance,” he said.
Legacy and Recognition of MM Alam:
Muhammad Mahmood Alam‘s military career, punctuated by his historic performance during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, solidified his status as a national hero and a symbol of pride for Pakistan. His name is synonymous with courage and excellence in the Pakistan Air Force, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of military personnel and aviation enthusiasts in Pakistan and beyond.
His name and achievements are commemorated through documentaries, books, and events. The PAF Museum in Karachi features a monument in his honor, and countless roads, institutions, and awards bear his name, ensuring that his memory lives on as an inspiration to future generations.
The “Ace in a Day,” Muhammad Mahmood Alam, is a symbol of the unwavering courage and talent of those who defend their country’s skies. He is considered a national hero for his achievements to the Pakistan Air Force and his epic victory in the war of 1965. M.M. Alam’s name and legacy, which are deeply ingrained in Pakistani history, continue to shine brightly, serving as a constant reminder of the incredible heroism that individuals who defend their country must possess.