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Flt. Lt. U. A. D'Cruz while carrying out an offensive reconnaissance over the AKHNURBHIMBER area was shot down and captured by Pathan tribesmen on 1st December 1947. He remained a prisoner with the tribesmen and later with the Pakistan Army, until December, 1948 when he was returned to India under a scheme for the exchange of prisoners of war.
While a prisoner, Flt. Lt. D'Cruz was often beaten and threatened with death by his captors but neither ill-treatment nor the offer of monetary rewards could undermining his loyalty to his country or his service.
The fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by Flt. Lt. D'Cruz while a prisoner of war is in accordance with the highest traditions of his service and an example to his fellow officers and men.
Whilst still a Flight-lieutenant Ulrich Anthony D'Cruz of the Indian Air Force set a new Indian Gliding record in 1954 by remaining in the air for six hours and 37 minutes.
For conspicuos gallantry in the Kashmir operations, he was awarded the Asoka Chakra by the President at an investiture on Independence Day 1954.
