Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Gerwal has been in continuous active flying since commissioning and has flown more than 2500 hrs on fighter aircraft. He has maintained an accident-free record during his flying career spanning 20 years. During the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971, he flew 22 operational missions.

The officer won the Sword of Honour Standing first in the overall order of merit and also at Air Combat Trophy during his FCL course in Mar 79. Subsequently, he was a member of the directing staff at the Tactical Combat Development Establishment.

He was specially selected and posted as a flying inspector in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection from Sep 79 to Jan 81. Thereafter, the officer was chosen to fly the most modern fighter aircraft, the MiG-25.

He was appointed Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter Squadron on 24 Jun 85. Under his Command not only was the quantum of flying high, the quality was also of the highest order. The efficiency of the Squadron was well brought out during the DASI inspection of the unit in Aug 86 achieving "Average Plus" in air combat exercises. Setting a personal example of a high standard of flying, flight safety, sincerity of purpose, productive initiative and single minded devotion to duty, he motivated his colleagues and turned the Squadron into a potent and cohesive fighting force. During his Command the Squadron maintained zero human error accident incident record.

For his high standard of professionalism, leadership, devotion to duty, sincerity of purpose and productive initiative, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Grewal.