Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Gujral was commissioned on 31 Dec 1967. He has to his credit 3100 hrs accident-free flying in single engined aircraft. He is a qualified flying instructor with an A-2 category.

During his long and meritorious service, he has held a number of important appointments. He was on the staff of Flying Instructors' School and was Flight Commander of frontline operational Squadron equipped with Trishul aircraft. He has also functioned as Assistant Director Offensive Ops at Air Headquarters. During 1971, the officer was engaged in strikes against the enemy in South Western Sector. During all these assignment, he acquitted himself creditably, displaying a high degree of skill and professionalism. The officer is a graduate, of Defence Service Staff College and Institute of Defence Management. He has now been selected to undergo Higher Air Command Course.

Wg Cdr Gujral has been commanding one of the premier operational Squadrons since June 1985. On taking over command of the Squadron, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to the task of activating his team into a well-knit cohesive force Displaying high organizing ability, dedication and zeal, he brought about a distinct all­round improvement. He not only set a personal example for others, but also ensured that operational and training commitments of the Squadron were fully and successfully met. Under his inspiring leadership, the squadron achieved 100% serviceability aircrew operational status.

For his professional acumen, devotion to duty, ingenuity and zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr JS Gujral.

Group Captain Jaspal Singh Gujral was commissioned on 31 Dec 67 as a fighter pilot. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College and Instiute of Defence Management, he commanded a MiG-21 fighter squadron during 1985-87. For exceptional devotion to duty, he was awarded Vayu Seva Medal in 1988. Gp Capt Gujral is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor and has flown more than 3800 accident free hours on single engine aircraft.

For his professional competence, Gp Capt Gujral was specially selected fro appointment of Chief Instructor (CI) Flying at Air Force Academy (AFA), the premier flying training institution of the IAF. In this appointment, he was overall incharge of ab-initio and advance flying training of pilots. Gp Capt Gujral produced excellent results while training 547 pilot trainees - the mainstay of the IAF during times to come. His personal involvement in all aspects of training culminated in consi derable improvement in flight safety. Flight safety record of zero landing accidents sine 30 Sep 91, and zero spin accident of trainees since 01 Dec 90 are visible indicators of his superb performance. Besides, Gp Capt Gujral has coordinated and led seven fly pasts during Graduation Parades, remodified Academy orders concerning local flying areas (LFA) management and fabricated a scale model of LFA. In addition he compiled and excellent précis on "service etiquettes" in the IAF. His services have contributed immensely in producing highly accomplished officer. While attaining this objective, he also ensured that no aircraft were lost during conduct of training.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Jaspal Singh Gujral.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM (11300) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Fighter Stream of the IAF on 31 December 1967, He has over 4000 hours of accident free flying on single engine aircraft, which include 16 combat missions flown in 1971 operations. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor holding an A-2 category. For his distinguished services, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1988 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

A graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management, Air Marshal Gujral has held prestigious field, staff and instructional appointments which include CO of a frontline fighter squadron, Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy, Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base, Defence Attaché at Prague, Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Joint Operations) and Deputy Chief of Air Staff before being appointed as AOC-in-C Central Air Command in May 2005.

As Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy he brought the accident rate to zero by adopting innovative measures. As AOC in Baghdogra, he was instrumental in commencing live air to ground firing on the Teesta Range. As Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff (Joint Operations), he was responsible for formulation of the Tri-Service Disaster Management Response Plan, which was put into action during the Sri Lankan floods in June 03 and later during Tsunami disaster in 2004, Also, as part of Defence Policy Group, he co-chaired three Important Military Subedar Group committee meetings promoting Indo-US and UK Defence co-operation in Washington, London and Delhi respectively.

As Deputy Chief of Air Staff, he streamlined the planning and procurement process for capital equipments, which ensured full utilisation of capital funds allotted to the IAF in 2004-05. He assisted in the formulation of new document on Procurement Procedures which was issued by Raksha Mantri in mid 2005. He also chaired an important Subedar committee ordered by MoD on production of Light Combat Aircraft and his recommendations have been accepted.

As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command Air Marshal Gujral organized and executed realistic training exercises without moving forces bringing about synergy between all elements thus increasing operational efficiency in cost effective manner. Extensive flying training was carried out by all the Strategic assets and with a special focus on Flight Safety. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.