Group Captain JS Thakur was commissioned on 21 Jun 69 as a Fighter Pilot. He has flown over 3500 accident free hours and has held important appointments including Command of a front line strike squadron and Chief Operations Officer of a MiG-27 base. He was the founder member and deputy leader of the famous Air Force Aerobatics Team, the "Thunder Bolts". Gp Capt Thakur has been officiating as Air-I, Central Air Command since Jan 96. During this period, a major Air Force exercise was Planned and conducted in the Central Air Command area of operations, involving induction and operations of forces on a scale unprecedented in the Command. Gp Capt Thakur ensured smooth operations of such large forces. Operations included setting up elaborate Control and Reporting centre and Communication network, deployment of Air Defence forces, issue of detailed orders and operating procedures for conduct of operations, as well as continuous liaison with other Commands and Air HQ. It was largely because of his professional approach and deep sense of commitment that the whole exercise was completed smoothly with over 650 accident/incident free sorties executed. The aim and objectives of the exercise were successfully achieved.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt JS Thakur.