Wg Cdr CA Dalton is on the posted strength of No. 6 Squadron, AF since 23 Nov 84. He has spent 13 years of his service career in a Canberra Squadron and has to his credit an impressive 6200 hrs of flying, all of it accident­free. He has the unequalled distinction of having the maximum flying hours not only among the Canberra Navigators in the Indian Air Force, but also those of the transport fleet. This indeed is a unique achievement.

Wg Cdr Dalton has flown Canberra aircraft in all its multifarious roles, viz. bombing, Reconnaissance, Survey, Maritime strike and Target Towing. He was also assigned tasks associated with the demarcation of the IndoBhutan border in 1982.

On 30 Oct 87, when on a low level tactical sortie, while carrying out a simulated high speed attack, his Canberra suffered a massive bird strike on the nose section of the aircraft. Wg Cdr Dalton who was then in the nose section navigating saved his head from being shattered while suffering multiple injuries on his face and hands. Inspite of bleeding profusely, he navigated the aircraft safely back to base.

For his consistently outstanding achievements in flying, administrative skills and enthusiasm of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr CA Dalton.