Squadron Leader Deepak Gajare was commissioned in the IAF on 22 Jan 72 and is on the posted strength of an Operational Squadron since 10 May 87. He has since been working as a Navigation leader of the Canberra Flight.

He has 4,090 hours of total flying to his credit of which an impressive 2,450 hours are operational. During the period 1987-88, he has flown a record number of successful Canberra Photo reconnaissance missions in highly sensitive and hazardous operational areas. His planning of operational missions has been meticulous. This brought tremendous credit to the IAF, thus enhancing its image with the sister services.

As a keen and enthusiastic flier he has always volunteered himself and led hazardous missions. His sterling leadership, thorough professionalism, undaunted courage and ever smiling attitude to under take the most difficult operational task coupled with precision flying so vital for photo missions single out Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare as an example worthy of emulation by his superiors and subordinates alike.

For his very high professional standards, fearless flying and a record number of successful operational photo reconnaissance missions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare.