Wing Commander Mohan John was commissioned in the IAF in Jun 72. He is fully ops on MiG-21 and Mirage-2000 aircraft and has a total of 3200 accident free flying hours, over 1000 sorties of these are on Mirage-2000 aircraft.

After his commissioning, he joined a front line operational squadron. At that stage when he was relatively inexperienced, he handled a serious aircraft emergency in a cool, calm and professional manner and for this he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. He has also been commended by the AOC-in-C, WAC in 1978 for his meritorious service. In 1979, Wg Cdr John underwent All Purpose Flying Instructors Course and stood first. He is also a Fighter Combat Leader and is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

In 1985, Wg Cdr John was posted to a Mirage-2000 Squadron and was the first pilot to be converted in India. He not only completed his training in a record time but as a supervisor contributed immensely in the build up of expertise and evolution of tactics on this aircraft. He did remarkably well as a Flight Commander.

In October 89, Wg Cdr John was appointed as the Squadron Commander of Mirage-2000 Sqn. The morale of the Squadron was low as his predecessor had been killed in an air crash. By sheer hard work, dedication, personal example and deep sense of involvement he guided the squadron through this difficult phase and ensured that the squadron once again became a viable fighting unit. During his tenure, the squadron had been given the task of perfecting the art of night strike and delivery of laser guided bombs. He undertook these challenges and ensured that adequate number of pilots were trained in a short time in this phase. He was also entrusted with the task of training pilots in low level aerobatics. This he did commendably well, again by personal example and deep sense of dedication.

For his professional skill, dedication and devotion to duty and for his qualities of leadership in the best traditions of the IAF, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Mohan John.