Group Captain Pranab Kumar Dutt (13324) AE (M) was commissioned on 01 Jan 73 in the AE (M) branch of IAF. As STO, Target Towing Flight Kalaikunda, he performed commendably and was awarded AOC-in-C Commendation in 1978. He was declared best Aero student at Cranfield (UK) in 1982. He was given a cash award for his innovation in designing two special VVIP ladders for Avro aircraft in 1985. Whilst on the posted strength of Air HQ Comn Sqn, he was commended by the CAS in 1986 for his contribution in designing a system for BOROSCOPE Check on PRATT & WHITNEY BOEING 737 engines. This resulted in substantial savings in terms of money, manpower and material. His dedication and professionalism was exhibited again as the Project Co-ordination Officer to indigenously design and develop brake pads for Hunter aircraft which saved a large amount of foreign exchange.

During 1994 as Senior Engineering Officer at Air HQ Comn Sqn, his professionalism in postulating a proposal for upward revision of periodicity for Check 'C' servicing of VVIP Boeing-737 aircraft from 90 to 105 days, was approved by the Boeing Company. This has so far accrued into a net saving of almost two crores. As Chief Engineering Officer at 03 Wing, AF for the last one year, Group Captain Dutt has worked relentlessly round the clock to provide excellent direction to the maintenance team. He has contributed significantly to achieving optimum serviceability and reliability of a fleet consisting of four different types of transport aircraft/helicopters involved with VVIP/VIP operations. His technical acumen in modifying cabin heating system on all the vehicles at Leh and Thoise was a landmark of excellence.

For his exceptional professionalism, exemplary zeal, untiring and selfless dedication to duty, innovativeness in saving large sums to the national exchequer and ability to inspire, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain Pranab Kumar Dutt.