Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Singh was commissioned in the IAF in Jan 74. He became a Flight Gunner in Jun 80 and was posted to an AN-12 Squadron as Gunnery Leader. In a short span of time, he achieved CAT 'A' standard and displayed great dedication to duty and loyalty to service in conducting four ab-initio Flight Gunners' Courses for which no separate establishment existed at the Station. He also conducted gunnery training and supervised several gunnery exercises in which gunners achieved very good results in firing.

While undergoing Gajraj conversion abroad along with his five SNCOs gunners, it became imperative that all the six gunners undergo training in both the independent streams of Flight Gunner and Aerial Delivery System Operations in the same allotted time.

With his characteristic devotion, zeal and enthusiasm, he put in dedicated effort in conducting extra coaching of his team of gunners in addition to his already extremely busy schedule of training. His diligence beyond the call of duty ensured timely completion of training of Flight Gunners in the dual role with exceptional results. Back in India, once again, he inspired his team of three sets of crew with personal example and leadership to accomplish the task requiring six sets of crew. At no stage a commitment was delayed due to shortage of gunners/ADSOs. In meeting commitments of heavy specialized loading/off loading for which no practical training and experience was available, he led his team with commendable competence to achieve a high degree of proficiency.

For his exceptional ability, professional competence, commendable qualities and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Singh.