Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Bali has been in command of the only Hunter Squadron (Sqn) since 31 May 93. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of Defence Service Staff College. The officer has over 2600 hours of accident free flying to his credit. Wg Cdr Bali has been responsible for operational conversion and training of newly commissioned officers on Hunter aircraft prior to their posting to front line fighter Sqns. During financial year 1994-95, the Sqn under his command flew 4976 sorties without any accident/incident, averaging 414 sorties per month. In Oct 94, the Sqn reached its zenith when it flew 615 sorties, which was the highest effort achieved by the Hunter fleet in the previous five years. The squadron successfully completed three operational Training courses, all well ahead of schedule. The aging Hunter fleet faced serious constrains involving constant maintenance, lack of adequate spares and poor product support. Wg Cdr Bali ensured an exceptionally high average serviceability state of 75.2% during FY 1994-95. In Oct 94, the Sqn achieved 100% serviceability on four consecutive days.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vijaya Kumar Bali.

Group Captain Vijay Kumar Bali (13787) F (P) was commissioned in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 01 Jun 71. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he has 2727 hours of flying to his credit. His appointments include command of a fighter squadron, Chief Operations officer of a fighter base and a staff appointment in Air Headquarters. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1996.

Gp Capt Bali took over the command of Air Force Station Singarsi on 21 Aug 2000. Singarsi received an unprecedented 1091mm of rainfall from 17 Sep to 23 Sep 2000. Most of the roads were badly damaged by massive landslides and subsidence. The radar and the domestic area were cut off from the rest of the world for nearly twenty days. Gp Capt Bali with his dedicated team assured that the radar was not damaged and made it operational in record time on 23 Sep 2000. His close supervision, guidance and motivation ensured that all communications systems were restored and remained serviceable and available throughout the period of the rainstorm. Leading by personal example, he conducted station-wide shramdan in the rain, thus minimising the nature and extent of damage.

In the recent past, thanks mostly to his sustained efforts and close supervision, the Automatic Data Handling System Retro fitment was completed on 19 Jul 01, well before the PDC of 31 Jul 01. His personal monitoring has yielded a very high serviceability of the radar, its accessories and MT vehicles, inspite of the remote location of the stn and difficulties in procurement of spares.

Through his interactive style of management, Gp Capt Bali has successfully infused an uncommon sense of belonging and enthusiasm in this one of the most remotely located and difficult to access Stations in the IAF. By introducing thoughtful welfare measure, he has brought about a marked improvement in the quality of life. Singarsi is extremely prone to malaria. Due to Gp Capt Bali's persistent and concerted effort, there has been a marked reduction in the incidence of malaria in the Station. Medical and other help to the local tribals by his station drew a lot of praise for the services from all the associated civilian agencies.

For distinguished service of an exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Vijay Kumar Bali.