Wing Commander Ramesh Rai (14669) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying branch on 29 December 76. He is an A-2 category Instructor and is Staff College qualified. He stood first in the test pilots course and won the trophies for 'Best in Test Flying'. At the flying Instructors' course he won the trophy for being "Best in Ground Subjects". He was awarded commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command in 1979 and by the Chief of Air Staff in 1995.

Wing Commander Ramesh Rai was appointed Commanding officer of a Fighter Squadron on 28 December 95. On assuming command, he devoted himself with selfless commitment to raise the operational capability and performance of the Squadron. He intensified operational training learning and flying, particularly in Armament and Electronic Warfare. As a result, his Squadron won two trophies in exercise "Eklavya" for excellence in marksmanship. The Squadron undertook extensive study and trials of the Electronic Warfare Pod and evolved successful programmes and tactics against enemy Naval and Air Force radars which have now come to stay in the Air Force. Having excelled in all facets of operations, maintenance and administration, the Squadron won the "Best Fighter Squadron" trophy in the Command. These achievements were a result of his total devotion, professional dedication and leadership.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Ramesh Rai.