Group Captain Kumar Krishnachandrasinhji Gohil (14688) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 29 Dec 1976. He is fully operational on Hunter, Avro HS-748 and An-32 aircraft with nearly 4000 hours of accident-free flying. He is presently posted as Chief Operations Officer at Air Force Station Jorhat since 26 August 2002. He has had the distinction of commanding a VIP Communication Flight during 1993-95 and a premier Transport Squadron between 2000-02, apart from holding various staff appointments at Air Headquarters and Eastern Air Command. He is a first class graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and stood first in the Higher Air Command Course at the College of Air Warfare. He has also been Vice-Captain of the Services Cricket Team and participated at the national level in Ranji Trophy from 1982 to 1987.

On 03 Jul 2000, as Commanding Officer of a Transport Squadron, Gp Capt Gohil was given the onerous task of re-establishing the unit with Avro HS-748 aircraft on relocation at Vadodara. Despite several teething problems owing to lack of infrastructure and limited resources, he was able to mould the unit into a close-knit entity and generate the necessary motivation and impetus so as to far exceed the stringent Key Result Areas set by Headquarters South West Air Command (SWAC). During Operation Vayu Sahayata, he was mainly responsible for the sustained and well-coordinated relief operations undertaken from Vadodara during Jan-Feb 2001 in the aftermath of the earthquake in Gujarat, earning appreciation from the Civil and State agencies alike. Under his exemplary leader ship, the Squadron was adjudged Best Transport / Helicopter Squadron in SWAC for 2000-01 and thereafter remained the mainstay of the Command throughout the activation for Operation Parakram in 2001-2002.

As Chief Operations Officer, Gp Capt Gohil demonstrated a tremendous capacity for work and discharged all responsibilities with complete dedication and single-minded devotion to duly. With his meticulous planning and prompt responses, he produced staff-work of a very high standard. By virtue of his perseverance, tireless involvement in coordinating and close monitoring of all flying-related activities at the base, he consistently ensured safe and efficient operations in fulfillment of any task assigned to the station. Within his sphere of influence at the base, the Air Traffic Services unit was adjudged second in the IAF in 2003 and the AN-32 unit declared Best Transport Squadron of the IAF in 2004. He has also been a very reliable second-in-command and ensured continuity in the attainment of set goals and service aims when officiating as Station Commander. He has also participated wholeheartedly in all sporting and social activities of the station, verily setting a worthy example for all Air Warriors to emulate.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Kumar Krishnachandrasinhji Gohil.