Wing Commander Amrit Lal Patel (15069) AE (M) was commissioned on 25 Jul 1977 in the Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force. In 25 years of distinguished service he has held several important command and staff assignments that include Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) of a Base Repair Deport (BRD), Commanding Officer of Tech nical Type Training School, Senior Technical Officer (STO) at Helicopter Training School (HTS) and Chief Engineering Officer of a Fighter Base. He is a graduate of the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1992.

Whilst being the STO of HTS he performed creditably and ensured high serviceability of 28 helicopters. He achieved this challenging task with great foresight and meticulous planning. As CEO of a BRD he formulated the master process sheets for a wide range of specialist aircraft support vehicles. He also successfully overhauled these vehicles despite the uncertain availability of spares. He was instrumental in obtaining of ISO certification to the BRD.

Wg Cdr Patel took over duties of CEO, Air Force Station, Bhuj on 27 Mar 2000. During the earthquake, which struck the region of Kutch on 26 Jan 2001, Wg Cdr Patel suffered great personal loss. His house was completely destroyed, his aged mother was seriously injured and he lost all his personal belongings. Despite this personal loss, he earnestly went about the task of restoring the Station Engineering activities to normalcy. His active involvement in salvage operations resulted in the successful retrieval of technical equipment. He then set up alternate servicing facilities in tented accommodation and ensured that aircraft servicing commenced without any delay. His close supervision of the mechanical transport fleet ensured that all relief operations were carried out without a single untoward incident or accident. His efforts in quickly restoring communication and airfield lighting facilities ensured the safe and expeditious conduct of air relief operations. By his exemplary leadership, foresight and perseverance, Wg Cdr Patel was able to motivate his team to perform and achieve all tasks even under such adverse and trying conditions.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Amrit Lal Patel.