Group Captain Chambala Karai Ranjan (16015) Med was commissioned in IAF as Medical Officer on 03 Mar 80. In 26 years of distinguished service, he has held important appointments as Senior Medical Officer at Air Force Stations, Professor at Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore and is presently working as Director Medical Services (Aviation Medicine) at Air Headquarters and also holding the appointment of Secretary, Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine. He is a postgraduate in Aviation Medicine and Hos pital Management and graduate of DSSC. He was commended by AOC-in-C, SWAC in 1992.

He is a dedicated professional endowed with marked analytical and conceptual skills. His extensive work in aeromedical research and training especially in the fields of environmental stress, visual vigilance, hyperbaric medicine and inflight rations for long duration fighter flying bear ample testimony to his involvement in finding solutions to the modem aircrew's problems. His organising ability, innovation and professionalism in the face of daunting odds helped save many precious lives through efficient management of casualties at Vavuniya, Sri Lanka during 'OP PAWAN' and at AF Station, Pune in the aftermath of Bhuj earthquake.

As Secretary General of the prestigious 54th International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine which was held in India after 12 years at Bangalore in Sep 2006, his foresight and organising skills ensured that the conference was of a high calibre and well appreciated. The Congress not only brought international recognition to the aviation medicine fraternity in India, but also showcased the best of lAF's multidimensional capability earning the service exceptional international goodwill. For his distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Chambala Karai Ranjan.