Air Marshal Hirendra Nath Chatterjee was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in August, 1940. He was one of the first Flying Instructors to be trained in the IAF and made significant contribution in that capacity both during World War II and later in the development of the Air Force. He served with distinction with a Squadron in Burma Campaign, when he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry. After Independence, he rendered valuable service as Chief Instructor of the Air Force Flying School, and laid the foundation of what is now the Air Force Academy. He also played an important part in setting up training facilities and framing policies and plans for the expansion of the Air Force. More recently, Air Marshal Chatterjee has been Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, at Air Headquarters, Air Officer Commandingin-Chief Maintenance Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command. Since March 1971 Air Marshal Hirendra Nath Chatterjee has been responsible for the operational training and readiness of the Air Force as a whole. He played a leading part in planning and coordinating the activities of the three Operational Commands during the recent war with Pakistan. Throughout his career, Air Marshal Chatterjee has brought to his duties a sound knowledge of military aviation in all its aspects, and the ability to tackle the most difficult tasks in a quite and methodical manner. Through the many important posts that he has held, he has done much for the development and strengthening of the Indian Air Force, leading up to its success in the recent Indo-Pak conflict. He has rendered service of the most exceptional order.