Air Commodore Gian Dev Sharma (1742) was commissioned in Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in November 1941. During his long service, he has held a variety of important flying and staff appointments. In all these appointments, he has left a mark of his personal efficiency and devotion to service. At present, he is holding the appointment of Director of Operations (Transport and Maritime) at Air Headquarters.

In his present appointment, Air Commodore Sharma is responsible for planning and executing the transport and maritime operations in the IAF. In the recent conflict with Pakistan, he was called upon to plan the entire transport operations including the historic airborne operations in the Eastern Sector. Maritime operational plans had also been drawn up for the efficient conduct of the war. All this had to be done with speed and determination. Air Commodore Sharma worked with zeal and selfless devotion to duty, with complete disregard for personal comforts, and organized the transport and maritime operations so effectively that the true strength and the power of the Indian Air Force could be felt in battle.

Air Commodore Gian Dev Sharma has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.