Air Commodore Solomon Purshotham was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in June, 1942. During his long service, he has held a variety of important flying and staff appointments.

Air Commodore Purshotham was responzsible for the peace time training of forces under his command. In December, 1971, at the time of Indo-Pakistan conflict, he was the Air Officer Commanding Eastern Air Command Advanced Headquarters, which operates alongside the Headquarters Eastern Army Command. He was this responsible for joint planning and execution of ArmyAir operations in the Eastern Sector. Under his leadership, good rapport was established between the Army and the Air Force. The support provided by the Air Force effectively disrupted the enemy's lines of communications, isolating his forward troops. Enemy ammunition and fuel dumps were also blown up and many of his Headquarters locations were destroyed.

Air Commodore Solomon Purshotham made a significant contribution toward the final victory of our forces in Bangla Desh.