Group Captain David Eugene Bouche assumed command of the Air Force Station, Ambala at the end of January 1965. His Station was responsible for forming and training Gnat Squadrons. All the Gnat units which participated in the recent operations belonged to this station.

Within a very short time of the assumption of command, he brought the Squadrons based at his Station to a high pitch of combat effectiveness despite shortages of trained personnel and equipment. An outstanding pilot himself, he imbued his pilots with and offensive spirit.

During the recent Indo-Pakistan conflict, when our forward airfields were subjected enemy air attack, Group Captain Bouche organized both day and night air defense properly and used the Gnat aircraft offensively, obtaining good results. He flew many sorties, both during day and night, and himself led a quite a few formations on offensive operations.

Group Captain Bouche's outstanding skill as pilot and his leadership in flying, administration and technical preparations produced a very high level of operational effectiveness of the Squadrons based on his station. He has thereby rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order during the recent operations.

Group Captain Bouche's outstanding skill as a pilot and his leadership in flying, administration and technical preparations produced a very high level of operational effectiveness of the Squadrons based on his station. He has thereby rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order during the recent operations.