Wing Commander Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra was commanding a squadron from 18th July 1966 to 16th August 1969. Although there were no firing ranges available at or near his base with proper planning he effectively trained his air and ground crews in the various operational roles. He was always able to put more than the required number of aircraft on the line with fully operational crew on various air exercises ordered by the Command and Air Headquarters. His crews executed the tasks assigned to them successfully. The average monthly flying and utilization rate of the squadron's aircraft, during his stewardship, had been the maximum with minimum rate of accidents/incidents.

Throughout, Wing Commander Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra (4033) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1951. He served with distinction in a number of operational units. During the Indo-Pakistan War 1971, he was the officer in-charge flying of an operational Wing. The achievements of the squadrons based at that Wing during the 1971 War are legendary and many aircrew of those squadrons have been decorated for their valour. To bring the Station up to such a high standard of operational readiness, Group Captain Ramachandra had to work day and night for meticulously planning every detail connected with the missions undertaken by the squadrons, in total disregard to his personal comforts. The measure of success achieved by the squadrons was mainly due to the tenacity of purpose, exceptional devotion to duty and professional competence of Group Captain Ramachandra.

Group Captain Ramachandra assumed the command of another operational Wing soon after the operations and had to face enormous problems as an aftermath of the War. He grappled with the situation readily and settled down to rebuilding his fighting machine up to an optimum level of efficiency, and this he has achieved in the shortest possible time. Although a bomber pilot himself, he was able to make a quick appraisal of the problems of the fighter squadron at his Wing and in solving them speedily. Concurrently, no detail with regard to the administrative and maintenance aspects of the Station has escaped his attention and he has been able to ensure that the maximum state of efficiency is maintained in these areas as well. It was due to his untiring efforts that the married accommodation project, which has been under consideration for nearly ten years, was finalised for execution in 1972. Immediately after taking over the Station, Group Captain Ramachandra organised and conducted various welfare schemes for augmentation of funds for the IAF Benevolent Funds.

These schemes are being followed up with great vigour due to the magnificent example set by him,

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra's professional skill, devotion to duty and leader ship have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.