Wing Commander Vijay Chand Mankotia has been a transport pilot since January 1951. In June 1967, he assumed command of a Transport Squadron. He worked out a detailed training and operational programme with the aim of achieving the maximum operational status in the shortest possible time. His greatest contribution in building up the operational status was the personal lead he took in all matters connected with the various operational tasks allotted to the squadron. He is an able and experienced flier with a total of 4550 hours of which 1280 hours are operational hours; he is personally capable of undertaking any flying task. Throughout, Wing Commander Vijay Chand Mankotia displayed courage and determination.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Vijay Chand Mankotia was the Station Commander of a Transport Base. He provided such remarkable facilities at his Base that the fighter operations during the conflict went through with exceptional smoothness and success. He ensured that all the needs of the fighter force, both administrative and operational, were fully met. In addition, he converted a transport aircraft for operations in bombing role. This employment of a transport aircraft, the first mission of which he himself led, played an important part in the harassment role over enemy airfields at night and in the strike role over defended targets by day.

Throughout, Wing Commander Vijay Chand Mankotia displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.