Wing Commander Parameswar Venkatachalam Iyer (4182) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Air Force in December, 1951. He has served in an Equipment Depot, operational Wings and a Ground Training School, as well as Air Headquarters as a Staff Officer. He has also served on the staff of the Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in the U.S.S.R.

Since April 1970, Wing Commander Iyer has been in Command of an overhaul Depot. When he assumed command, the Depot was in formative stage. Unperturbed by the heavy work-load, he took up the challenge of making the Depot function effectively within the shortest possible time. He reorganized the storage sites and positioned the fast moving items at forward supply points. He took particular care of the "Lifed" components ensuring their proper storage and also early consumption of those with limited shelf-life. Fully aware of the fact that the storage conditions at the Depot were not yet satisfactory, he arranged early inspection and servicing of sensitive items such as parachutes, and was instrumental in the substitution of many imported items by indigenous products.

By his far-sighted forward planning and systematic approach he was able to improve the spares position, as a result of which the output of the Repair Depot served by his Wing was greatly increased. He has moreover, through his own example and by his leadership, motivated his staff and inspired them to completely identify themselves with the task at hand.

Throughout his career, Wing Commander Parameswar Venkatachalam Iyer has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Air Marshal Parameswaraiyer Venkatachalam lyer, Logistics, was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 5 December, 1951.

He was specially selected as Assistant Air Attaché in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, an assignment he handled very competently. On his return from Moscow, he took over the Command of an Equipment Depot holding spares of all Russian aircraft which played an extremely vital role during the 1971 operations. Air Marshal lyer's distinguished services as a Commander of this Depot were recognised and he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal. Thereafter he commanded two more Equipment Depots. In both these units, he brought to bear the same qualities of leadership which enabled the Depots to improve their performance enormously.

He was appointed as Air Officer Logistics Management at HQ Maintenance Command in the rank of Air Commodore on 01 December, 1981. A notable achievement during this period was the formalisation of despatch of aero­engines by civil road transport, a method that has removed bottlenecks in the availability of aero­engines at the units.

On 1 February, 1984, he was elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. He introduced total involvement of Air Force Liaison establishments with the rotables management to reduce the number of Aircraft Operationally Grounded in the Indian Air Force.

He pursued it further after taking over as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Maintenance Command in the rank of Air Marshal on 01 May, 1985. Due to his untiring efforts an exceptionally large number of AOGs were cleared in 1985-86.

Air Marshal Iyer's contribution in the field of sports and adventure activities has also been unique. He represented India in the first Asian Veterans Athletic Meet at Singapore in 1981 and won 5000 metre race thus boosting the image of IAF and the country. He was AVSM 1987 the originator and the guiding spirit behind the Air Force Anniversary Run from Agra to Delhi held in October 1985. He ran the entire distance leading 300 other participants. He was the Chairman Air Force Sports Control Board during the period 1984-85. His career has been saga of service to the Air Force and to the country. By total dedication, he has achieved a name for himself and the IAF.