Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa took over command of a fighter squadron in 1968. The Squadron was just then being raised and equipped with the latest aircraft. With limited resources, he had to create a base from which the subsequent squadrons of the Indian Air Force could be formed. Apart from training of personnel on a highly sophisticated aircraft, the squadron was faced with many difficulties in the induction of this equipment. During the short period of one year, the squadron reached a fully operational status; the officer set a personal example by attaining the highest instrument rating on supersonic aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in April, 1953. He has served in a number of fighter and fighter bomber squadrons and has commanded one of them. He is a qualified flying instructor and served as such in the Air Force Flying College. At present, he is the Chief Instructor of Armament Training Wing. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa was in command of an airfield. He transformed the airfield into a major base, capable of sustaining intensive operations by a number of aircraft. The enemy made persistent attempts to neutralise this base, but due to effective air defence arrangements these attempts failed, and the base remained operational throughout. Aircraft operating from this base mounted large scale operations in close support of the Army, knocking many enemy tanks and vehicles. Several attacks were launched against enemy airfields in the sector, leading to the destruction of a number of aircraft and curtailment of enemy air activity; the enemy's road and rail communications in the area were also severely disrupted. All this was achieved largely because of the support given by the base under inspiring leadership of Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa, He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa was commissioned in the Air Force in April 1953. During his long service career, he has held a variety of command and staff appointments which include the command of one frontline fighter squadron and two major operational bases where he accomplished high rates of aircraft serviceability, enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency. He ha also held the assignment of Air Adviser in the Indian High Commission in London, Senior Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College and Senior Air Staff Officer at one of the operational commands.

In 1979, when in command of a major fighter base in the Western Sector, he created the infrastructure to operate newly acquired fighter bomber aircraft an made the squadron fully operational in the shortest possible time. Air Marshal Bawa's planning skills and dynamism became apparent once again when he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of an Operational command.

In his present appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of a operational command, his dynamism, dedication and managerial skills have directly influenced the command's functioning. He has instilled a sense of purpose, pride and dedication in the personnel serving under him.

Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa, AVSM, VM, has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.