Wing Commander Nayel Devarao Mohan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of Indian Air Force in April, 1955. During the hostilities in December, 1971 he was employed as Chief Technical Officer of a forward Wing in the Western Sector.

With his vast professional knowledge and experience he was able to plan and execute all maintenance tasks that were posed to him during the hostilities. No task was impossible or beyond solution for him. Though a number detachments of the squadrons of the Wing were operating from various advance bases, he ensured that the technical requirements of these detachments were fully met. He personally directed and supervised the turn around of the aircraft during day as well as night within twenty five minutes and there was not a single instance when any aircraft was delayed on its mission. On many occasions he himself carried out the job guiding and marshalling the aircraft.

On 3rd December, 1971, a few minutes after the arrival of our strike force, the airfield was littered with bombs dropped by the enemy. One of our aircraft, by mistake, taxied to a wrong taxy track where there two unexploded bombs. He immediately, collected a few airmen and under personal supervision and direction, got the aircraft removed away and thus saved the valuable aircraft.

On another occasion when he was given only forty five minutes to receive a fleet of a large number of aircraft from another base, he quickly planned and organised the requirement in such a way that all the aircraft were taxied to the selected pens in a smooth manner and within two hours all of them were ready for operational missions.

On 5th December, 1971 he was made incharge of a project for preparation of a large number of special bombs which required clear planning and proper co-ordination. Despite three air raid warnings during the night, he, in complete disregard to his personal safety, accomplished the task within the stipulated period.

Wing Commander Nayel Devarao Mohan displayed high initiative, organising ability, devotion to duty and exceptional professional skill in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.