Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1957. Immediately before the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he was posted as Senior Armament Officer at a forward air base. Within six days he ensured the armament preparedness of the base. He inspired and motivated his men to work round the clock and ensured effective dispersal, deployment, camouflage and concealment of vast quantities of explosives to safeguard them from aerial attack.

During the first ten days of the operations more than 403 tones of bombs, rockets, ammunition and demolition explosives were handled efficiently and expeditiously at the base under his expert supervision without any mishap.

On 3rd December, 1971, immediately after the enemy air raid, Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari was detailed to carry out bomb reconnaissance along the runway where a few bombs had just exploded. With complete disregard to his personal safety he completed the task exposing himself to the grave danger of bomb blast as one bomb exploded while he moved from one pit to the other. Three more bombs with varying time delays subsequently exploded in the same area. He accounted for all the enemy exploded and unexploded bombs within the airfield by meticulous time measurement and calcula tions thus ensuring safety of aircraft, equipment and personnel.

On 5th December, 1971, when one of the 1000 pound bomb was released from a landing aircraft and came to stop at about 600 yards along the runway and 15 feet from the apron with the fuse wire already pulled out, it was extremely risky to handle and make the bomb safe and on the other hand it would have rendered the main runway unserviceable if it was to be demolished on site. He was asked to render the bomb safe and remove it. He showed extreme courage and composure in performing the delicate operation of removing the bomb tail unit, pistol and detonator to render the bomb safe.

Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari displayed dedication to duty, organising ability and professionalism of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.