Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 1st June, 1958. He has the singular distinction of having served simultaneously as OC (Unit) and Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C, both at HQ CAC and HQ WAC.

In his early career at training units at Jalahalli and Tambaram, he made invaluable contributions towards the general administration and training activities of the IAF as for instance:- a. At Medical Centre, Jalahalli, he revised the entire training syllabus which had farreaching and long-lasting impact on the quality of out put of airmen. b. As Commander of the Basic Squadron at Tambaram, he introduced a system of screening, training and battle inoculation including range firing for ab initio recruits which improved the standards of physical fitness and fighting capability of the airmen. c. As Sports Officer, he was not only responsible for managing and training of Air Force teams at Tambaram, but also had the distinction of winning for the Air Force all the four events in the Inter-Services Championship.

Consequent to the decision to shift HQ CAC from Calcutta to Allahabad, he, as OC Unit and the Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C had the dual responsibility of ensuring a quick and smooth move. He achieved that with distinction without any untoward incident, loss or damage and activated the HQ at Allahabad well before the scheduled date. Shifting of the WAC HQ from its old location at Palam for its new building in Subroto Park complex was achieved in a similar manner. This became feasible by his involvement, meticulous planning and systematic execution. This move entailed the bifurcation of the Airmen's and SNCOs messes between Air Force Palam and HQ, WAC and activation of the same in the new complex. This was accomplished in record time with no disruption of essential services. Likewise, the Non-Public Funds of HQ WAC had to be separated from those of Palam and started afresh. This was achieved by him through persuasiveness, tact and careful planning. Within a short span of one year, he raised the Non-Public Funds from a meagre Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- by his judicious schemes. Besides his normal duty, he was called upon to plan and scrutinise Air Force projects to be progressed by various R&D Establishments. He executed this task with remarkable maturity and confidence which won him appreciation from all concerned. During the development of "RATO" by ISRO, Wing Commander Mangal was entrusted with the task of monitoring its progress and organising the entire administrative arrangements including its trial at Bareilly. This challenging task which was highly technical and sophisticated in nature was accomplished by him with his quick uptake, clear thinking and deep insight. Wing Commander Mangal had the distinction of being the only Admin Officer to have been ever associated with the development of an intricate technical project.

While at Western Air Command within one and a half year he had the distinction of bringing down from over 300 cash and 500 stores objections to a nil state. This was achieved through his consistent efforts, tenacity of purpose and close liaison with the audit staff.

Wing Commander Mangal proved his mettle again as Staff Officer to the Vice Chief of the Air Staff from 1969 till early 1973.

As Officer I/C Administration at AF Station, Tezpur he was responsible for the execution of works services amounting to Rs. 74 lakhs in one year involving relaying of the complete taxi tracks within a record period of 6 months and installation of the GCA set-up within a record period of 4 months. With his flair for constructive planning and ingenuity he mobilised the unexploited potential of the Station which resulted in the growth of the Non-Public Funds by Rupees sixty-four thousand in one year. He was also instrumental in clearing within one year as many as 300 odd audit objections which had accumulated over the years.

Wing Commander Mangal served as DDPS at Air HQ from July 76 onwards. Directorate of Personal Services is the only Directorate having no Joint Director and only one Deputy Director. He handled multitude of subjects to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Some of his notable achievements were:- a. Clearance of seven disciplinary cases which were pending for the past 5 to 8 years within a period of 6 months. b. Obtaining government sanction which increased the Amenity Grant for AF personnel by Rs. 1.45 lakh per year. c. Securing Government sanction for regularising the expenditure incurred on the modification/stitching of jackets for JWOs. On creation of the new rank of JWO in the IAF, the Government had agreed to the new pattern of jacket for the JWOs but no specific sanction was accorded for modification/ stitching of the jackets. The expenditure already incurred by AF units in this regard amounted to over Rupees Thirty five lakhs and had become a subject of controversy. Through his initiative and liaison with the officials of the Min of Def and Finance he was able to secure Govt sanction not only to cover the expenditure already incurred but also for future expenditure. d. Introduction of new welfare measures by AFWWA. As Hony Secy of AFWWA, he introduced new schemes which provided considerable benefits to the families of serving, retired and deceased AF personnel. A review of the scholarship scheme increased the number of beneficiaries from 23 to 176. The new scheme of vocational training to widows and dependents became very popular. Through his efforts he secured employment for 23 AF families.

With his systematic analysis and pragmatic approach, he induced a sense of purpose amongst all his colleagues and subordinates in all assignments. For this, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal.