Squadron Leader Commander Manmohan Waman Desai (5524) was commissioned in Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force in June 1958. He had been working in the Western Air Command Accounts Section from September, 1973 to February, 1976. During his stay in the Command he had been dealing with cash audit objections, pay and allowances budget and funds. His professional competence and analytical approach to problems have been instrumental in providing proper guidance to the units on accounting matters. His initiative zeal and enthusiasm have resulted in the achievement of tasks and targets set by Air Headquarters. Unmindful of personal inconvenience he has worked long hours with a single minded purpose to ensure prompt and efficient accounting services and guidance to the units. He had also established an effective rapport with all the sections at Command Headquarters thus achieving a high degree of cooperation and coordination.

Squadron Leader Desai was also the Officer in-charge Canteen during his stay in the Command. He had streamlined the working of the Canteen and by his initiative and hard work was able to provide efficient canteen services to all the personnel when scarcity and high prices prevailed in the civil markets. This had kept the morale of the men high.

For his outstanding devotion to duty, dedicated hard work, extreme reliability and professional capability, Squadron Leader Manmohan Waman Desai is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Air Commodore Manmohan Waman Desai was commissioned in the Accounts Branch in June 1958. During his career spanning over thirty years, he held with distinction varied appointments within the branch and outside. He successfully completed the Long Defence Management Course and the National Defence College Course.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore in May 1985, he took over as Joint Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters. Immediately on taking over, he applied himself wholeheartedly to the task of improving the accounting services provided to serving and retired Air Force personnel. By his pragmatic and resultgeared approach, backed by excellent professional competence, he undertook and accomplished the task of review and streamlining of the existing accounting procedures contained in various Air Force orders and policy directives, with a view to revamp the way of working and wipe out avoidable irritants. With his originality of approach and eye on professionalism and efficiency, he initiated plans for computerisation of various accounting areas which are now coming to fruition.

He was the pivotal force behind clearance of large outstanding audit objections and huge airlift recoveries.

Air Commodore Manmohan Waman Desai, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.