On the 19th September 1965, as sub-section leader in a four Gnat aircraft formation, Flight Lieutenant Viney Kapila gave valuable assistance to his leader during an aerial battle against four Pakistani Sabre jet aircraft. The battle was fought at a height of less than 2000 feet from the ground where enemy antiaircraft guns were active. He shot down one of the enemy aircraft and then helped his leader to cripple another.

In this action Flight Lieutenant Kapila displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Air Commodore Viney Kapila was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1958 has flown over 3,300 hours on modern jet fighter aircraft and participated in the 1961 Goa Operations and the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the 1965 war.

As a Flight Commander of a frontline squadron, he was responsible for the smooth and rapid change over to MiG­21s. He carried out successful trials for induction of MiG 21 aircraft into the Kashmir Valley and thereafter laid down operating procedures which are still applicable. Because of his perseverance, profound analytical approach and expertise in tactical doctrines, he was responsible in large measure for optimising the night employment techniques and tactics on the MiG­21 and S­22 aircraft.

In his present appointment as Air I of an Operational Command, the officer has through penetrating foresight, ingenuity and application of sound tactical precepts, introduced and formulated advanced training schedules, enhancing the operational potential of the fighting units. With his positive and dynamic approach, he designed realistic operational details for three major exercises, namely, Eagle-Ranvijay, Brass Tacks and Live Wire, which employed massive strike forces, hitherto unheard of in earlier exercises.

Air Commodore Viney Kapila, VrC has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.