Wing Commander Dev Nath Rathore was posted as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron with effect from 1 Dec 76 when the Squadron moved to another location for reequipping with a new aircraft.

With just a handful of officer and technicians, the Squadron started re-equipping under the personal supervision of Wing Commander Rathore and also commenced training of the staff pilots who had very limited experience on type. Although the tempo of flying had to be kept down due to a number of problems which were being faced in operating these aircraft. It was ensured by the Commanding Officer that sufficient training was imparted to all the pilots undertaking conversion of other pilots who were earmarked to man other similar Squadrons in the re-equipment plan. During his tenure of just over one year, the Squadron has been able to convert a large number of pilots both from supersonic and transonic blocks without any accident or incident.

Wing Commander Rathore showed keen interest an leadership during these conversions and whilst the training was being conducted, he also ensured that the pilots were on the posted strength of his Squadron simultaneously carried out their own Squadron syllabus and were declared fully operational during this period. It was under his command that the Squadron operated three detachments to carry out armament exercises.

Wing Commander Rathore's interest was not limited to training of pilots. The technicians were also given very thorough job training so that various inspections that were falling due were handled in the most professional manner. Although the Squadron was supposed to retain a part of foreign trained technicians in the Squadron in actual fact this did not happen. In due course almost all the foreign trained technicians were posted out to various other Squadrons which had been re-equipped with the new aircraft.

During the period of his command, the Squadron has flown more that two thousand accident free hours by day and night. This was made possible by personal example, professional outlook and matured thinking of the Commanding Officer and absolute supervision at all times. For achieving such excellent results Wing Commander Rathore set an example which is in the best traditions of the service. His professional outlook and selfless devotion to duty were an abject lesson and a morale booster for the personnel under his command. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dev Nath Rathore.