Wing Commander Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval joined the Armed Forces in 1962, after having obtained MD in Pathology & Bacteriology and having worked as a teacher in Pathology for 3 years at MGM Medical College, Indore. He was one of the first few postgraduates in Pathology in the Armed Forces in 1962. Soon after commissioning, he was graded as a Pathologist and was given the task of starting a Pathology Laboratory for the Air Force.

In 1968, while posted at AF Hospital, Secunderabad, Wg Cdr SK Adaval coordinated single-handed the handing over of the Military Hospital, Bangalore to the Air Force. He was appointed Classified Specialist in Pathology as well as Post Intermediate Teacher of the Pune University.

While posted to Air Force Hospital Kanpur, during 1974-76, he trained Medical Assistants for participation in the InterCommand Technical Training Competitions. While posted at the Institute of Aviation Pathology and as a Member of the Faculty of Medicine, he carried out several AFMRC research projects in addition to devoting himself to work in his own field.

In 1981, Wg Cdr SK Adaval was specially selected, from South East Asia, for a World Health Organisation Fellowship in Laboratory Quality Control Studies and was trained in some of the prestigious institutions of the world. In 1982 Wg Cdr SK Adaval was associated with the medical fitness criteria of the Indian Cosmonauts for the Project Pawan and was the chief coordinator for medical fitness of a large number of candidates.

For his exceptional academic attainments, outstanding performance in the field of Aviation Pathology and commendable contribution to the Project Pawan, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval.

Air Vice Marshal Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval VSM (6486) Medical was commissioned on 20 April 1982 with a post graduate degree in Pathology. In 1981 by virtue of his outstanding work in the field of laboratory services, he was awarded Fellowship in Laboratory Quality Control by World Health Organisation. A fellow of WHO he worked in prestigious laboratories in United Kingdom and United States of America. On promotion to the rank of Group Captain, he was appointed Senior Advisor (Pathology), he remained professor of Pathology in the Faculty of Pathology of Bangalore University between 1980 and 1989. His pioneering work in Aviation Accident Pathology has made aircraft accident investigation easier and has contributed to flight safety. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1985 for his contribution to “Project Pawan" involving Indian Cosmonauts.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore he held the appointment of Officer Commanding of an Air Force Hospital in Eastern Sector.

He was posted to the key appointment of Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) on 10 Feb 92. AFCME is a prestigious institution in the field of aeromedical evolution of aircrew, both service and civil. During his Command he has brought about commendable changes worthy of recognition. By streamlining the evaluation system, open communication, positive health education, quick documentation and disposal, he has achieved a remarkable goal of aircrew friendly atmosphere. The institution, originally designed for only medical evaluation, has under his command, developed into a most sought after medical consultation and diagnostic center. He has generated an academic atmosphere and professional excellence amongst his staff by projecting and launching important research programmes under the aegis of Armed Forces Medical Research Committee and Defence Research and Development Organisation. With the goodwill developed through interaction at various levels, he has built up and constantly endeavoured to modernize the medical facilities.

Air Vice Marshal Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.