Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma (6659) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He has held responsible instructional and staff appointments with distinction. As a Flight Commander in a Ground Training School, he introduced instructional aids which vastly improved the training standards of airmen. He also made a significant contribution towards the effective training of Cadets in an Elementary Flying Training School. In 1966, he was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. With his immense capacity for hard work, high degree of professional ability and accurate planning, he rendered singular assistance to his Commander in setting up the Command Headquarters at a new location. He also served with distinction as Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. By his sustained hard work and thorough study, he kept himself fully conversant with all problems faced by various establishments under the Command and vigorously persued action on each point raised by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. His exemplary staff work, clarity of thought and expression were of immense help to all concerned.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma displayed exceptional initiative, great organizing ability and single minded devotion to duty. He worked for long hours and successfully coordinated all staff work among Operational, Maintenance and Administrative Cells. He was instrumental in ensuring that orders and instructions of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief reached all levels in the shortest possible time and were executed properly. He confidently dealt with all routine work within the frame-work of broad directives of the Air Officer Commandingin-Chief in devoting his full attention to the Air Operations in the Eastern Sector.

For high professional ability, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.