Flight Lieutenant Perminder Singh Chahil (7059) Technical/Engineering was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1963. He was, subsequently, trained in the specialist task of maintenance of helicopters. At present he is serving at a helicopter unit as its Engineering Officer. During his tenure with the Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Chahil has displayed exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and leadership, and, by his personal example, inspired his men to give their best under most adverse conditions.

On one occasion, a detachment of two helicopter aircraft had to be based at a forward landing ground to carry out search operations for two missing aircraft. For successful operations, it was imperative to maintain a very high state of serviceability. The difficult terrain also necessitated that the two search aircraft operate in a pair. Flight Lieutenant Chahil volunteered to go on this detachment and through his zeal, determination and professional ability, he managed to keep both helicopters serviceable in spite of the limitations of manpower, spares and ground equipment.

On another occasion, one of the unit aircraft had force-landed at a forward landing ground necessitating an engine change. It was the month of January, which is the coldest month in the region and is associated with spells of heavy snow-fall and blizzards. Realising fully the difficulties and personal discomforts to which any servicing party would be exposed at the high altitude in subzero temperature, Flight Lieutenant Chahil volunteered for this task. By his dedicated work and personal example, Flight Lieutenant Chahil succeeded in repairing the helicopter within a short period of time.