Squadron Leader Satya Pal Bhasin was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 27 Jan 63. He has held many important appointments both in operational units and on staff at Headquarters Western Air Command.

He took over the command of a Signals Unit on 26 Dec 77 and with determined efforts brought operational capabilities of unit to an exemplary standards. His professionalism, outstanding leadership and personal example inspired his men to accomplish many difficult tasks which won the admiration of one and all during deployment of his unit when the equipment was put to such a high order effective use and found to be serviceable at all times and this significantly added towards accident-free flying at the base during operational flying. He continued to work with commendable energy, single minded, devotion and perseverance and improved the operational efficiency of Air Defence System, which is a record performance since the inception of the System. By active involvement, guidance and ingenuity he has also made significant contribution towards detection of low flying targets without hampering the existing role of Medium/high level detection, which has proved a great success during the year 1979 while conducting various Air Defence exercises in western sector to meet the new concept of Base Air Defence Control. In both the above mentioned trials modi fications most creditable factor was the cost consciousness in keeping the expenditure to least possible.

His professional knowledge, technical skill, inspiring leadership and dedication motivated his officers and men, under his command to achieve excellent standard of operational preparedness. His valuable suggestions to enhance the operational performance of Air Defence System as a whole will go a long way. He has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.