Wing Commander Kukkehalli Prabakar Hegde was commissioned into the Air Force on 27 Feb 63. In the initial part of his career he successfully completed Paratroopers, Snow Survival and ATMO Courses and served as a Medical Officer in various Air Force units with distinction. He was selected for specialist training in Medicine in Jul 67. He completed the same successfully in Jul 69 and having stood first in the course was selected for appointment as Tutor in the Armed Forces Medical College. He obtained MD (Med) in 1974 from the Pune University.

He has been serving as a Medical Specialist since Jul 69. Having served with credit as a specialist at three Air Force Hospitals and the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, he was appointed Staff Surgeon to the Chief of the Air Staff in Nov 81.

He is a very dedicated specialist who carries out his professional duties with missionary zeal and total disregard for personal comfort or convenience. His professional competence combined with humility has earned him the admiration of one and all. He has set the highest standards of professionalism and doctor-patient relationship which are worthy of emulation by others. His cool composure under crisis is commendable.

In recognition of his outstanding services and devotion to duty of a high order, the President is pleased to grant Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Kukkehalli Prabakar Hegde.