Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh was commissioned in the Air Force in November, 1963 after over 18 years of service as an airman, He has served with distinction in a number of operational and maintenance units. In 1970, he earned the commendation of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, for his work in setting up the test rigs necessary for the major repair of aircraft engines. Since February, 1970, he has been serving as the Engineering Officer of an Operational Squadron. In the Squadron, number of aero engines had been withdrawn from service due to certain defect. He investigated the matter and established that the cause of the defect was the malfunctioning of a valve. By replacing the defective valve, many engines were made serviceable and a considerable amount of foreign exchange was saved.

Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh (7845) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1968. At the time of outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, he served with a Base Repair Depot.

Prior to the posting of Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh to Depot, the facilities for overhaul of fuel pumps and other engine components were not established at the Depot. Such facilities were provided by Messrs. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This factor had been adversely affecting the engine production rate of the Depot for the last few years. Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh being widely experienced in the sophisticated techniques of overhaul of these components, was given the challenging task of setting up the required facilities. By his personal guidance and under his direct supervision these facilities were established and personnel trained in the techniques of overhaul. As a result of this, the engine production rate of Depot increased considerably.

Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh displayed professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.