Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant (8157) was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1963. During his stay of about 13 years in various operational Squadrons he has flown a total of about 2000 hours and acquired the highest Instrument Rating on Supersonic Aircraft. On the 17th June, 1976 while imparting Dual combat instruction from the rear seat of a supersonic operational trainer aircraft, he was involved in an accident in which his aircraft sustained extensive damage leading to extreme control difficulty. This was further aggravated by the shattering of the both the front and rear canopies resulting in visual difficulties. The incapacitation of the pilot in front cockpit and complete loss of radio communication made the situation more grave. The dislodging of the drogue parachute from the front seat into the rear seat, partial control of flaps, failure of total main braking system and absence of the periscope made the safe recovery of the aircraft extremely difficult. Notwithstanding the sudden shock, he acted in a cool and a professional manner and recovered the severely damaged aircraft with an incapacitated pilot safely and thus saved a valuable life.

In this action, Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant displayed exemplary courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant has been flying fighter aircraft since Jan. 64. During his service of 19 yrs he has flown 2974 hours on Vampires, Hunters, Gnats and MiG-21 aircraft. He is fully operational on all types and has been assessed as an above the average pilot on Fighters. Since 1974 he has been holding a master green rating on MiG-21aircraft and has been instrument rating examiner on various MiG variants since 1979. He has also held the post of Flight Commander in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He is a qualified Fighter Combat Leader and was selected as a flying inspector in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He was specially selected for deputation to the Nigerian Air Force in 1979. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra in January 1977 and also received commendations by the Chief of the Air Staff and AOC-in-C Western Air Command in 1979 and 1980 respectively.

He took over the Command of a MiG Squadron in January 1982, shortly after the squadron moved to a forward base. Because of operational requirements this Air Defence Squadron had the task of mounting ORP and participation in other Air Force exercises almost continuously for the past one year. This task was completed efficiently and without loss of operational training. During his tenure the conversion training and instrument rating state of his squadron showed a marked improvement.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and leadership on the ground as well as in the air, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant.