Squadron Leader Kenneth Oswell John, who was on the posted strength of an Air Force Squadron from February, 1976, to November, 1978, was employed on operational flying duties in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland areas. He was a keen flier and undertook arduous flying commitments at odd hours even at the cost of his personal comforts. He had flown 1,060 hours during such a short tenure in the unit. This is an achievement of this competence as a Flying (Pilot). He has to his credit a total of 3917 hours of flying, out of which 1340 hours were flown in operational areas. His zeal, hard work and high sense of devotion to duty, which had attained for him an above average professional standard, had been a source of inspiration for others.

He was assigned the responsibilities of Flight Commander, Squadron Detachment Com mander and Training Officer with a view to utilising his high flying abilities and experience. As Flight Commander, he introduced systematic working in the Flight Office which increased the efficiency of the aircrew and reduced their fatigue. As detachment Commander, he ably tackled all administrative and welfare problems of his men and prompted them by his personal example, to achieve high competence in flying. As Training officer, he raised the professional status of his pilots by his able guidance and intensive training schedule which improved the overall operational status of the unit.

Besides his contribution towards raising the flying standard, Squadron Leader Oswell John was also closely associated with the extra curricular activities of his Squadron. A keen sportsman himself, he always took active part in the sports activities and, consequently, his Squadron earned good name on the Station. His strong attachment to sports is evident from the fact that the officer collapsed on the field during the annual sports events from which he could not recover.

Squadron Lender Kenneth Oswell John thus displayed high professional still, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.