Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1964. An M Tech, he is a graduate of Defence. Services Staff College, Wellington. Being an exceptional Engineer, he was specially selected for training abroad on first and second line servicing of a new aircraft. On his return he was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the technical services of an aircraft having the most modern and sophisticated equipment in the Indian Air Force. Having to start from scratch, with limited resources at his disposal, Squ adron Leader Cheema, in a short span of a few months, achieved a near impossible goal of making the technical services stream lined. His unflagging energy knew no bounds as he worked morning and afternoon to achieve his aim.

Taking a keen interest in every aspect of the technical requirements, his involvement was total as he went into the smallest detail of every problem and ensure that it was thrashed out. He had displayed tremendous enthusiasm and pride in his work which has served as a great example to his subordinates and especially to the men of the Unit. His devotion to duty and unrelenting ardour for work is infectious, enabling him to extract the maximum out of his men, and thus achieve the phenomenal results.

The inspections of second line servicing had to be suitably scheduled to cater for the working environment so as to produce the optimum results. The servicing and operation of specialist vehicles, which turned out to be a major task, was personally supervised by Squadron Leader Cheema.

For his undoubted ability and devotion to duty the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema.