Wing Commander Shiv Lal Chopra was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force on 25 Jun 65. During his 19 years of service, the officer has held several important field and staff assignments at major Stations and Wings and at Air Headquarters, besides having commanded two independent units. His performance all through has been imbued with sincerity of purpose, professional acumen and exceptional devotion to duty.

As the Station Adjutant of an Air Force Station, the officer displayed outstanding organising ability and exceptional devotion to duty. He displayed similar acumen in security and investigative operations, while performing such duties at Calcutta, at a time when the law and order in that region was a matter of concern to all.

In his present appointment, as Staff Officer to Air Officer-in-Charge Administration, Wg Cdr Chopra has continued to display his infinite capacity for hard work, cheerful disposition and a high sense of responsibility. Air Officer-in-Charge Administration is responsible for smooth functioning of works services, organisation, legal aspects and provost matters of the whole of the Air Force. The matters pertaining to the Accounts, NonPublic Funds, Group insurance Scheme and the Air Force Naval joint venture of Air Force Naval Housing Board need specialist and at the same time tactful handling. Through his varied experience, professionalism, maturity and genial inter-personal relations, he has brought about an exceptional degree of improvement in the staff work, and rendered valuable staff advice and assistance to AOA.

For his professional competence of a high order and selfless devotion to duty throughout his service career, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Shiv Lal Chopra.