Wing Commander Pirthi Singh was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since 7th December, 1970 as a test pilot. During this tenure, he has done 669 hours of test flying consisting of prototype and production testing. He has been actively associated with development work on the HF-24 Trainer, Kiran aircraft and larger external fuel tank tests on the Gnat aircraft. He has displayed a high degree of skill and intelligence during the conduct of this very exacting and difficult task. He has also been associated with prototype trials of Boosters for an operational type of aircraft and he successfully carried out the first flight with this device.

Throughout, Wing Commander Pirthi Singh has displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Padmanabha Ashoka was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January 1954. His services were loaned to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in August, 1968. As the Chief Test Pilot of Kanpur Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he carried out all test flying connected with the HS-748 freighter aircraft right from the clearance of prototype to the completion of freighter trials. This involved 40 sorties averaging at 35 to 40 minutes duration each besides 5 hours of initial clearance flying. Without any past flying experience in paratrooping or supply dropping missions, he carried out flying with an extremely high standard of accuracy and completed the task ahead of schedule. During the trials, he also developed flying technique for paratrooping and supply dropping which produced excellent results. He carried out the proto type testing with doors open on both sides for the first time on HS-748 aircraft. Automatic aerial delivery system required flying the aircraft at a nose up altitude for automatic ejection of loads. He carefully analysed the flying requirement and developed a flying technique which produced excellent results in supply dropping exercises.

Throughout, Wing Commander Padmanabha Ashoka displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Brijesh Dhar Jayal was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1955. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Nasik Division, from the 15th January, 1969 to the 19th April, 1972 and to Bangalore Division from the 20th April, 1972 onwards. Throughout his tenure at Nasik Division, he had exhibited great competence and quality in test flying of MiG 21 aircraft. A total of 606 sorties comprising 424.25 hours of test flying on MiG 21 aircraft were carried out by him which also includes testing of aircraft entirely manufactured in India. During his tenure at Bangalore, he has shown great skill and determination in flight testing of different types of aircraft and has carried out 465.15 hours. He has been associated with the critical phase of development testing including jettisoning of external fuel tanks from Kiran and Gnat aircraft during which he has displayed keen aptitude and high degree of skill. His meticulous planning and very good execution enabled the Sea level trials on the prototype Agricultural aircraft to be completed successfully within a very short time.

Throughout, Wing Commander Brijesh Dhar Jayal displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Dilip Shanker Jog has been in command of a Squadron operating supersonic fighter aircraft for over a year. During this period, a large number of junior pilots were successfully converted on to these aircraft. This was done without an accident and in accordance with prescribed time schedules. He supervised this conversion training and played a leading part in carrying out instructional flights. In addition, he ensured the combat readiness of the Squadron by completing operational training exercises. He has to his credit 3600 hours of accident-free, single engine flying, 800 sorties of which are on supersonic aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Dilip Shanker Jog displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Wing Commander Gurmohan Singh Dhingra has been serving with an operational squadron since January, 1968. During this period, he has displayed extraordinary interest and an exceptionally high sense of duty in the conversion of pilots. He has never spared himself the effort of bringing up the standard of all pilots both in the air and on ground. His keen and continued enthusiasm and exemplary sense of duty have contributed greatly in bringing up the operational status of the squadron. He has a total of 8665 hours of flying to his credit, of which 2800 hours are on instructional flying and 2250 hours on operational flying. He has an accident free flying career.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gurmohan Singh Dhingra displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Shreekant Harishchandra Pednekar has been serving as the Flight Commander of Training Flight at Paratroopers Training School since April, 1970. He has a total of 7525 flying hours, which include 2750 hours of instructional flying to his credit. He was entrusted with the task of Operational Training of Pilots of certain Squadrons and tactical drops for some Army Battalions. He undertook the task of training with great zeal and enthusiasm and completed it ahead of schedule. During this period, he had to fly by day and night without any proper rest. He has greatly improved the standard of training of new pilots and set an example worthy of emulation by his colleagues and juniors alike.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shreekant Harishchandra Pednekar displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Dushyant Singh was posted to an operational unit on 1st May, 1972. On the 27th June, 1972, he was appointed Project Co-ordinator of Exercise Storm Exchange, which involved carrying out weather reconnaissance in Indian SubContinent in the Royal Air Force Canberra PR 719 on loan to India. In record time he organised personnel attached from various units into a homogenous team and carried out independent operations from a number of airfields without a set pattern of spare parts backing. In this unknown field of weather research he was able to successfully complete all the assigned sorties in collaboration with civilian Scientists, against unpredictable weather conditions, unserviceabiliy of the aircraft involving one engine change and one inspection and he achieved a task output of 165 hours on a single aircraft in less than three months. He has flown over 2891 accident free hours on Canberra aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dushyant Singh displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh served as a Flight Commander in an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector in 1961-62. During this tenure, he displayed outstanding flying ability, a sound grasp of administrative matters and exceptional devotion to duty. Thereafter, he has not only maintained the high standards but has also improved flying and administrative talents. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and had done excellent work both in our own training institution and also during his deputation to a foreign Air Force. He has a Flying record of over 3300 hours of accident-free flying. In addition, he has achieved outstanding results in an operational capacity having carried out operational flying during the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, for which he has been awarded Vir Chakra. He successfully graduated from the Defence Services Staff College. During his stay in the Career Planning Cell at Air Headquarters, he has worked incessantly at the complex problems of Manpower Planning with the Permanent Manpower Planning Committee, both for officers and airmen. In addition, his direct contribution to the career Planning Papers/Presentation has been commendable. His personal example of diligence, devotion to duty and dedication has been an excellent example to all the stag who worked alongside him in the Personnel Directorate,

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh displayed courage professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Om Prakash Sharma is one of the pioneers of supersonic Squadrons of the Indian Air Force. He has done over 1200 accident free sorties on supersonic aircraft. He has been the Flight Commander of four supersonic fighter Squadrons and has been largely responsible in bringing them to their high operational capability in a short time after their conversion to the new type of aircraft. During his tenure as the Senior Operations Officer of a Signal Unit, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding in-Chief, Western Air Command, for his organisational capability and hard work. He has greatly helped in developing new operational tactics. During the 1971 operations, he undertook twelve operational missions, including deep penetration, night bombing of enemy airfields, escort and offensive sweep missions. During his present tenure as the flight commander of a newly converted supersonic squadron, he has succeeded in training young pilots to 'Fully Operational' status at the same time fulfilling all tasks allotted to the Squadron. His professional ability in combat flying has been a source of inspiration to all air and ground crew who have served under him.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Om Prakash Sharma has displayed courage, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla has been serving with the Flying Instructors' School, since, January, 1971. After graduating as a 'Flying Instructor' in 1964, he has been carrying out instructional flying in various capacities and out of his accident­free total of 4636 hours, 2533 hours have been instructional flying. He has taken a keen interest in all the activities of the unit. He officiated as a Flight Commander and utilized his training experience effectively and with diligence, systematic approach and planning completed the courses well in time. He has carried out extensive flying and devised new techniques of flying training.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Anand qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor in July, 1959. In imparting parachute jump training, he has been a source of determination, inspiration and courage to his pupils. He has completed over 375 parachute descents. In accumulating data for parachute descents at altitudes from 10 to 15,000 ft, he has played a pioneering role. He has not only shown great courage in initiating the first ever jumps at such altitudes but was also instrumental in collecting and compiling data which has proved of immense value in evaluating the various types of parachutes for use at these unexplored altitudes. In undertaking these trials and in obtaining useful data, he has exposed himself to hazardous circumstances disregarding his personal safety. In May, 1968, on his own initiative, he carried out free fall descents for the first time in the country. In December 1971, he carried out free fall descents for the first time from AN-12 aircraft, thus inspiring his subordinates to undertake sky diving. His pioneering spirit and capacity for innovation is largely responsible for the testing and final acceptance of a new type of parachute with indigenous modifications which has res ulted in the saving of foreign exchange. He is also responsible in proving the suitability and final acceptance of 28 feet diameter parachutes.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Anand displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Shiv Nath Rathour has been serving with the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron since February, 1968. He worked as the Navigation Leader of the unit for two years. He holds the highest transport category both on HS-748 and TU-124 aircraft. He has a total of 6035 flying hours to his credit, of which 1915 hours were flown while on the strength of this unit in conveying VIPs. Prior to his posting to this unit, he worked as a local examiner on AN-12 aircraft and did over 1500 hours of operational flying including night dropping sorties in operational area. He has been taking very keen and active part in sports and other extra­curricular activities of the Station and has worked tirelessly for the welfare of the personnel.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shiv Nath Rathour displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda has been serving with Flying Instructors' School since January, 1971. He has been on instructional flying since January, 1967 and out of a total of 4975 accident-free flying hours to his credit; he has 1740 hours of instructional flying. Most of his instructional flying has been in the basic stage on the HT-2 aircraft. This stage of instructional flying is professionally one of the most difficult and challenging in the career of the instructor. In May 1968, while on an instructional sortie, the propeller of the HT-2 aircraft flew off. With great presence of mind and professional skill he force landed the aircraft on the airfield causing no damage to the aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force. Authority: Notification No. 85-Pres/74 dated 26th January, 1974 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 6th July, 1974.

Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde has been flying fighter aircraft continuously since 1959. He has flown 2331 hours on jet aircraft, out of which 635 hours are on a supersonic type of aircraft. On the 8th May, 1965, while he was flying a Toofani aircraft, the engine flamed out. He displayed great courage and airmanship in successfully executing a dead stick landing. He stood first in the Pilot Attack Instructors course.

He passed with an excellent grade while undergoing on a supersonic aircraft abroad. Due to his efforts, his Squadron emerged as the best in close Air Support competition held by his Command in 1972.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh has been in command of No. 1 (Delhi) Air Squadron NCC since January, 1971. He was selected as the manager/pilot of DG NCC Gliding team for the first National Gliding Championship held at Kanpur in April-May 1973. All competing pilots had to be holders of Gold 'C' Distance Leg Badge which meant performance of a cross country of 300 kilometres. Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh had no experience in glider cross country flying. He took up the challenge to fulfill this condition so that the DG NCC team could participate in the National Championship. He was provided with an Olympia glider which was made airworthy on 20th April, 1973. With barely a week in hand he set about this task in an earnest manner. His attempts at 300 kilometres cross country were unsuccessful on 20th & 21st April due to inclement weather. On the 22nd April, 1973 he was struggling from 1100 hours to gain enough height to set course for Kanpur, a distance of 390 kilometres, but weather conditions were unfavourable. Finally in a daring move he set course from a low height of only 2600 feet and at a very late hour of the day. He was down to a height of 1400 feet over Tilpat Range but managed to continue soaring with skill and determination. After covering a distance of 285 kilometres, he was forced to land short of Kanpur due to poor thermal activity and failing light. He was retrieved to Kanpur the next day by the ground party. After one more unsuccessful attempt, he finally completed a distance of 306 kilometres from Kanpur to Varanasi on the 27th April, 1973 and thus earned a Gold 'C' Distance Badge of the Federation Aironautique Internationale for himself and paved the way for the entry of the DG NCC team into the Championship.

He is the first in the NCC to earn this distinction. During the Championship he was flying an Olympia glider (1947 manufacture) with a glide ratio of 1:18 against modern high performance sailplanes with glide ratios of 1:28 to 1:36. He was competing against veteran glider pilots of the country with far more experienced than him. In spite of these handicaps, he succeeded in securing 4th position amongst 11 participants at the National level.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh thus displayed courage, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Arun Vithal Kamat was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1960. He has flown 1400 hours on operational aircraft. During the lndo-Pak Conflict of 1971, he was employed as a Flight Commander in one of the fighter squadrons operating from an advance base in the Western Sector. On the 9th December, 1971, he was detailed to lead a section of two aircraft, their target being a Pakistani airfield. This was his 4th operational mission over enemy territory. He commenced the attack in the face of heavy fire from enemy's anti-aircraft guns and light machine guns. His aircraft was badly hit. Finding that it was impossible to control the aircraft, he abandoned the aircraft. He broke both his legs on impact with the ground.

Squadron Leader Arun Vithal Kamat thus displayed courage, determination and exceptional devotion to duly in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Manohar Gopaldas Massand has been posted to a heavy transport squadron since February, 1968. Although he is not a qualified flying instructor, he has very effectively carried out the task of screening and qualifying junior pilots. He has to his credit 4310 flying hours of which 1850 hours have been flown over the difficult and hazardous mountainous terrain of Ladakh and the Eastern Sector. On the 22nd July, 1972, he was detailed to check a junior pilot for one of the dropping zones somewhere in the Ladakh Sector. During the most critical stage of the mission, when the load was actually moving out of the aircraft, one of the engines of his aircraft failed. Flight Lieutenant Massand promptly took over the control of the aircraft and with his superior professional ability and skill, confidently and correctly handled the emergency, and thus avoided a situation which could have resulted in disaster. He completed the supply drop on three engines and later made a safe emergency landing at a forward airfield. During the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, he always volunteered for difficult operational missions allotted to the Unit. He took active part, in the Battalion group drops carried out in Bangladesh on the 11th and 12th December, 1971. Apart from this, he flew a number of important missions.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manohar Gopaldas Massand displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Vishan Kumar Saxena has been performing the duties of Parachute Jump Instructor since 1965. During this period he has made nearly 700 live descents which is second highest amongst the Parachute Jump Instructors. He has also completed the highest number of night descents. He has jumped from seven types of transport aircraft and has taken part in almost all the trial jumps carried out to test new parachutes and airborne equipment. During the operations in December, 1971, he was detailed as a Detachment Commander at an Air Force base for certain forces earmarked for Airborne Operations in the Eastern Sector. With ingenuity, he carried out the task efficiently in spite of many handicaps and flew as a Despatcher in the lead aircraft.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Vishan Kumar Saxena has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On the 8th February, 1973 Flight Lieutenant Balvinder Jit Singh Sandhu was Captain of a Packet aircraft on a flight from Port Blair to Dum Dum with fifteen passengers and freight on board. At a distance of 600 nautical miles from Dum Dum, over the sea, the pilot experienced a runway propeller on the starboard engine. Though the pilot immediately took all the corrective actions, as laid down, his attempts to feather the propeller were unsuccessful. Due to the tremendous drag caused by the unfeathered propeller, the aircraft was losing height rapidly. The aircraft was at that time 175 nautical miles from Rangoon, the nearest diversion. Flight Lieutenant Sandhu immediately took stock of the situation and attempted to lighten the aircraft by jettisoning Cargo and other equipment. Despite this the aircraft continued to lose height, and he realised that he could not reach Rangoon. He therefore decided as a last resort, to land the aircraft at Bassein, which has a short unprepared runway. He executed a safe landing without any damage whatsoever to the aircraft. By remaining very cool in this grave emergency, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu was able to take prompt and correct decisions in handling the situation, which otherwise could have assumed fatal proportions. By his example and leadership, he inspired confidence in the crow and passengers.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Balvinder Jit Singh Sandhu displayed courage, determination, and professional skill in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force,

Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh has been serving with a Helicopter Unit since 29th September, 1969. Out of a total of 2375 flying hours, he has flown 1500 operational hours. In August 1967, while landing at a forward helipad in Mizoram, one of the rotor blades of his aircraft flew off, cutting the tail rotor in the process. In this accident he was injured and placed in a lower medical category. Undaunted by this accident, one year later when he became medically fit, he resumed flying with full vigour and always set a good personal example. During Indo-Pak Conflict 1971, he flew a number of operational sorties by day and night in the Western Sector, and later his unit was engaged in the Air Maintenance task for forward troops. Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh was the detachment Commander. By his personal hard work and example the detachment succeeded in airlifting maximum tonnage in the available time before bad weather set in. On the 21st February, 1973, there was an emergency message in the afternoon for the evacuation of a very serious casualty from a forward base. The timing was such that dark night flying had to he carried out to save the casualty. For this task, Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh was detailed. He successfully carried out the evacuation and saved a precious life.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh has displayed courage determination, professional skill and leadership in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Brij Mohan Malik joined a Bomber Squadron and had logged over 700 hours. His navigational skill and bombing performance has been of an exceptional standard. Although young in service, he has always volunteered to shoulder heavy responsibilities and cheerfully undertaken all types of tasks, both in flying and on the ground. During the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971 he undertook five missions which he accomplished most successfully with precision navigation and accurate bombing. He was selected to fly for project "Storm Exchange" which involved difficult and skilful flying all over India in monsoon conditions. During this tour he displayed exceptional confidence and ability in flying.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Brij Mohan Malik displayed navigational ability, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Prakash Balwantrao Jadhav has been serving with an Operational Squadron for the last seven years. So early in his career, he has amassed over 3900 hours of flying, out of which over 2600 hours have been flown on operational sorties in the Eastern and Western Sectors. He has flown 1174 dropping sorties and 106 landing sorties at advanced landing grounds. His accident free operational flying is a proud record - both in hours and number of sorties. He also took part in paratrooping in the Eastern Sector during the operations in December 1971.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Balwantrao Jadhav displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Noel Thomas Lobo has been serving with an operational Squadron since June, 1970. During the period of three years, he has flown a total of 2167 hours, out of which 1325 hours have been flown on Operational missions. He has also carried out 100 landings at advanced landing grounds. On the 13th March, 1973, he was on an air dropping mission deep inside the hills. Over the dropping Zone, while he was on his second circuit, the starboard engine of his aircraft started surging. He abandoned further drops and started climbing to clear the hills to come out safely. On reaching height of 6000 ft, the engine started emitting smoke and heavy oil leak was observed. He immediately feathered the affected engine. On opening power, the port engine also started vibrating, and the aircraft started losing height. Faced with a critical emergency, he ordered the ejection of part of the load and brought the crippled aircraft safely to base executing a single engine landing. He handled the emergency with commendable skill and his timely action saved the precious lives of crew members the aircraft from further damage and other Government property.

Flight Lieutenant Noel Thomas Lobo thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion lo duty in the best tradition of the Air Force.

Flying Officer Baldev Singh has been a Dakota pilot since June. 1967. He has a total of 2200 hours of which 1200 hours have been flown on operational sorties over hazardous terrain in the Eastern Sector. His flying has been accident free throughout and he has obtained a high operational status. On the 10th September, 1972, he was detailed to carry out an Air Maintenance sortie. While joining circuit at the Drooping Zone, he experienced severe vibration and smoke from the port engine. He decided to abort the sortie. The vibration further increased forcing him to feather the engine. Despite his best and repeated efforts the engine failed to feather and the aircraft started to lose height very rapidly bringing him below the safe height in the hills. He took correct and timely decision and ordered the load to be ejected so as to maintain minimum height for clearing the hills through the escape route, but the aircraft still did not maintain height. The live engine temperature started increasing rapidly and because the malfunctioning engine was windmilling, he restarted the engine maintaining partial power to counteract the drag of the windmilling propeller. After ejecting 57 bags of load aircraft maintained a slower rate of descent. After flying the crippled aircraft for one hour, under adverse conditions of weather he executed a safe landing at Base.

Flight Lieutenant Baldev Singh thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Pran Krishna Ghose has the unique distinction of being the first Indian Parachute Jump Instructor who was trained at Chaklala in 1946. Being the senior most Parachute Jump Instructor in the Indian Air Force, he was entrusted with the job of organising and conducting paratrooping training in India after Independence. It was due to his initiative, hard work, ingenuity and devotion to duty that the training of Army paratroopers started at Agra within a short period. As a Parachute Jump Instructor, Master Warrant Officer Ghose has carried out 430 descents. He has always volunteered for the most difficult assignments and has carried out para descents at high altitude, over sea and desert. He has created a record by jumping from eight different types of aircraft. He has always been associated with all the trials of new parachutes and airborne equipment. Though he is over fifty-one years of age he is still an active parachute Jump Instructor. His knowledge and keenness on parachuting is an example worthy of emulation both by seniors and juniors. His hard work, professional skill and devotion to duty have not only been a source of inspiration for the Parachute Jump Instructors under him but also for Army paratroopers.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Pran Krishna Ghose displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Cherukat Venu Gopal Kurup has been operating as a Flight Gunner with a transport squadron in J&K area since 1963. He has flown 3675 hours inclusive of 1280 hours of operational flying on supply dropping and transport operations. He is a keen airman whose exemplary conduct and high professional competence have been a source of inspiration to his colleagues. During the operations in December, 1971, despite a critical shortage of Gunners, Master Warrant Officer Kurup supervised the preparation of the aircraft for the bombing missions himself and then readily volunteered for operational missions.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Cherukat Venu Gopal Kurup displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Arun Kumar Choudhury was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in 1943 and since 1950 he has been an effective aircrew. He has to his credit more than 6000 hours of flying and out of which over 2000 hours are on operational flying. He is also qualified 2nd Pilot on Dakota aircraft and his services were extensively made use of during the 1962 operations. During November and December, 1962, he had flown many day and night operational missions, over the battle areas and had done 224 hours of operational flying. He had also taken part in the Goa Operations and he was a member of the crew of the aircraft that landed first at DIU (GOA). He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1964 for his exceptional devotion to duty. By his excellent organising ability, high degree of professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty, Master Warrant Officer Choudhury has carried out his task relentlessly; and it is largely due to his intelligent and dedicated work that his unit had achieved 100% categorisation amongst the Signallers.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Arun Kumar Choudhury displayed professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Warrant Officer Bidhu Bhushan Dass has been serving in a heavy transport Squadron since May, 1966. He is one of the pioneer Flight Gunners, who had volunteered for flight gunnery and has been flying as Flight Gunner for the last twenty years. He has flown 6100 hours out of which over 2000 hours were flown on Maritime Operations and 1450 hours consist of operational flying in the Western and Eastern Sectors. He has been a great asset to his asset in training newly posted flight gunners. In performing his duties as loadmaster as well as flight gunner, he has displayed a high standard of professional ability and sense of duty and has been a source of inspiration to his colleagues. During the operations against Pakistan in 1971, he voluntarily undertook to fly in operational drop sorties over the enemy territory.

Throughout, Warrant Officer Bidhu Bhushan Dass has displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Sergeant Surjit Singh qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor in 1963. He was the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to complete 500 Para descents including 100 night descents, within a short period of nine years. He further undertook live-jump trials of indigenous and indigenously modified parachutes. In December, 1968, he became the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to do free-fall parachuting in the country. In 1969, while accompanying a team to carry out high altitude descents at a Dropping Zone located at 15, 200 ft, he proved to be a great asset in completing the trials by carrying out live jumps inspite of the hazards, such as very high rate of descent, rarified atmosphere, extreme cold and hard rocky surface. Having carried out the jumps in complete disregard to his personal safety, he volunteered for the difficult and arduous task of despatching and performing the duties of Drop Zone Safety Officer.

Flight Sergeant Surjit Singh thus displayed professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Sergeant Puthiyaparambath Vijayan has been serving with an operational Squadron as a Flight Engineer since January, 1970. He has to his credit 686 flying hours. His capacity for intelligent analysis of aircraft defects is excellent. He has always evinced keen interest in flying and has discharged his duties with unflagging zeal and enthusiasm. He has faced many a grave situation in the air calmly and with confidence. Four times during his stay in the Squadron, his aircraft developed engine trouble in flight. On all these occasions his timely detection of faults and sound advice to the pilots on remedial measures helped in landing the aircraft safely.

Throughout, Sergeant Puthiyaparambath Vijayan displayed professional skill, exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On the 22nd October, 1972, an aircraft of an operational Squadron was arranged for a bombing sortie in the Western Command Armament Meet. At the takeoff point, while checking the aircraft he discovered a slight defect in the rudder control cable in the nose under carriage bay. His high degree of technical knowledge of the aircraft and its controls led him to conclude that, since there was no tension in the cable, the cable might have snapped somewhere. Immediately, he realised the gravity of the situation and took the decision not to allow the aircraft to continue with the sortie and sent it back for investigation. Subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the rudder control cable had snapped and had rendered the rudder inoperative. Since differential braking is available without this cable, the pilot would not have realised the rudder failure till the aircraft attained flying speed. The timely action taken by Corporal Sayeed Ahmad Khan prevented a possible major aircraft accident.

By this outstanding act, he has displayed exceptional professional skill and devotion to duty to the best traditions of the Air Force.