Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal was posted to Air Headquarters on 27 Jun 77 as a Deputy Director. He was responsible for the maintenance of Kiran (HJT-16), HT-2, Krishak and Devon aircraft fleets, for both technical and logistics activities. Kiran aircraft is an indigenous aircraft which has several problems associated with a newly inducted aircraft. As against this, HT-2, Krishak and Devon are vintage aircraft and have innumerable problems because of their old age. Further, due to shortage of staff, the provisioning reviews were in arrears and the serviceability of the fleet was very low.

With concerted efforts and meticulous attention to details, Wing Commander Gopal was able to overcome the shortcomings in the provisioning and supply of the maintenance and overhaul spares which directly contributed to the improvement of serviceability and reduced AOG percentages. By his personal example, he imbued enthusiasm in the officers and staff working under him and guided them in their day-to-day work. It was due to his sustained hard work in providing the product support to the BRDs, that the production at the repair agencies of all the aircraft, aeroengines and rotables showed considerable improvement. The very close and timely attention to the defects and their investigation paid by him made a significant contribution to flight safety in respect of these aircraft which are handled by ab initio pilots.

In the years 1977-78, the serviceability of the Iskra fleet was adversely affected. As a result a lot of extra load of pilot training was put on the Kiran aircraft. It was only because of Wing Commander Gopal's devotion to duty much beyond the normal requirements, that it was possible to meet the extra commitment, without any break in training. With his industry and hard work for long hours, unmindful of personal considerations, in spite of continued shortage of staff, he was able to bring up the maintenance preparedness of the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, to a highly commendable level,

For his keenness, devotion to duty and sense of responsibility, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal.

Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Rana was the Officer Commanding of a Forward Base Support Unit from Jun 77 to Apr 79. During this period he did outstanding work. The forward location of his Base and its operational importance called for a high degree of operational preparedness at all times. Despite many difficulties including acute shortage of manpower, and many extra duties and responsibilities, he ensured that all administrative and operational tasks were carried out. Wing Commander Rana was given the added responsibility of providing administrative services to five subsidiary lodger units which he did, most efficiently, without any additional manpower or other facilities. Simultaneously he ensured that operational standards were maintained at a high level at all times.

During his tenure at the base, Wing Commander Rana activated his unit and supervised the operational, flying and training of fighter aircraft most efficiently and without a single flying accident or incident. He also supervised and activated the base very successfully for two major exercises during the period.

The Officer served in a fighter squadron during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1965. In 1971 he flew a large number of photo reconnaissance sorties over the enemy territory of West Pakistan while serving with a Sukhoi Squadron. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his meritorious work. He has flown approximately 2500 hours on various types of single engine aircraft. He is a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.

Wing Commander Rana's personal example, qualities of leadership, cheerfulness under stress and exceptional sense of responsibility and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to the personnel working with and under him. His rapport with the Army during his tenure at the Base has been exceptionally good.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth and maintenance of high operational and administrative standards in the Air Force, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Rana.

Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 1st June, 1958. He has the singular distinction of having served simultaneously as OC (Unit) and Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C, both at HQ CAC and HQ WAC.

In his early career at training units at Jalahalli and Tambaram, he made invaluable contributions towards the general administration and training activities of the IAF as for instance:- a. At Medical Centre, Jalahalli, he revised the entire training syllabus which had farreaching and long-lasting impact on the quality of out put of airmen. b. As Commander of the Basic Squadron at Tambaram, he introduced a system of screening, training and battle inoculation including range firing for ab initio recruits which improved the standards of physical fitness and fighting capability of the airmen. c. As Sports Officer, he was not only responsible for managing and training of Air Force teams at Tambaram, but also had the distinction of winning for the Air Force all the four events in the Inter-Services Championship.

Consequent to the decision to shift HQ CAC from Calcutta to Allahabad, he, as OC Unit and the Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C had the dual responsibility of ensuring a quick and smooth move. He achieved that with distinction without any untoward incident, loss or damage and activated the HQ at Allahabad well before the scheduled date. Shifting of the WAC HQ from its old location at Palam for its new building in Subroto Park complex was achieved in a similar manner. This became feasible by his involvement, meticulous planning and systematic execution. This move entailed the bifurcation of the Airmen's and SNCOs messes between Air Force Palam and HQ, WAC and activation of the same in the new complex. This was accomplished in record time with no disruption of essential services. Likewise, the Non-Public Funds of HQ WAC had to be separated from those of Palam and started afresh. This was achieved by him through persuasiveness, tact and careful planning. Within a short span of one year, he raised the Non-Public Funds from a meagre Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- by his judicious schemes. Besides his normal duty, he was called upon to plan and scrutinise Air Force projects to be progressed by various R&D Establishments. He executed this task with remarkable maturity and confidence which won him appreciation from all concerned. During the development of "RATO" by ISRO, Wing Commander Mangal was entrusted with the task of monitoring its progress and organising the entire administrative arrangements including its trial at Bareilly. This challenging task which was highly technical and sophisticated in nature was accomplished by him with his quick uptake, clear thinking and deep insight. Wing Commander Mangal had the distinction of being the only Admin Officer to have been ever associated with the development of an intricate technical project.

While at Western Air Command within one and a half year he had the distinction of bringing down from over 300 cash and 500 stores objections to a nil state. This was achieved through his consistent efforts, tenacity of purpose and close liaison with the audit staff.

Wing Commander Mangal proved his mettle again as Staff Officer to the Vice Chief of the Air Staff from 1969 till early 1973.

As Officer I/C Administration at AF Station, Tezpur he was responsible for the execution of works services amounting to Rs. 74 lakhs in one year involving relaying of the complete taxi tracks within a record period of 6 months and installation of the GCA set-up within a record period of 4 months. With his flair for constructive planning and ingenuity he mobilised the unexploited potential of the Station which resulted in the growth of the Non-Public Funds by Rupees sixty-four thousand in one year. He was also instrumental in clearing within one year as many as 300 odd audit objections which had accumulated over the years.

Wing Commander Mangal served as DDPS at Air HQ from July 76 onwards. Directorate of Personal Services is the only Directorate having no Joint Director and only one Deputy Director. He handled multitude of subjects to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Some of his notable achievements were:- a. Clearance of seven disciplinary cases which were pending for the past 5 to 8 years within a period of 6 months. b. Obtaining government sanction which increased the Amenity Grant for AF personnel by Rs. 1.45 lakh per year. c. Securing Government sanction for regularising the expenditure incurred on the modification/stitching of jackets for JWOs. On creation of the new rank of JWO in the IAF, the Government had agreed to the new pattern of jacket for the JWOs but no specific sanction was accorded for modification/ stitching of the jackets. The expenditure already incurred by AF units in this regard amounted to over Rupees Thirty five lakhs and had become a subject of controversy. Through his initiative and liaison with the officials of the Min of Def and Finance he was able to secure Govt sanction not only to cover the expenditure already incurred but also for future expenditure. d. Introduction of new welfare measures by AFWWA. As Hony Secy of AFWWA, he introduced new schemes which provided considerable benefits to the families of serving, retired and deceased AF personnel. A review of the scholarship scheme increased the number of beneficiaries from 23 to 176. The new scheme of vocational training to widows and dependents became very popular. Through his efforts he secured employment for 23 AF families.

With his systematic analysis and pragmatic approach, he induced a sense of purpose amongst all his colleagues and subordinates in all assignments. For this, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal.

Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal was commissioned in 1958. During 21 years of service, he has carried out his various assignments with credit and has never been found wanting in any of the diverse duties allotted to him. Besides being a medical officer, he is a qualified pilot, paratrooper and mountaineer. He was trained in UK and West Germany in Aircrew Survival and was the pioneer Officer Commanding of Jungle and Snow Survival School. He has been SMO at a number of flying stations where he was deeply involved with aircrew care and flight safety. He has commanded various type of units like TMPF, AMU and No. 11 Air Force Hospital. He has also held the staff appointment of DDMS at Air Headquarters.

He is one of that rare breed of officers who shine and stand out given any responsibility. He is so remarkably versatile that he will make a success of any job given to him. His dedication to service and total involvement with the task in hand is an example for others to emulate. He has always carried out his duties with unparalleled zeal and enthusiasm in a missionary spirit and acquitted himself creditably. Air Force can truly be proud of the service rendered by him.

He assumed command of No. 7 Air Force Hospital in Jul 78, and dedicated himself to his task with perseverance. The hospital has undergone a total facelift under his dynamic leadership. It has become a symbol of institutional efficiency in spite of a low level of authorised establishment. Patient care and hospital management have assumed new dimensions. New facilities have been created and existing ones reorganised for better patient comfort at every step. These include reorganisation of Red Cross Centre, Laboratory facilities in OPDs, proper dining areas for patients, playpen for children, comfortable waiting areas, creation of CSSD, pack store for patients, installation of a PCO, reduction in waiting time and so on. Creation of an Airmen Welfare Centre and AFWWA (L) Centre with all conceivable amenities have opened new vistas of welfare for personnel and families. Better inventory control and accounting has led to a sizeable saving in the expenditure on medical stores, Training of medical and paramedical staff has been implemented with gusto for achieving high professional standards.

All this has been possible because of his initiative, organising ability, resourcefulness and unstinted hard work. He has knitted the entire hospital organisation into one cohesive force aimed at still better patient care. His personal example has been a source of inspiration to all and has generated a new enthusiasm at all levels. Under his command the high standard of administration and efficient professional attention has raised the prestige of the Hospital sky high in the eyes of one and all. By his untiring zest and personal attention to details, he has been instrumental in making No. 7 Air Force hospital a 'show window" of the Air Force. His honesty of purpose and sense of involvement with total disregard for personal comfort and convenience deserve a special mention.

For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal.

Wing Commander Muhamed Abdul Rehman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 May 59. Presently he is commanding a Guided Weapon Squadron in a remote area of Northern Sector. He brought the Squadron to a very high state of operational preparedness, having planned and executed the training of the combat team in a systematic manner. Under his able command and guidance the technical equipment was brought to a record state of serviceability. He has carried out the tasks assigned to him with great zeal and enthusiasm and at the same time his high qualities of leadership have been a source of inspiration to the officers and men placed under his command. He keeps himself abreast of the latest rules and regulations and has always been a source of guidance to his subordinates.

Due to his personal involvement in the welfare activities of the Squadron, the morale of the personnel is at the highest level. Further, due to his untiring efforts and personal involvement in the 'shramdan' a park has come up in the unit area, which is a great attraction and a source of entertainment for all the personnel including families of the Squadron personnel in a remote place.

For his leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty, in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Muhamed Abdul Rehman.

Wing Commander Subash Chander Madan took over as the first Commanding Officer of No. 8 Ground Training School, Air Force in November, 1976. He was assigned a challenging job of forming a Ground Training School for Pechora complex. With only a short period of two months ahead for the com mencement of the full fledged course comprising 50 officers and 452 airmen to be trained on the newly acquired sophisticated SAGW system, this officer took up the challenge and embarked on the completion of the colossal task of setting up the class rooms, a large 'secret' library, training aids of large dimensions, deployment of combat equipment in a far flung area, accommodation for specialist vehicles and above all meticulous drawing up of detailed syllabi on the vast and varied subjects embracing various faculties.

This tremendous task involved detailed planning and prompt execution at all levels. Wing Commander Madan's impeccable professional knowledge, profound capacity for organisation and qualities of leadership with characteristic vigour, zeal and determination are of such high order that he successfully attained the goal in a superb manner working almost round the clock, thus paving the way for the commencement of the course as programmed.

Inspired by his personal example, enthusiasm and devotion to duty, officers and men under his command cheerfully worked extra time with him. He commanded the respect and absolute loyalty and confidence of those placed under him, while being trusted and commended by his superiors. So far, three special GW courses have successfully passed out comprising 117 officers and 1000 airmen of different groups, with brilliant academic and professional acumen. Besides, three short term courses for Senior Commanders have also been conducted under his able guidance. As a part of training, Wing Commander Madan executed several mobility exercises of the entire convoy of the complex without any mishap.

Within a short span of its inception, No. 8 Ground Training School, Air Force has found a place for itself among the foremost training institutions in the IAF. The significance, reputation and achievements of this institution have attained recognition under Wing Com mander Madan's stewardship. It is looked upon with faith as a result oriented organisa tion for consultancy service in so far as the Surface to Air Guided Weapon of the Air De fence Ground Environment System is concerned. Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subash Chander Madan for his distinguished and exemplary service of a high order

Squadron Leader Uma Shankar Mishra has been on the posted strength of No. 17 Wing since 06 Dec 76 as Chief Engineering Officer.

Squadron Leader Mishra is an extremely devoted and dedicated officer with a professional ability of very high order. During his tenure as C Eng O at No. 17 Wing, he consistently and effectively used his initiative to bring out some very creditable improve ments in the functioning of the technical services and facilities located there.

It was mainly owing to his untiring efforts that the serviceability of the Canberra fleet improved from 28% in 1976 to 39% in 1978 and that of the Dakota fleet from 52% in 1976 to 56% in 1978. This was achieved by his personal intervention in the clearing of AOGs, effective snag analysis and rectification work and streamlining in the technical procedures and practices. It is indeed praiseworthy that during this period no accidents/incidents were caused by technical or maintenance lapses. Squadron Leader Mishra was the guiding and driving force in achieving this high rate of serviceability.

Over and above these major achievements. Squadron Leader Mishra's devoted and painstaking efforts ensured MT serviceability of over 90% and putting back on road several vehicles such as the Coles Crane, Class III Crash Tenders and several tractors and aeroplane tugs which had been off road for long periods of time. With his highly developed technical bent of mind he was also responsible for several innovations at the station level like the adoption of S-24 rockets for Canberras, the fitment of a Liberator bomb bay tank for long range ferries on Dakotas and the fabrication of a device for detecting faults in underground cables.

For his exemplary leadership, dedication to duty, admirable capacity of management and professional competence, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Uma Shankar Mishra.

Squadron Leader Puthumana Devidasan Menon was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) branch in 1964. On completion of training he was awarded the CAS's medal for being first in order of merit. Within a few months after commissioning he was selected to undergo a course on Guided Weapons, on completion of which he served for nearly four years in a DVINA Squadron and thereafter for another four years in a DVINA Wing. During this period by virtue of his professional skill and hard work he contributed to a great extent towards enhancing the operational status of the weapon system.

In 1974 Squadron Leader Menon assumed command of a type 3101 Radar Squadron located in the western sector. During the three year period that followed, he upgraded the operational preparedness of the unit by consistent and intensive training of all personnel placed under him. In 1977, he was posted to the Rajasthan sector to take over command of another type 3101 Squadron. As CO and Senior Technical Officer of the Squadron, Squadron Leader Menon displayed outstanding qualities of professionalism and man-management. In recognition of this exe mplary work towards improving the servicea bility of equipment and the professional ability of personnel, he was commended by the AOC-in-C, No. 1 Operational Group in 1978.

In addition to his normal duties, during the past two years. Squadron Leader Menon has undertaken extensive practical studies/ trials, with a view to enhancing the operational capability of the radar equipment. These included studies on improving low level coverage by means of reverse mode operation and altering proportion of power-feed to aerials. Besides improving the technical status of his own unit, the officer provided valuable assistance in fault analysis and rectification at other squadrons in the Group equipped with similar radar.

For his outstanding initiative, and drive and distinguished services, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Puthumana Devidasan Menon.

Master Warrant Officer Tom David was on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Palam since 28 May 74. Ever since, he has been employed as the Station Warrant Officer.

Master Warrant Officer David has completed over 36 years of meritorious and dedicated service. In recognition of his outstanding performance and devotion to duty, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff twice and also by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. Even when left with only a few months of service, he continued to be an embodiment of efficiency in his field of activities.

He has displayed a very high degree of professional competence, loyalty and total devotion to duty. He has the capacity to work for long hours willingly and efficiently. He has proved himself to be a very useful member of the team. Without him, the Station could not have possibly accomplished all the tasks assigned to it.

He understands the needs of his men and is ever prepared to meet their legitimate demands. With his excellent man-management, he formed a close knit team of class 'D' employees of the station. He is firm and yet considerate. In fact, he has set a fine example of an airman for others to emulate.

For the past three years. Master Warrant Officer David has played an important role in the success of "Air Force Day Parades" held at Palam and in particular, the Air Force Day Parade held in October 1978. Master Warrant Officer David was entrusted with the exacting task of preparation of the parade ground, seating arrangements and giving a facelift to the whole area. The results and the standard achieved were a testimony to his organising ability.

For the "Fire Power Demonstration" organised at Tilpat in Feb 78, Master Warrant Officer David was responsible for making varied administrative arrangements. As such much of the credit for the show goes to him.

Besides his normal call of duty, he has also taken very keen interest in all the station activities. He has been responsible for organising various cultural and sports activities. Master Warrant Officer David has also been responsible for creating the 'Beat Band' comprising talented airmen of the Station. The contributions made by him to the Service have been very substantial and invaluable.

For his professional competence, organising ability and total dedication to Service, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Tom David.

Master Warrant Officer Madan Singh Rawat has been on the posted strength of a unit since 31 Mar 71. During his tenure he has been employed both in DSS and R & SS. During the last 17 years he has been serving in operational units and has been one of the outstanding supervisors in the field. With keenness and uncommon zeal he carried out the most arduous and responsible supervisory duties. His will and capacity for work have been a source of Inspiration to others. He has been instrumental in maintaining a high standard of professionalism among other SNCOs and men by his strict supervision and eye for detail. His organisational capacity is best seen when taking out a Detachment where he personally formulates the plan to the minutest details and executes it surmounting all the problems with a smile on his countenance.

For a period of three years before his tenure in the unit he was employed as the SNCO i/c R&SS at No .8 Wing. His supervision was second to none. The smooth and efficient manner in which he has been functioning in his present job as MWO i/c Type 96 R&SS speaks volumes of his ability as a supervisor and his professional knowledge.

Last but not the least he is a keen sportsman and even with a 12 hour working schedule he finds time to play a game of hockey. During his service career he represented the Services in Hockey for two years and the Air Force for seven years.

For his selfless dedication to work, total involvement and ability to inspire those under him, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Madan Singh Rawat.

208592 Warrant Officer Puthenpurayl Cheriyan Mathew Weapon/Fitter as the Squadron Warrant Officer has shown exemplary initiative, interest and proficiency in maintaining a high standard of serviceability in airborne and ground armament equipment. In addition he has been mainly responsible in ensuring a high standard of trade proficiency among his subordinates. He has made positive efforts and trained his men to achieve greater speed in armament turn around combined with safety and has been largely responsible to produce an armament accident free record in the Squadron.

The Unit was given the responsibility of doing 1000 lb bombing for the Air Force Fire Power Demonstration in the year 1978. In the pursuance of this task Warrant Officer Mathew successfully carried out Herculean task of loading not less than 480 1000 lb bombs in a short period of two range activities to enable adequate training of the aircrew. These 480 bombs were loaded in a short span of only two months of flying and at the operational location under dispersed condition. Even in the most congenial environment the task of safely loading 480 bombs without a single mishap is a record to be envied.

He has also been employed as Warrant Officer incharge of DSS and in this dual capacity he has displayed high degree of leadership and managerial capability. His loyalty and integrity are of a very high order. For his loyalty, devotion to duty and high sense of professionalism, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Warrant Officer Puthenpurayl Cheriyan Mathew.