Group Captain Kuldip Singh Rana was commissioned on 19 December 1970, as a pilot in the flying branch. He has been Flight Commander (Flt Cdr) of two Canberra Squadrons (Sqns). The officer has also commanded a Canberra unit. He has 5000 hours of accident free flying.

Gp Capt KS Rana took over Command of No. 1 Delhi Air Sqn NCC on 31 August, 1992. Within a short period, using his immense motivational skills and personal example, he was able to substantially improve the administrative functions of the unit.

Gp Capt Rana was not satisfied with the quality and quantum of the gliding effort. He, therefore, completed his own glider conversion in the shortest possible time and got actively involved in the gliding training. Totally unmindful of his personal comfort and inconvenience, Gp Capt Rana plunged head long into the task of restoring the operational and administrative credibility of the unit. It is entirely due to his sustained hard work that the Sqn was able to achieve 4059 glider launches in 1992-93 and 4112 launches in 1993-94.

The officer also converted to microlight aircraft. During All India Vayu Sainik Camp (AIVSC) 93, flying from dawn to dusk, he completed air experience sorties of 500 cadets in seven days. During this period he also twice handled serious emergencies by landing the microlight ac safely after engine failure in the air. His unit was adjudged as the best Air Sqn in NCC at the Prime Minister's Rally 1995.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Kuldip Singh Rana.