Wing Commander Minoo Merwan Engineer was commissioned as General Duties (Pilot) in the Royal Indian Air Force on 1 August 1940. He was an experienced pilot flying Hurricane fighters in World War II for which he was awarded the DFC in 1945.

During Jammu & Kashmir Operations 1947-48, Wing Commander Engineer actively participated in air activity in Kashmir for nearly a year. Under his able guidance the enemy was hit hard on a number of occasions at Kishanganga Bridge, Skardu and Gilgit. During the capture of Gurais the Air Force extended very effective support to the land forces. This was largely due to the drive and initiative shown by Wing Commander Engineer in planning and directing the air operations.

Wing Commander Engineer was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for exceptional gallantry and leadership.

Wing Commander Hrushikesh Moolgavkar commanded No.1 Operational Wing of the IAF in Kashmir from September 1948 to May 1949. Inspite of having to plan out as well as conduct operations from both Jammu and Srinagar, this officer made time to take the air whenver the more difficult and dangerous commitments had to be carried out.

In these tasks, he showed great leadership, by his selfless devotion to duty and fearless readiness for offensive action against the enemy. This leaer inspried great confidence in his Squadron commanders and pilots.

The air attack on the well defended Domel Bridge and the Uri and Saadabad sectors was led and directed by Wing Commander Moolgavkar personally. When the defences around Uri presented severe obstacles in the way of operational flight on that area, he evolved a plan and attacked the Uri guns in conjuction with one of his Squadron Commanders. This attack not only exposed them to the fire of the anti-aircraft guns but also brought him within the dangerous probability of their aircraft entering the 'Compressibility Zones' with a risky load of bombs at high altitudes.

The final link-ups with Poonch, Kargil and Leh were established during the period he was in command of No.1 Operational Wing. The effective support that the IAF was able to render the Army during these operations was in no small measure due to his determination, initiative and drive in planning and coordinating the offensive to success.

Group Captain Shiv Kumar Bhan was commissioned in the IAF in the fighter stream on 19 December 1970 and has over 2750 hrs of flying to his credit. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and has successfully undergone Higher Air Command Course. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, has been on the staff of Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and has also served as Flying Instructor in Iraq.

He was posted to Air Force Station, Srinagar as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) on 12 Apr 93. As COO, the Officer involved himself in an exemplary manner to resolve numerous problems of air operations of multiplicity of aircraft roles in demanding times in the Valley. Toshe Maidan Air to Ground Range, which had remained closed for the last five years, was re-activated within a record time. The officer brought the operational status of the Station to a high standard in a short time.

During an Air Defence exercise conducted in the valley in July 1993, the officer exercised direct control of operations at Srinagar and Awantipur. Besides being the Base Air Defence Officer for both the bases, he controlled the entire operations in a safe and realistic manner. It was only due to his vision and correct analysis of likely threats that he could bring in realism in the exercise thus enhancing the potential of all operational elements involved. Similarly, during heavy snowfall in February 1994, he worked vigorously to clear the entire runway and aircraft operating area. This resulted in resumption of commercial flights within two days and by fighters within four days. The officer was instrumental in meticulous planning, excellent coordination and precise execution of Special Heliborne Operations in connection with 'Amarnath Yatra' in August 1994 which was highly appreciated by J&K State Govt.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Shiv Kumar Bhan.

Flight Lieutenant Puran Chandra Singh Rautela volunteered for a very sensitive appointment in the midst of 1971 conflict. Through his drive and perseverance he was able to collect and produce some very vital intelligence about the enemy.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for courage and extreme devotion to duty.

Group Captain Chandalingappa Sannachandappa Havaldar (16256) Adm/ ATC was commissioned in the IAF on 13 Dec 80 and has been on the posted strength of premier fighter Station wef 19 Jul 04 as the Chief Administrative Officer. He has held key appointments like Directing Staff (Adm) in Air Force Academy and Air Force Administrative College and JD Air Staff Inspection (Adm) at Air HQ in the past.

In AF station Srinagar, the officer has made persistent efforts to improve the admin services and initiated a number of projects to improve the quality of life of personnel. His judicious utilization of Human Resources has ensured the proper monitoring of the works services and the completion of jobs such as stabilized power supply, water filtration plant, hot water plants etc. He has ensured optimum management of the Non-Public Funds to build up the infrastructures at the station.

This station had to undertake massive relief operations in Kashmir valley following two natural disasters - one of unprecedented snowfall in February 2005 and the other of a massive earthquake in October 2005. During both these relief operations the station had to manage totally undefined and new administrative challenges where the officer performed as the lynchpin of the operations. For the first time in its history the IAF adopted four earthquake affected villages at the Indo-Pak border. Once the relief operations got over the station was tasked to undertake complete rehabilitation of about 600 families in these villages amidst a situation of security threat. It was under the officer's supervision that all the measures of development of infrastructures and distribution of rations were conducted.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Chandalingappa Sannachandappa Havaldar.