Squadron Leader Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi arrived at Halwara on 7th September, 1965, for taking part in air operations against Pakistan. Within a period of 15 days, he carried out 16 operational missions of which seven were in close support of the army in the Kasur/Lahore sector.

When the enemy ran short o ammunition in the Kasur region Squadron Leader Bishnoi with a formation of four aircraft destroyed a train carrying ammunition at Raiwind Railway Station. The denial of this vital supply was a major factor in causing the enemy to withdraw its armour from this sector with heavy losses.

In this other offensive sorties he destroyed or damaged at least ten enemy tanks, armoured vehicles and gun emplacements. Although his aircraft was hit on three different occasions by the enemy ground fire, he pressed home his attacks every time.

Throughout these operations, Squadron Leader Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi displayed courage and leadership in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Chandra Krishna Kumar Menon joined a Hunter Squadron at Halwara on 7th September 1965, to take part in operations against Pakistan. By the time the cease-fire came into force he had carried out eight operational sorties of which seven were in close support of the army.

On 8th September, 1965, he was detailed to lead a four aircraft formation to engage targets in the Kasur-Lahore sector. His formation destroyed a supply train at Raiwind railway Station. The train was carrying ammunition badly needed by the enemy forces in the Kasur region. The denial of this vital supply of ammunition was a major factor in causing the withdrawal of the enemy armour with heavy losses. During the same mission, a large number of tanks and gun emplacements were also successfully engaged and destroyed or damaged. At least six enemy tanks were destroyed on this occasion.

In these sorties, Flight Lieutenant Chandra Krishna Kumar Menon displayed professional skill and utter disregard for his personal safety in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Amarjeet Singh Kullar joined a Hunter Squadron at Halwara on 7th September, 1965, during the operations against Pakistan. Within a fortnight, he carried out eight operational sorties of which seven were in close support of the army.

On 8th September, 1965, he flew in a four aircraft formation which destroyed a supply train at Raiwind railway Station. The train was carrying ammunition badly needed by the enemy forces in the Kasur region. The denial of this vital supply was a major factor in causing the withdrawal of enemy armour with very heavy losses.

During other operational sorties Flight Lieutenant Kullar destroyed or damaged at least six enemy tanks, armoured vehicles and gun emplacements. He carried out his attacks fearlessly against heavily defended enemy positions and his aircraft was hit by ground fire on three different occasions.

Throughout these operations, Flight Lieutenant Amarjeet Singh Kullar displayed courage and leadership in the best traditions of the Air Force.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Jal Maniksha Mistry was a Senior Pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On 4th December he carried out a daring counter air deep day penetration mission to Kohat and caused extensive damage to the airfield. On 5th December he was leading a formation of two aircraft on a strike mission to Sakesar Radar Station, which was very heavily defended. The aircraft flown by his Number Two became unserviceable during take off itself. Undeterred by this, he proceeded alone on this mission. After reaching the target he attacked the Radar Station in the face of heavy ground fire and succeeded in damaging and putting the radar station off the air.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jal Maniksha Mistry displayed commendable courage, determination and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Arun Laxman Deoskar was a pilot in a FighterBomber Squadron. He carried out a day counter air mission on an enemy airfield deep into enemy territory and destroyed two aircraft on ground in the face of heavy enemy ground fire. On an earlier occasion, he had made another counter air, day operational mission and had damaged enemy airfield installations. On his way back from this mission, he was engaged by a high performance enemy aircraft. Though his aircraft was damaged, he skillfully took evasive action and brought back his aircraft safely to base.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Arun Laxman Deoskar displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya was serving with Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He carried out two counter air day missions to enemy airfields and destroyed a heavy transport aircraft on the ground and also caused extensive damage to permanent airfield installation in the face of heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the Operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian was serving as a pilot with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On 4th and 5th December 1971 he flew deep day penetration operational missions to enemy airfield and successfully damaged enemy airfield on ground and other airfield installations despite heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Lieutenant Arun Prakash was on deputation to IAF. On the 4th Dec, 71, he led an IAF strike mission to an enemy airfield. In the mission he destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft on ground and returned to base. On the 5th Dec 71, he led a deep strike penetration day ops strike into enemy territory and attacked an enemy airfield, heavily defended by air and ground forces. He destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.

Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Prakash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Soon after commencement of operations against Pakistan, Flying Officer Dilip Kamalakar Parulkar volunteered for operational duties and was attached to a fighter squadron. On his first mission, where he reached the target area, he met very heavy ground fire. With complete disregard to his personal safety, he went in to attack the ground target. During this attack, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and a bullet pierced the aircraft and injured his right shoulder. He informed the leader that his right arm has been disabled and that he was dropping out of disengagement. The leader advised him to eject himself if he found difficult to fly than lose his valuable life. He flew it back to base with his left hand and landed and made a successful landing.

Flying Officer Dilip Kamalakar Parulkar showed commendable courage, skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Nirmal Chandra Suri has been commanding a fighter Squadron since August 1966. There was an operational requirement to evolve a modification for release of armament stores from the type of aircraft in his Squadron to enhance its fire power. This modification, which was a major one, was personally supervised by Wing Commander Suri. The modification has not only enhanced the fire power of the I.A.F. but also saved a large amount of foreign exchange. Wing Commander Suri has flown about 3,500 including 175 hours by night on single engine aircraft. When posted to the staff of the aircrew Examining Board for a period of 3 years, he acted as Examiner on Six different types of aircraft including Jets. During this period he flew over 600 hours for instrument rating of pilots and categorisation of the flying instructors.

Throughout, Wing Commander Nirmal Chandra Suri displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Charan Singh Dhillon was one of the senior pilots of a Fighter Bomber squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he carried out a deep day penetration mission to an enemy airfield and destroyed a P.O.L. and Ammunition Dump, despite aerial engagement and heavy ground fire.

While returning from his mission, he was engaged by an enemy aircraft in close combat and though he was extremely short of fuel, yet he successfully disengaged his aircraft. Later, when about 10 miles away from the base, his engine flamed out he successfully force landed at the base and saved the valuable aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Charan Singh Dhillon displayed courage and professional skill.

Squadron Leader Alban Anthony D'Rozario was a Flight Commander of a fighter Squadron during the operations in December, 1971. In the very early hours of 4th December, 1971, he flew in an urgently needed operational aircraft from a rear base and a few hours later led a four aircraft strike on an airfield, which was heavily defended. He pressed home his attacks and seriously damaged one enemy aircraft inside a blast pen. On 6th December, 1971, though his wingman's aircraft went unserviceable on the ground, he voluntarily proceeded on an interdiction mission, during which he destroyed two enemy diesel engines near Wazirabad, and brought back valuable information regarding enemy movements based upon which subsequent missions were planned. On the 7th December, 1971 he led a four aircraft deep penetration day strike on Kohat airfield where he set fire to a hangar and damaged other airfield installations. He thereafter, flew three close support missions in the Samba, Chhamb and Naoshera areas and inflicted heavy casualties on enemy troops and vehicles. On the 12th December, 1971 the Squadron was ordered back to a rear base but Squadron Leader D'Rozario voluntarily stayed at the forward base and led another close support mission on 13th December, 1971 in order to familiarise the relief Squadron's Flight Commander with tactics and terrain. Throughout, Squadron Leader Alban Anthony D'Rozario displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Daya Krishan Dhiman was serving as Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron. While on duty as flying supervisor in the Air Traffic Control, he was called upon to assist an aircraft Pilot who was involved in a grave situation of loss of power controls and all hydraulic services, failure of both generators with impending total loss of electric supply and loss of speed control due to throttle being stuck at 98% RPM. It was a unique and challenging situation and to avoid a serious accident, it was necessary to land the aircraft immediately. The advice tendered by Wing Cdr Dhiman to the pilot of the aircraft at that moment, which enabled the latter to accomplish safe recovery of the aircraft, is a proof of his sound professional competence. This also subsequently led to the discovery of the cause of the aircraft failure. As Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Dhiman raised by his hard work, the operational potential of the unit both on the ground and the air. Although his unit is equipped with old aircraft with enormous maintenance and operational problems, he overcame all the handicaps and enabled his unit to achieve outstanding operational training standards.

Wing Commander Daya Krishan Dhiman has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion lo duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Dilip Kamalakar Dighe is in the Command of "Thunderbolts" since Nov 82 and has ably performed the aerobatic display task in a most splendid manner.

He has very competently lead the intricate, thrilling and breathtaking formation displays on various occasions all over the country, and even abroad, in a most praiseworthy manner. His efforts and performance have been applauded and appreciated not only by the Chiefs of air Staff themselves but has won many accolades from many National and International dignitaries. Wg Cdr Dighe is an outstanding professional who combines skill with knowledge and comes out with innovative ideas. It was under his guidance and leadership that 'Thunderbolts' emitted red trails for the first time while executing 'Thunderbolts' aerobatic manoeuvres over Vijay Chowk during the 'Beating The Retreat' Ceremony in Jan 05. This remarkable feat literally added colour to the fine performance so skillfully executed. The success of the display mainly rested on his dynamic drive and flawless execution.

In addition, when the Squadron was assigned the dual roles of display as wall as operation, Wg Cdr Dighe set the ball rolling by providing the right guidance and setting right priorities. He ensured that pilots became fully Ops at the fastest pace even while training for the displays. With his foresight, calm approach and meticulous planning, he moved the Squadron to new location in a very smooth manner which was only possible with hits utmost devotion and dedication.

In recognition of his skilful flying, outstanding leadership both in the air and on ground, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr DK Dighe.

Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam (13240) F (P) is on the posted strength of "the Thundorbolts" since Sep 81. He was attached for three months before this on selection of formation aerobatic team. His effective association with Thunderbolts is from May 81. He is the pioneer member of nine aircraft team. During the Golden Jubilee year the Thundorbolts performed extremely well for which he has been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Today, Sqn Ldr Nigam is a Senior Flight Commander of the Squadron. He has a very large share in excellent performance of the Squadron all along. The formation Aerobatic Team was undergoing changes and rotation of pilots began after Golden Jubilee year. The task was heavy on the unit and he has been instrumental in training new members of this Thunderbolt team. His supervision, guidance and constant effort that has given the unit safe and eventful flying. He has always put service before self and on every field he has produced wonders. As a Unit Flight Safety Officer, he has worked hard in promoting safety and in conducting safe flying. As a Mess secretary he judged the weak areas of the Mess and put in lot of work to improve it.

During the Republic Day celebration of 1985, the "Thunderbolts" performed over Vijay Chowk. He was the Deputy leader of the formation. The performance was excellent and appreciated by one and all. This was the first time Thunderbolts had displayed with red colour. The success of detachment was mainly because of his meticulous planning and execution.

Sqn Ldr Nigam is only member who has taken part in each and every display of Thunderbolts in last 3 years and nine months. The first member to gain operational status when unit was given operational role, today he is Senior Flight Commander handling dual role of the unit successfully.

For his constant hard work, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam.

Wing Commander Biswajit Mukerjee (10885) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 04 Jan 67. He is a fighter pilot and a qualified flying instructor with approximately 3500 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

He took over the command of Thunder Bolts Squadron in Jul 85. With determined effort, within a short time, he was able to make the entire squadron fully proficient in its operational tasks in the Siachen and Leh areas and was also able to maintain a fully operational permanent detachment of Hunter aircraft at the high altitude Leh airfield for two years. In spite of the Units aircraft almost 30 years old, Squadron attained 100% serviceability of its aircraft during 1986 due to his sustained efforts.

In the formation aerobatic role, Wg Cdr Mukherjee with his inspired leadership, constant training, practice and close personal involvement, built up a composite 9 aircraft team. During the period, the team demonstrated their professionalism and competence in carrying out precision formation aerobatic flying with split second manoeuveres in a number of displays throughout the country.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, total dedication, excellent leadership and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Biswajit Mukherjee.

Wg Cdr Tejbir Singh Randhawa was commissioned in the IAF as a Flying (Pilot) on 22 Jan 72,

On 04 Jul 88, Wg Cdr Randhawa took over the Command of a fighter squadron. This was the time when most of the experienced team members were posted out. He had the dual responsibility of selection and training of new members, to form a 9 aircraft close formation aerobatics team, in a limited time frame which also included the monsoon period. Over and above this, he was also tasked to train U/T Ops Pilots from OCU. The grand finale came in Mar 89, when the 9 aircraft display at a range for Air Power Demonstration, held the spectators spell bound.

In Oct 89, the close formation aerobatics role was suspended and the Sqn was asked to change over to operational role. Wg Cdr Randhawa accepted this change willingly and improved upon the Ops status of the Sqn Pilots to a very high percentage and the rating status to 100% in a veritably short span of time. This achievement ensured the squadron's participation in Inter-Squadron Gunnery Meet 'EKLAVAYA' where the unit proved its worth by winning trophies for the individual events.

For his excellent professionalism, sustained hard work beyond the call of duty, selfless devotion to duty and qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr TS Randhawa.

On 18 Jan 91, Sqn Ldr A Ranjan was authorized to fly as a leader on a Hunter ac in a 2 ac sortie.

After 30 minutes of flying, at 16000' and 380 Kts, the pilot found his throttle non effective and RPM stuck at 7500. He assessed the situation and instructed his No. 2 to return individually.

Sqn Ldr Ranjan had a choice of carrying out a planned ejection or flaming out the engine and carrying out a dead stick landing. Despite fuel constraint, high speed and RPM stuck at a high power, Sqn Ldr Ranjan decided to bring back the aircraft. He also allowed adequate time for the ATC to recover other airborne ac. Displaying a very high degree of professional competence, he skillfully manoeuvred the aircraft so as to be able to make an approach with speed higher than permissible speed. He switched off the engine using LP cock when he was still on approach. Thereafter, using excess speed to reach the runway, he carried out a planned dead stick landing. The touchdown was well controlled albeit at a higher speed. By judicious use of brakes and tail parachute the aircraft was brought to a halt at the end of runway with no damage. On subsequent examination the throttle linkage to the engine was found disconnected.

The sound assessment of a very critical situation and subsequent safe and undamaged recovery of a valuable aircraft was undoubtedly an example of total professional approach, display of exceptional flying skill and sound airmanship with scan regard for personal safety, on the part of Sqn Ldr Ranjan.

For his courage, sound assessment of critical situation, flying skill and professional approach, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr A Ranjan.

Wg Cdr KG Bewoor was commissioned on 09 Feb 74. He took over the command of a Hunter Squadron on Oct 91 at a critical juncture, when the previous Commanding Officer was seriously injured in an aircraft accident and hospitalized. The tasks at hand included revitalizing the squadron which was without its Commanding Officer for three months, preparation for a colour presentation by the President of India and the Hunter Operations Flying training which was behind schedule.

Wg Cdr Bewoor got down to the tasks at hand systematically worked to ensure that the training of 147 Pilots course finished on schedule. He set a very high standard for the colour presentation ceremony. By personal example and leadership, he motivated the officers and men in revitalizing the squadron and brought up the morale to the highest level.

During his command, the squadron was rated very high by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team. The squadron flew a total of 7230 sorties without any accident. The squadron was awarded the Best Fighter Squadron trophy in Eastern Air Command for the year 1992-93.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr KG Bewoor.

Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Bali has been in command of the only Hunter Squadron (Sqn) since 31 May 93. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of Defence Service Staff College. The officer has over 2600 hours of accident free flying to his credit. Wg Cdr Bali has been responsible for operational conversion and training of newly commissioned officers on Hunter aircraft prior to their posting to front line fighter Sqns. During financial year 1994-95, the Sqn under his command flew 4976 sorties without any accident/incident, averaging 414 sorties per month. In Oct 94, the Sqn reached its zenith when it flew 615 sorties, which was the highest effort achieved by the Hunter fleet in the previous five years. The squadron successfully completed three operational Training courses, all well ahead of schedule. The aging Hunter fleet faced serious constrains involving constant maintenance, lack of adequate spares and poor product support. Wg Cdr Bali ensured an exceptionally high average serviceability state of 75.2% during FY 1994-95. In Oct 94, the Sqn achieved 100% serviceability on four consecutive days.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vijaya Kumar Bali.

Wing Commander Ajay Rathore (18258) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a Fighter pilot on 07 Jun 86. He has close to 4000 hrs of flying to his credit and is qualified on the Su-30 MKI, Su30K, MiG-27ML and MiG-23BN aircraft. A recipient of the Scudder Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit in the 55th Defence Services Staff Course, the officer is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff for his dedication to duty.

The officer has ensured smooth induction and operationalisation of the latest variant of Su-30MKI aircraft into the IAF and has contributed immensely to the enhancement of work culture in his Squadron. It is due to his sheer hard work and thorough professional approach that the squadron has consistently performed well in all spheres of activity. Notwithstanding the attendant pressures of new inductions, he has flown nearly 550 hrs in the last year and half. He has shown immense courage, exceptional skill and determination to successfully undertake pioneering missions on the Su-30MKI aircraft, such as the search and successful location of the crashed naval Kamov helicopter (19-24 Aug 05), using the onboard sensors of the Su-30MKI, which led to the recovery of a survivor.

The Su-30MKI is being hailed as a 'first of its kind' project in which the best of Russian and western technologies have been synergised to produce one of the most potent fighter aircraft in the world. Utilising his exceptional knowledge of the integration aspects of the Su30MKI aircraft and analytical approach, Wing Commander Ajay Rathore has successfully spearheaded the indigenisation of the SAPFIR Mission Planning and Debrief System hardware of the aircraft, resulting in significant cost saving to the Indian Air Force (original Russian system costs US $70,000/- vis-à-vis the proposed indigenised system cost of Rs. 3.5 lakhs). Additionally, using his unparalleled knowledge of Su-30MKI operations and systems, he has also been instrumental in the development of a desktop computer based Cockpit Procedure Trainer for the Su-30MKI aircraft, further development of which has now been handed over to Software Development Institute, IAF. The officer has also been actively involved in the User Evaluation Trials of the Su-30MKI aircraft, and through his analytical ability and foresight, has been able to resolve a number of development related issues pertaining to the aircraft.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Ajay Rathore.

Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta was commissioned in June 1978. Though young, he has made name for himself as a competent and dedicated Engineering Officer. Flying Officer Dasgupta was specially selected to provide Engineering support to the Air Force Aerobatic Team 'Thunder Bolts' and he amply proved himself worthy of the faith shown in him.

He has organised the technical activity of the Squadron personnel very efficiently, resulting in enhanced Squadron output. He possesses the natural quality of leadership; leading by example, where men follow him cheerfully through long hours of hard work for best possible results. Notwithstanding the perennial problems associated with the ageing aircraft and limited availability of spares, he has achieved an increase in aircraft and equipment serviceability and sustained it. During the recently concluded twelve aircraft detachment he showed exemplary farsightedness in organising first line and second line servicing while on the move. Never was any aircraft left behind at any place, though the unit gave displays over fifteen different towns all over the country, during a period of two and half months. He worked round the clock on various occasions. On one such occasion he had an engine change done overnight thus enabling ferry out of all twelve aircraft together. He achieved those outputs with selfless devotion, personal involvement and long hours and hard work beyond the call of duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. In recognition of these accomplishments at such a young age and service, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta.

Wing Commander Nirmal Singh Jamwal VM (17156) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 28 May 1983 in the Flying branch of the IAF. In 21 years of distinguished service, he has held several key appointments, which include Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron, the first Su-30 MKI unit. He has been awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1999 for his distinguished service. Presently, he is Commanding Officer of a Su-30 MKI unit since 20 May 2002.

As a team leader for Su-30 MKI theoretical training in Russia, Wg Cdr Jamwal ensured effective training by close liaison with AA at Embassy of India, Moscow and Comdt of Trg Academy, whenever there were lacunae. As a result, additional training team was sent later by Russians to India to cover the shortfalls.

He identified the key qualities of the Su-30 MKI and recommended improvements for implementation on subsequent phases of the aircraft which have resulted in key modifications in Phase-2 aircraft and many more will be implemented in Phase-3 aircraft. He identified the problem of windshield and canopy distortion on Su-30 MKI and as a result, the Russians have been forced to change some existing windshield and canopies as well as exercise better quality control in future. His overall contribution towards improvements to the final aircraft version and operational use of the aircraft is noteworthy.

As designated 'Display Pilot', Wg Cdr Jamwal exploited the super-manoeuvre capability of the Su-30 MKI Aircraft and carried out aerobatic displays at various air shows. He formulated type SOPs for Air to Air Refueling (AAR) and the Squadron achieved AAR operational status in short time validating he entire AAR envelope. Under his command the Squadron partici pated in various exercises including Gauntlet 2003 and 2004, the first operational exercise of the Squadron, putting up professional displays in spite of constraints of manpower and tech personnel.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Nirmal Singh Jamwal VM.