During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadrons. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a dusk strike mission over an enemy airfield. In spite of poor visibility over the target, he successfully carried out the attack and destroyed one blast pen. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two in a strike mission over an enemy Signals Unit. He attacked the Radar Unit and caused such extensive damage that the Radar Station never came on the air throughout the operations. In this operation he made the supreme sacrifice.

In this action, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani displayed gallantry, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat as a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, flew several operational missions against the enemy. On the 5th December he carried out a strike in Kathua sector and destroyed a bridge. On the 7th December, while on a close support mission, he des troyed a number of enemy tanks. During one of his missions his aircraft was badly hit by enemy ground fire but he remained calm and cool and brought the aircraft back safely. On the 9th December 1971, he was number two in a two aircraft formation when the formation was attacked by six enemy Mirages. He kept a good look around and gave full cover to and support to his leader. Even though 12 Air to Air missiles were fired at them by the enemy aircraft. The formation safely returned to base. On the 10th December while on a close air support mission in Chhamb sector he saw his leader being hit by ground fire and crashing but he remained unperturbed and pressed home his attack on the enemy concentration causing heavy damage.

Throughout, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. on the 4th December, 1971, he carried out two strike missions over Mianwali airfield and attacked enemy aircraft parked on the ground. As he turned homeward after the attack, he was attacked by enemy Sabre and Mirage aircraft. He successfully disengaged himself from the enemy attack and brought his aircraft safely back to base. On the 5th, 7th and 9th December, 1971, he carried out further successful missions to Poonch, Sambha and Dinanagar Sectors in support of our ground forces. On the 10th December 1971 he was detailed as leader of a two aircraft strike mission, to the Chhamb Sector. Despite heavy and concentrated ground fire he made accurate bomb and cannon attacks on the enemy positions. During this action his aircraft was hit and crashed in enemy territory.

Throughout these operations, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a strike mission on a Sakesar Signals Unit Complex. He carried out the mission successfully, causing extensive damage to the installations and aerials of the unit, despite strong air and ground opposition. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as leader of a strike mission to the same target. He exhibited conspicuous courage and determination in the face of strong enemy opposition and succeeded in damaging the Radar Unit to the extent that it went off the air completely thereafter. But unfortunately, he could not be contacted thereafter.

Throughout this operation, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was No. 2 in a two aircraft strike mission over Murid airfield. While engaged in attacking the enemy airfield, he spotted an enemy aircraft close on the tail of the leader of the mission. He engaged the aircraft and shot it down, when a Mirage and two Sabres of the enemy closed in to attack him. In ensuing air battle, in spite of being outnumbered, he fought valiantly but his aircraft was shot down.

Throughout this operation, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Mian Naranjan Singh commanded an operational Squadron from April 1967 to July 1970. During his tenure, inspite of shortage of experienced pilots he succeeded in improving the operational efficiency of the Squadron by intelligent planning, hard work and close supervision. His Squadron won a number of trophies in various competitions and gunnery meets held by his Air Command. The Squadron under his guidance consistently met the flying tasks allotted to it and participated with credit in every exercise held in the theatre.

Throughout, Wing Commander Mian Naranjan Singh displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations, against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Gey Darsha Bamboat was serving with an operational Squadron in the Western Sector. He flew a number of operational sorties. On one such sortie he was attacked by four MiG-19 aircraft of the enemy. In the engagement his aircraft was hit and the drop tank was damaged. Though he was short of fuel, he brought the aircraft back safely. On the 4th December, 1971, while carrying out search and strike mission in the Chhamb Sector, the enemy Act Ack hit and damaged his aircrafts hydraulic system but he brought the aircraft back to base.

Throughout, Flying Officer Gey Darsha Bamboat displayed courage, professional skill and devotion td duty.

During the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, the personnel of operational squadrons had to work hard and for much longer periods in order to maintain a high serviceability state of aircraft. Warrant Officer Joshi was the fitter in-charge of the second dispersal area of an operational squadron and was responsible for servicing the aircraft in his charge. He displayed leadership and courage of a high order and inspired the airmen to continue working under very adverse conditions. Because of his presence with the men at all times, day and night, the morale of the men was very high. It was during this period that the airfield was subjected to heavy bombing for several nights continuously. Warrant Officer Joshi's cool and clam nature served to encourage the airmen to stick to their tasks. In spite of the bombing and lack of rest during the nights, Warrant Officer Joshi was seen on duty in the mornings with the aircraft ready for operations.

200052 Warrant Officer Darbara Singh was posted as Warrant Officer in-charge Central Repair and Servicing Section for Fighter Bomber aircraft at a forward air base during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971. By efficiently managing the Central Repair and Servicing Section he appreciably reduced the turn time around time of the Fighter Bomber aircraft thereby increased the rate of serviceability. Undaun ted by the enemy raids he continued working and by his personal example inspired his colleagues and subordinates to contribute substantially to the operational readiness of the aircraft.

Warrant Officer Darbara Singh displayed dedication to duty, professional skill of a very high order and thereby rendered distinguished service in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.