During the India-Pakistan conflict in December 1971, Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi was in command of an operational Fighter Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He led the first two Bombing mission over Tezgaon airfield and undeterred by heavy ground fire, he hit Tazgaon runway and also destroyed a large transport aircraft on the ground. During one of these Bombing missions, his aircraft was hit by a heavy shell and sustained severe damage. Notwithstanding this, he pressed home the attack. On the 14th December, 1971, he raided military targets in Dacca inspite of intense ground fire. His attacks on the Government House at Dacca and other targets were carried out with accuracy. During the missions in support of Indian army, he led 10 sorties against heavily defended enemy positions in the Comilla Sector and destroyed enemy Bunkers and strongholds.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Manbir Singh served with an Operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He flew 20 sorties in counter air and offensive support missions over Bangla Desh. During an escort mission he engaged enemy aircraft successfully, forcing them to break off their attacks on the main formation, which was occupied in striking the enemy’s airfield. He executed bombing missions against heavily gun-defended airfields by day and night. He also took part in rocket and bomb strikes against variety of targets, like troops, bunkers, gun positions, tanks dumps and Radio transmitters. These targets were protected by guns of varying calibre, and on more than one occasion his aircraft was hit by ground fire.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manbir Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh took over command of the fighter Squadron of MIG-21 on its formation in March 1963, and in spite of the difficulties of a new unit, Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh achieved combat readiness and operational efficiency of his unit in the shortest possible time. In addition to the Squadron training he also had to undertake the training of the newly posted Pilots. Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh has to his credit 4400 hours of accident free flying on single-engined aircraft of which about 1000 hours are on jet fighters alone, which is a very creditable achievement. By his exceptional skill, zeal and enthusiasm, Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh converted his unit in a well-knit team of officers and airmen. Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh displayed commendable professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Malcolm Shirley Dundas Wollen was in command of an Interceptor Squadron re-equipped with a new type of aircraft. The squadron, besides its role of interception, had to undertake conversion training of a number of pilots. Wing Commander Wollen with great perseverance and fortitude fulfilled the task by continuously supervising the unit. The syllabus of training prepared by him for conversion of his squadron personnel has been accepted in the Air Force as a standard syllabus. During the conflict with Pakistan, Wing Commander Wollen, undertook several operational sorties both by day and night for intercepting enemy aircraft despite various limitations and adverse conditions.

Throughout, Wing Commander Malcolm Shirley Dundas Wollen displayed professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Konerirajapuram Srinivasan Raghavachari served with an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He undertook a number of strike missions. His aircraft was hit on a number of occasions but he safely brought it back to base every time. Undaunted by heavy enemy ground fire, he pursued his missions and pressed home his attacks. He was responsible for destruction of enemy positions which included runways, bunkers, gun positions and troop concentrations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Konerirajapuram Srinivasan Raghavachari displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Harish Masand, VrC (11272) Flying (Pilot) has been the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron since Jul 86 when the Squadron moved to a new location for conversion on the Baaz aircraft.

During the move of the Squadron and till the squadron received its aircraft in early Oct 87, Wg Cdr Masand's sense of responsibility, devotion to duty and loyalty to the service were once again high­lighted in a major Command exercise in which the Squadron participated within four months of its formation. Despite the inexperience of the personnel and operation from a number of bases the Squadron's performance in the air and on ground was exemplary.

Despite his limited experience on type, he was specially chosen for displaying the performance of the aircraft. Wg Cdr Masand met this commitment with his characteristic Zeal, initiative and skill.

For his exemplary devotion to duty, loyalty, leadership and personal example, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Harish Masand.

Wg Cdr Vijay Shriniwas Karnik was commissioned on 24 Jun 72. He has commanded a MiG-29 Squadron during 1991-93.

His single minded devotion and dedication to operations resulted in evolution of many new tactics including the first Anti Beyond Visual Range Missile tactics which was accepted by Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment for Trials.

Wg Cdr Karnik, a professionally competent officer, was specially selected represent the IAF at Belgium in the prestigious Fighter Weapons Instructors Training Symposium in which all the NATO countries participated.

A direct indicator of his dedication and devotion to duty is the book written by him called "Know your MiG-29". The effort was commended by the CAS and has been approved and published for the operations of MiG-29 aircraft. The book is of great value for the pilots as well as for the engineers of MiG-29.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Ajay Shriniwas Karnik.

Wing Commander Vivek Ram Chaudhari (16978) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 29 Dec 1982 as a Fighter Pilot. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QF1) with over 3650 h of accident free flying to his credit. He has been part of the first formation aerobatics team on the Kiran Mk-II, Flight Commander of a fighter Squadron (Sqn) and an Air Force Examiner on all MiG variant and all trainer ac. He is presently commanding a fighter Sqn since 17 Sep 2001.

Wg Cdr Chaudhari assumed command of the Sqn at the time when the IAF was put on high alert. With his initiative, hard work, perseverance and excellent leadership qualities, he brought in transformational changes in the functioning of the Sqn. During 'Op Parakram', his Sqn was tasked to deploy at three locations as per the war plans. With only nine pilots and one trainer ac available, he alternated between the bases so as to complete the revalidation of augmented pilots in record time and become operational at the earliest from all three locations. While carrying out day and night Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) duties, he flew over 150 sorties and took part in all exercises. Being the only QF1 at one base, he also undertook the conversion of three under training pilots. In consultation with Tactics and Air Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE), he helped in development of tactics for Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Vs BVR missile engagements and interception of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. While remaining deployed, his Sqn provided Dissimilar Air Combat Training to all the MiG-21 Sqns within the command, thereby enhancing their operational status.

To overcome the constraints of limited ground equipment, which were adequate only for two detachments, he obtained common equipment from co-located fighter Sqns so that his Sqn could operate from five locations on two occasions. He also used the resources of Pechora units for air charging and Nitrogen purity testing resulting in reduced requirements of air cylinders. His Sqn made innovative use of autoloaders for removal of canopy and ejection seat for servicing, thereby saving on frequent ferries to parent base.

Working under constraints of split locations, inadequate communication between them, low manning levels and extended supply lines, he remained ahead of the situations and adopted proactive measures to enhance the output of the unit. By personally moving from one location to another he ensured that he was in constant touch with the entire unit personnel and kept morale of the Sqn high. The Sqn was deinducted after being deployed for thirteen months and was soon inspected by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, without a warning. Wg Cdr Chaudhari led his Sqn to achieve average plus in operations and high average in maintenance activities.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vivek Ram Chaudhari.

Wing Commander Aman Nautiyal (18789) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 87 in the Flying Branch. In 19 years of distinguished service, he has been a Directing Staff at Tactical and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) for a period of seven years, during which he instructed 25 courses, and was instrumental in the initial spade-work for conduct of Helicopter Combat Leaders Courses. Additionally, his work for the smooth induction of the MiG21 up-graded Bison aircraft into TACDE has ensured that this aircraft is performing to the best of its abilities at this establishment. He was also part of the team that ensured great success for the IAF during Exercise Cope India-I (2005) with the USAF, wherein he was head of the White Force.

He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College where he stood overall second. He also underwent Fighter Combat Leader course where he stood first and won all the trophies at the end of the course. A highly experienced fighter pilot, he has more than 2350 h of accident/incident free flying to his credit. He was commended by the CAS in 2002.

Wg Cdr Aman Nautiyal was appointed the CO of a Frontline Fighter Sqn on 01 Jul 05. Till date, in spite of depleting seniority levels in the MiG-29 fleet, in terms of pilots, engineering officer and airmen, he has ensured good operational orientation of his squadron through comprehensive, meaningful and focused flying and ground training, while maintaining the highest standards of flight safety. By providing good leadership and harmonious functioning, he has ensured high morale and motivation and a positive vibe which bodes well for the future of his Sqn personnel. During the inspection by Directorate of Air Staff Inspections from Air HQs in April 2006, apart from displaying exceptional performance in the missions led by him, the Sqn was assessed 'Above Average' on the ground, and 'Average Plus' overall. Also he was assessed as exceptional by the Aircrew Examination Board (AEB) of Air HQs during Apr 06.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Aman Nautiyal.

Squadron Leader Somdeo was commissioned in the Engineering Branch on 18 Feb 83. He is a M Tech in Aircraft Structures from IIT Kanpur. He was posted to a MiG-29 squadron in Mar 95 and is the Senior Technical Officer.

As the STO, Sqn Ldr Somdeo led his team of 4 officers and approximately 300 men worked for very long hours, frequently on holidays also. He was able to significantly improve the aircraft serviceability state which is commendable because of scarcity of spares.

During Oct-Nov 95, the squadron was on a detachment for operational commitments. The squadron flew 243 sorties in a very short period with limited number of aircraft available. This was possible only due to the tireless dedication of Sqn Ldr Somdeo and his team who ensured that the down-time of aircraft was always minimum, unservicea bilities notwithstanding. He gave proof of his professional competence and dedicated hard work when the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection assessed the squadron as highly satisfactory in Maintenance.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Somdeo.