Wing Commander William MacDonald Goodman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as General Duties (Pilot) on I April 1949.

On I September 1965, Pakistan launched a strong armour attack in the Chhamb sector with a view to cut the Indian communication lines to Kashmir. This posed a great threat to Indian security. Wing Commander Goodman, commanding No.31 Squadron flying the Mystere IVa fighter bombers at Pathankot, was entrusted with the task of destroying enemy tanks and troop concentrations in the Chhamb sector.

The squadron immediately went into action and blunted the enemy offensive by destroying his tanks and armoured vehicles. Between 2 and 8 September, the squadron undertook many reconnaissance and ground attack missions in the area. These included rocketing of tank concentrations at Troti and Chhamb and strafing of enemy positions at Jaurian.

On 9 September the Squadron did the more commendable work. A photo recce and strike mission was undertaken between Kasur and Raiwind by two aircraft. They attacked a train carrying tanks and destroyed twenty of them. This was followed by an attack on a tank and heavy gun concentration at Chawinda. Many of these reconnaissance and ground attack missions were led by Wing Commander Goodman himself in the face of heavy air and ground opposition. He was a source of inspiration to all ranks under his command. Under his guidance the Squadron maintained a very high standard of serviceability which contributed to a number if successful strikes on enemy positions. Wing Commander Goodman was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for conspicuous gallantry, leadership and professional skill.

In December 1971 Flight Lieutenant Nayanthara Kunjan Pillai Raghava Menon was attached to a Fighter Bomber Squadron which operated from one of the forward airfields. He flew a number of operational missions deep into enemy territory despite heavy ground and air opposition. On 16th December, 1971, while on a bombing and strffing missionhis aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was injured badly, his vision was hampered and he lost a lot of blood. But he flew back to his base with calm and cool courage and landed safely though he was found on landing to be barely conscious.

For his courage, determination and flying skill of a high order he is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal.