Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1954. Initially, he served in fighter and fighter bomber squadrons, and then, after successfully completing a course at the Flying Instructors School, he served as a flying instructor at the erstwhile Air Force Flying College. In 1964, he converted on to jet bombers, and thereafter served in a Canberra bomber squadron. He also served in a ground appointment at a major bomber base. At present, he is the Commander of a Canberra bomber squadron. He reorganised the work of the ground staff so that they could give effective support to the flying crew. Simultaneously, he implemented a rigorous training schedule for his aircrew, for bringing them to the highest peak of efficiency. During the recent operations against Pakistan the bombers of his squadron carried out devastating raids against the enemy's war potential. He took part in every one of the operational missions entrusted to his squadron.

Throughout, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar was in command of a Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. During the period 3rd December 1971 to 14th December 1971, he under-took various missions against air bases and port installations which were heavily defended by Missile carrying fighters and anti-aircraft guns. Disregarding personal safety and with great courage and skill, he attacked air bases at Masoor, Drig Road and Port Installations at Karachi. He was instrumental in depleting the enemy’s oil reserves and crippling his port facilities at Karachi.

Throughout the operation, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar displayed gallantry, leadership, and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Bhadra as Flight Commander of a Bomber Squadron carried out and led night bombing missions deep into enemy territory, attacking vital and heavily defended military targets. On one occasion, although he was subjected to heavy Ack Ack fire at a low altitude, he kept cool and continued with his attack and dropped his bombs on the target causing considerable damage.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Bhadra displayed gallantry, determination and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ghanshyam Singh Thapa served with a Bomber Squadron. He was the lead Navigator of a formation of four Bomber aircraft that carried out the first bombing attack, on the night of the 3rd/4th December, 1971, deep into the enemy territory, over the vitally located and well defended Pakistan Air Force base of Masroor. He navigated the aircraft to the target despite very heavy ground fire. He dropped all the bombs with precision causing heavy damage. Throughout, Squadron Leader Ghanshyam Singh Thapa displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Preet Pal Singh Gill carried out a number of successful night bombing missions over vital and heavily defended targets situated deep inside enemy territory. His cool courage, professional skill and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition besides resulting in severe damage to enemy installations, inspired other aircrews to follow his gallant example.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Preet Pal Singh Gill displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, on a number of night bombing attacks on vital targets deep inside enemy territory, Flight Lieutenant Yogendra Prasad Singh displayed navigational skill of a very high order in accurately navigating over difficult and unfamiliar terrain with determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition. His example of courage, determination and skill was a source of inspiration to other aircrews.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Yogendra Prasad Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Surendra Nath Kawlra has been commanding a squadron for the last 15 months. Throughout this period, he has applied himself to the task of increasing the operational efficiency of his squadron with commendable energy and enthusiasm. He has ensured a high standard of performance by his squadron not only in the primary task assigned to it but also in other fields of service activity. During the period of his command, the squadron has taken part in many exercises and its consistently good performance has undoubtedly been, in a large measure, due to his leadership. For his performance during an Air Exercise, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. Not only did the squadron achieve the best overall results, thereby winning the Annual Air Trophy, but Wing Commander Kawlra's own individual performance was outstanding and earned him the trophy for the best individual bombing.

Throughout, Wing Commander Surendera Nath Kawlra displayed leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Vivian Christopher Goodwin is serving as Flight Commander in an operational squadron. He has flown 1,350 hours on type. He took part in the Goa operations, the Congo operations and the 1965 conflict with Pakistan. On 29th November 1968, he took off on a cross-country flight. A few minutes after take-off, he lost aileron control due to a fire in the starboard wing. Even though the nature of the emergency warranted abandoning the aircraft, he brought it safely to base. While doing so, he avoided flying over populated areas, even though this prolonged the flight and greatly increased the danger to him personally.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Vivian Christopher Goodwin displayed courage and professional skill.

Squadron Leader Harjit Singh Ghuman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. Since March, 1972, he has been serving as Flight Commander of an operational Squadron. It was due to his rare organising ability, zeal, determination and single minded devotion to duty that the Squadron got an above average assessment in 1972. He has over 5,200 hours of accidentfree flying to his credit which includes over 1200 instructional hours. He holds the highest instrument rating and his unflagging zeal for operational flying has been a constant source of inspiration to his juniors.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Harjit Singh Ghuman displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishna swamy was in Command of one the fighter Squadrons since January, 1978. He has a total flying of 3300 hours on 29 different type of aircraft. He is a test pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader of very high caliber.

As the Commanding Officer of a Squadron, he converted both flights equipped with different type of aircraft on the specialized role in a very short time of just seven months. All Squadron aircrew were also made fully operational during the same period. Also under his able leadership the Squadron trained large number of the pilots on Fighter Combat Leader course in specialized role, which has resulted in great improvements in Fighter tactics in the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Jatinder Pal Singh Talwar has been on the posted strength of a bomber squadron since 13 Feb 84. He has to his credit 1300 hours of accident-free flying on Canberra aircraft. Currently, he is a righthand seat qualified trainer captain and holds Master Green Rating.

On 15 Feb 85, after completing a hill flying exercise, Squadron Leader Talwar joined circuit. Even after the undercarriage was lowered by him on downwind, the red light of the starboard main wheel remained on. The ATC confirmed that the starboard main wheel was partially down. Despite every effort the starboard wheel could not be brought down. It was finally decided to land the aircraft in the existing condition. The demand and the responsibility on him increased further as damage to the delicate and expensive equipment housed in the radome (on the belly of the aircraft) seemed inevitable. Notwithstanding the pressure, the pilot, unperturbed and in full control for his faculties made a perfect touch down on two extended wheels and controlled the landing run with dexterity and ensured that while minimum damage was caused to the Airframe, the radome sustained no damage to all.

On another occasion, on 15 Oct 85, while carrying out A&E check at 40,000', Sqn Ldr Talwar displayed an exceptional degree of flying skill and professional competence in handling the emergencies and landing the aircraft safely.

In recognition of his exceptionally high degree of professional skill and outstanding airmanship, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Jatinder Pal Singh Talwar.

Flt Lt Ravindra D Kudari is on the posted strength of a Squadron since 14 Oct 91. He has flown a total of 683 hrs. on different types of aircraft. His total solo experience on Canberra aircraft is 112 hrs.

On 22 Nov 91, while on a sortie and coming to land, he lowered undercarriage and commenced descent and noticed two 'reds' only on the undercarriage indicator and the main hydraulic pressure had dropped to zero. He operated the hand pump to build up hydraulic pressure to obtain three greens, but there was no response. Coupled with this, his starboard generator failure warning light also came on. He was advised by the SFS to initiate climb to 6000 feet and take appropriate actions. When all attempts to lower the undercarriage failed, he was told to prepare for a wheels up landing on the runway. During the 50 minutes or so, Flt Lt Kudari remained calm, composed and displayed professionalism of a very high order. After touch down, he controlled the direction in such a manner that the aircraft came to a halt on the runway centre line. The aircraft sustained least possible damage considering the fact that it was EW modified Canberra aircraft in which direction keeping is very difficult. Any error of judgment on the part of the pilot could have resulted in disastrous consequences. Throughout the period of about 58 minutes, while handling multiple emergencies, Flt Lt Kudari remained composed, calm and displayed high degree of professional competence resulting in not only saving the lives of the aircrew but also a valuable aircraft of the Air Force.

For his presence of mind and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt RD Kudari

Wing Commander Nagesh Kapoor (18557) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 06 Dec 86. He has held the appointments of Flt Cdr (Flt Cdr) of a MiG-29 Sqn and Senior Flight Safety and Inspection Officer (SFS&IO) of Air Force Station Adampur. Presently he is the CO of a MiG-21 Sqn. During his tenure as the Flt Cdr he was deployed at a forward air base for six months during 'Op Parakram'. During his tenure as the SFS&IO, the base had nil accidents/incidents attributable to human error. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Combat Leader and also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, having topped the course in 2003. He has over 2700 h of accident / incident free flying. He has been awarded twice with the 'Commendation by the CAS' and once with the 'Commendation by the AOC-in-C Western Air Command'.

During his present tenure as CO of a MiG21 Sqn, Wg Cdr N Kapoor has harnessed his resources in an exceptional manner. This has ensured that the Sqn flew almost twice as many hours in the last one year as compared to the previous year. His immaculate planning and foresight has ensured that the operational status of the Sqn has always been very high. There has been a period of almost one year in between wherein all pilots of the Sqn were operational and had current Instrument Rating. While achieving all of the above Wg Cdr Kapoor ensured a healthy and safe flying environment resulting in a nil accident rate.

During the recently concluded Command Gunnery Meet, Wg Cdr Kapoor's Sqn competed with the technologically superior Mirage and Jaguar Sqns. It is to the credit of his leadership and motivational capabilities that the Sqn emerged victorious in both the team events that it took part in. The Sqn also performed exceptionally well in the biannual inspection by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. During all detachments, exercises and inspections he has led from the front. During his tenure, the Sqn merged with another MiG-21 Sqn. His painstaking and tireless efforts ensured that the merger was smooth and the operational capability of the unit did not diminish even during the days of transition.

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

Flight Lieutenant Arvind Rutuparna Vaidya (6581) Technical/Armament while serving as the armament officer in a bomber squadron has designed and fabricated a number of armament test rigs, circuit testers and modifications. With the help of the test rig and the circuit tester the bombing circuit can be functionally tested even after bombs have been loaded in the aircraft. This device has greatly enhanced the operational potential of the bomber squadron in ensuring eliminating of hang-ups or faulty release of bombs.

The inventive ideas displayed by Flight Lieutenant Vaidya have contributed considerably towards devising equipment in the Air Force from indigenous resources which will go a long way in enhancing the operational potential of all bomber squadrons when these equipment and modifications are incorporated. The technical acumen and ingenuity of Flight Lieutenant Arvind Rutuparna Vaidya are worthy of high praise and recognition.

229457 Sergeant Esakkre Chelliah is serving with an operational Squadron.

He worked with single minded devotion to servicing and repair of Electrical systems on Bomber aircraft to ensure a very high rate of serviceability prior to and during the period of hostilities. His contribution to a major modification of the aircraft for launch of special Armament stores was outstanding. The modified aircraft were available in time for use on Operational missions during the Indo-Pak operations.

For his distinguished service of a high order and professional sill, Sergeant Esakkre Chelliah is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Rajinder Kumar Sood (10357) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1966. Early in his career he acquitted himself creditably as the Armament Officer of an operational Wing.

Since April, 1972, he has been serving as the Armament Officer of an operational Squadron. He has streamlined the working of the Armament Section and his efforts have greatly improved the squadron's operational potential.

When the Squadron was equipped with a new type of aircraft, its serviceability state suffered a serious suffered set back on account of non-availability of a vital item required to be used with the type of ejection seat fitted in the aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Sood promptly embarked upon a project to fabricated the item from the resources available at the station. Soon he produced a substitute for imported component, which has saved substantial foreign exchange and has removed a bottle-neck to aircraft serviceability.

For consistently rendering distinguished service of a high order, Flight Lieutenant Rajinder Kumar Sood is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Sqn Ldr Ashish Kumar Saxena was commis sioned on 25 Jul 77 in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) branch of the IAF. He has been on the posted strength of a combat Squadron since 29 Apr 91 and has performed the duties of Senior Technical Officer (STO).

As STO, Sqn Ldr Saxena managed the servicing of two ageing fleets, i.e. Canberra and MiG-21 aircraft. It was largely due to his innovative approach that he could modify and made serviceable EW pod of MiG-21 which is essentially repairable at factory, thus saving approximately Rupees Thirty Lakhs to IAF. He also modified and made a preamplifier of the EW equipment serviceable which was no longer in production and no substitute was available in market. This modification was approved by Air HQrs and resulted in saving of approximately Rupees Seven Lakhs. Sqn Ldr Saxena fabricated a directional coupler which was urgently required for an operational exercise by combining some items from other equipments, thus making the pod serviceable in time.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr AK Saxena.