Wing Commander Vishwanathan Krishnamurthy was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. He has served in a number of fighter and fight bomber squadrons of the IAF. He has held command of a squadron, from 1962 to 1969. He is a qualified flying instructor holding the highest category. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy was in command of an airfield. He transformed this airfield into a major Air Force base inspite of numerous administrative and logistic problems. The enemy tried persistently to cripple the base, but due to effective air defence arrangements, the airfield remained operational throughout. Aircraft operating from this base shot down a number of enemy aircraft, including three F­104s. Numerous missions were also launched in close support of the Army, knocking out many enemy tanks, strong points, guns and warlike equipment. Also enemy lines of communication in the sector were very badly disrupted.

Throughout, Wing Commander Vishwanathan Krishnamurthy has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.