During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Squadron Leader Gautam was commanding the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit (JBCU) flying Canberra bombers at Agra. On the outbreak of the hostilities he was assigned many difficult and dangerous missions into enemy territory at short notice. He undertook six offensive, tactical and close support missions deep into enemy territory between 6 and 21 September 1965, notwithstanding the heavy ground fire and Pak Sabre jet attacks.

These missions included reconnaissance into enemy territory, bombing of Akwal and Gujarat airfields and strafing of enemy concentrations in Gujarat and Chawinda areas. For displaying exceptional courage, determination and devotion to duty he was decorated with Maha Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant Amiesh Sengupta has been serving as Flight Commander of the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit since August 1969. During the period March 1970 to February 1971, he was the only qualified instructor available at the Unit. Inspite of this he completed the training of three courses on schedule, working 12 to 14 hours a day. On 19th January and again on 5th March 1970, while carrying out training flights, he was faced with total hydraulic failures on his aircraft. He handled these emergencies with courage and high professional skill, and on both the occasions, landed the aircraft safely at base. During his eight years of service, he has flown 3,500 accident free hours, of which 1,900 hours have been on instructional duties.

Warrant Officer Raghbir Singh was Warrant Officer in charge Daily Service Section, Jet Bomber Conversion Unit during the current hostilities against Pakistan. He was mainly instrumental to a quick switchover of the Canberra aircraft of the unit normally used in a training role to operational use. By his selfless devotion to duty and constant almost round-the-clock supervision he made it possible for four out of the five aircraft of the unit fit for operations all the time. The fact that the unit carried out over 100 hours of intensive operational flying within the short span of a fortnight, was in no small measure, due to the hard work put in by this Warrant Officer. Throughout the period he displayed high sense of duty, professional skill and rendered distinguished service of a very high order.

Flight Sergeant Narayanan Chandrashekharan was the senior non-commissioned officer in charge Armament section of Jet Bomber Conversion Unit during the recent hostilities against Pakistan. On receipt of orders to prepare the bomber aircraft of the unit for operational tasks, this SNCO, by his constant supervision and devotion to duty, carried out the bombing up and re-arming of aircraft at all hours of day and night and very short notice. Such rapid re-arming of aircraft under heavy strain had its attendant dangers. However, by his ceaseless efforts and untiring zeal, he inspired all the airmen working under him and kept up the armament backing for the offensive sorties to be flown by the bomber aircraft of his unit.

250805 Corporal Kaippilly Radhakrishnan, Fitter II Airframe has been working in the Daily Servicing Section of a Jet Bomber Conversion Unit since April, 1972. During this period he has displayed a high sense of duty, professional skill, determination and flight safety consciousness.

Corporal Radhakrishnan was responsible for detecting the causes of unserviceabilities of aircraft on a number of occasions. On 15th March, 1974 while carrying out turn round servicing on a Canberra aircraft he found the pipe line assembly chaffed. Earlier on 2nd February, 1974 while carrying progressive hours group 'B' servicing on a Canberra aircraft he detected a major crack on the nose undercarriage port door bracket. On 8th February, 1974 while carrying out last flight servicing on a Canberra aircraft he detected the special bolt on the lever lock radius and assembly of nose undercarriage broken. He immediately reported these defects to his superiors and rendered invaluable assistance in carrying out repairs.

The high order of sincerity, devotion to duty and flight safety consciousness displayed by Corporal Kaippilly Radhakrishnan are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has rendered distinguished service of high order.