Air Vice Marshal Maurice Barker has been the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command since April, 1971. During the recent Indo-Pakistan war Air Vice Marshal Barker's Command was responsible for all bomber, transport, and maritime operations. Despite having been in the Command for a relatively short period of time, Air Vice Marshal Barker was able to organize his forces and control them most effectively. Under his guidance, the bomber force kept up a continuous series of attacks deep in enemy territory, both in East and West Pakistan. Later with neutralization of the Pakistan Air Force in the East, his bombers played an important role in supporting our land forces by day in that area. The bombers were also used to very good effect against targets in support of the Army along the Western border. On the transport side, Air Vice Marshal Barker collaborated with Eastern Air Command to enable the latter to launch a very successful airborne operation in East Pakistan. The speed and efficiency with which the operation was mounted, and the good results achieved by it, testify to the high quality of the planning and staff work that was put into it by Air Vice Marshal Barker and his staff. Likewise, valuable air support was given by units under his control to the Navy in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. In undertaking the numerous and vital tasks of his Command, Air Vice Marshal Barker displayed a ready understanding of operational plans and problems, and organising ability and determination in dealing with them. His tact and personal leadership contributed much to the success of his Command's operations. He has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Trilochan Singh Brar was commissioned in the Air Force in the Flying Branch in April, 1944. During his long service in the Air Force, he has held a variety of flying and senior staff appointments at various levels. He has commanded two important air bases in the ranks of Group Captain and Air Commodore and creditably discharged his wide and varied responsibilities in regard to the deployment of bomber, maritime and transport Squadrons. During his three years tenure as Air Attaché in our Embassy in France, he displayed a rare combination of professionalism and diplomacy and

successfully completed this sensitive role. As Air I at Headquarters Western Air

Command during the period preceding the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he visualised the need and meticulously formulated operational plans for deployment of aircraft in the Western

Sector and for providing close air support to the Army. This planning was largely responsible for the high degree, of operational preparedness of the Command when the conflict broke out. For this distinguished performance, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January, 1972.

He has subsequently held the important appointments of Senior Air Staff Officer Headquarters Central Air Command in the rank of Air Commodore and Commandant Air Force Academy in the rank of Air Vice Marshal. As Commandant, Air Force Academy,

he reviewed and updated the flying training techniques and ensured a high standard of training consistent with the requirements of flight safety. In his present appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command, he has enabled the Command to fulfill all its tasks relating to air maintenance and operational training despite the serious shortage of fuel and spares for the ageing aircraft. In the face of heavy odds, he has maintained high level of serviceability of aircraft enabling the command to fulfill all its operational commitments. The massive air operations undertaken by the Command for flood relief won the appreciation of all concerned including the civil authorities.

Air Marshal Trilochan Singh, Brar has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prem Pal Singh MVC AVSM (3871) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 15th April, 1950. Initially, he served as a pilot in transport squadrons and later converted on to Jet bomber aircraft. During the 1965 war with Pakistan, as the Commanding Officer of a Canberra Bomber Squadron, he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for gallantry, and bravery. Subsequently, he served as the Directing Staff of the Defence Services Staff College.

In 1971, Air Marshal Prem Pal Singh was the Staff Officer incharge of operations at Command Headquarters. He meticulously planned the bomber operations in the western sector as well as against Pakistani occupation forces in Bangla Desh and thus contributed to the success of our bomber operations in 1971. For his leadership, drive and devotion to duty in peace as well as war time, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

In 1979 after a successful tenure as an Air Attaché, France and Air Officer Commanding of a major Wing, he was posted to Air Headquarters as Assistant Chief of

the Air Staff Flight Safety and Inspection. During this period, in addition to his Air Force duties he shouldered the responsibilities as the President of the Services Sports Control Board. Besides he was also selected as one of the Vice Presidents of Indian Olympic Associations as well as member of the working Committee of many other sports federations.

For the conduct of IX Asian Games, he was appointed the Chief Administrator of the Prestigious Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. This task involved dexterous handling and coordination between multifarious agendas and was executed in a commendable manner.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he was posted as Senior Air Staff Officer Central Air Command, an appointment which ha presently holds. By his leadership, drive and devotion to duty Air Marshal Pram Pal Singh has rendered distinguished Service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Swaroop Krishna Kaul was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on the 17th July, 1954. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, the Air Officer has, during his long and distinguished career, held a number of command and staff appointments which include the command of a fighter squadron during war, Senior Air Staff Officer of two operational commands and Air Attaché in Moscow.

An outstanding fighter pilot of repute, he commanded a fighter squadron in the eastern sector during the Indo-Pak war in 1971. Displaying leadership of a high degree, he personally led several missions deep into enemy territory to obtain complete air superiority over the area of operations. For his gallant conduct throughout the period of war, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 1971.

The Air Officer holds the unique distinction of serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer of two operational commands viz South Western Air Command and the Central Air Command. In these appointments, he brought about a number of innovative improvements which significantly enhanced the IAF's operational potential without a substantial change in resources. On his appointment as AOC-in-C of Central Air Command, the Air Officer has brought to bear his vast operational and staff experience with the ultimate objective of building his command into a formidable fighting machine in the most cost effective manner.

Air Marshal Swaroop Krishna Kaul, MVC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM (8130) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63. He is a fighter pilot who has excelled himself during his career. He underwent the Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) course at an early stage in his career and later completed the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and was adjudged first in the overall order of merit. He was in the first batch of trainees who went abroad for conversion onto Jaguar Aircraft. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College (NDC). He was posted in a diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché in Embassy of India at Saudi Arabia. He was awarded VM in 1986 and AVSM in 1994. Presently, he holds the appointment of AOCin-C, Central Air Command since 01 May 02.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Force Station Jamnagar, more than 26, 270 h were flown and nearly 80 detachments of different flying units were handled by the Station. In May 1992, the IAF specially selected Jamnagar to put up the Night Fire Power Demonstration which was the first of its kind in the history of IAF and required a high degree of coordination both on the ground and in the air to ensure its success. This demonstration was conducted safely in the most professional manner due to his personal guidance. During his command, Air Force Station Jamnagar was adjudged the Best Station of South Western Air Command for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

While holding the appointments of ACAS (Int) and ACAS (Ops), he made meaningful contributions in Operations and Flight Safety, and also evolved new concepts in the area of Intelligence gathering. With his analytical mind he contributed toward evolving new operational and strategic doctrines of the IAF.

As Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command, he brought his varied experience to bear upon the conduct of large number of Command level exercises and seminars successfully. As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, he has ensured high standards from not only the Command staff but also the field units in all spheres of operational activity. He has taken personal interest in reviewing and optimising training schedules and facilities at the operational bases so as to ensure safety, efficiency and optimal utilisation of resources.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM (11300) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Fighter Stream of the IAF on 31 December 1967, He has over 4000 hours of accident free flying on single engine aircraft, which include 16 combat missions flown in 1971 operations. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor holding an A-2 category. For his distinguished services, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1988 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

A graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management, Air Marshal Gujral has held prestigious field, staff and instructional appointments which include CO of a frontline fighter squadron, Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy, Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base, Defence Attaché at Prague, Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Joint Operations) and Deputy Chief of Air Staff before being appointed as AOC-in-C Central Air Command in May 2005.

As Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy he brought the accident rate to zero by adopting innovative measures. As AOC in Baghdogra, he was instrumental in commencing live air to ground firing on the Teesta Range. As Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff (Joint Operations), he was responsible for formulation of the Tri-Service Disaster Management Response Plan, which was put into action during the Sri Lankan floods in June 03 and later during Tsunami disaster in 2004, Also, as part of Defence Policy Group, he co-chaired three Important Military Subedar Group committee meetings promoting Indo-US and UK Defence co-operation in Washington, London and Delhi respectively.

As Deputy Chief of Air Staff, he streamlined the planning and procurement process for capital equipments, which ensured full utilisation of capital funds allotted to the IAF in 2004-05. He assisted in the formulation of new document on Procurement Procedures which was issued by Raksha Mantri in mid 2005. He also chaired an important Subedar committee ordered by MoD on production of Light Combat Aircraft and his recommendations have been accepted.

As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command Air Marshal Gujral organized and executed realistic training exercises without moving forces bringing about synergy between all elements thus increasing operational efficiency in cost effective manner. Extensive flying training was carried out by all the Strategic assets and with a special focus on Flight Safety. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 15th April, 1950. Initially, he was a transport pilot and served in a number of transport and communication units. Later, he converted on to jet bomber aircraft, and has since served in all the Canberra bomber units of the Air Force, and commanded one of them.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh is at present the Staff Officer incharge of operations at a Command Headquarters. He planned the bomber operations during the recent conflict with Pakistan. Taking into account the enemy anti-aircraft dispositions, fighter defences, navigational problems and other relevant factors, he drew up elaborate and detailed plans. He visited all the bomber bases and personally briefed the Squadron Commanders on the tasks allotted to their units. His efforts were to a large extent responsible for the success of our bomber aircraft during the operations. He has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Kollagunta Sambamurthi Chandrasekhar has been on the posted strength of Headquarters Central Air Command since May, 1970. On re-organisation of Command Headquarters in July, 1971, he was reposted as Command Maritime Officer. Immediately before the commencement of the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, when the tension in the sub continent was mounting, it was due to his extreme hard work that Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarters Maritime Air Operations geared up sufficiently to cope with any demands of the Indian Navy. During the Operations, he volunteered for regular Canberra flying and, while on attachment to a bomber squadron, he carried out six operational missions. Throughout his career he has shown a high sense of duty, capacity for sustained hard work and cheerful acceptance of onerous tasks.

Squadron Leader Kollagunta Sambamurthi Chandrasekhar has always placed the interests of the service before his own and has shown an example of loyalty and devotion well beyond the normal call of duty.

Wing Commander Amal Chandra Gupta through perseverance, diligence, foresight and thorough planning contributed greatly to the success of the bomber missions flown during the 1971 conflict.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Wing Commander Hardip Singh Goraya was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch in November, 1954. During his distinguished career, he has held a number of flying and staff appointments in which he has acquitted himself credibly.

He has been holding the appointment of Staff Officer in the Air Staff of an operational Command since Feb 1973. The officer has discharged his responsibilities with great vigour and vitality. His willingness to probe deeply into problems and go into the minutest detail, combined with his readiness to put in long hours of hard work resulted in formulation and execution of perfect plans and programmes. He has single-handedly produced a number of papers on the future plans of the Command. He has also been responsible for the planning of 1973, 1974 and 1975 Annual Command Exercises. Especially with regard to the planning of the 1975 exercise, his contribution was almost total. In the conduct of these exercise also the officer up a great load on himself earning the appreciation of his superiors.

Wing Commander Goraya has proved himself to be an outstanding officer of unusual ability and has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Group Captain JS Thakur was commissioned on 21 Jun 69 as a Fighter Pilot. He has flown over 3500 accident free hours and has held important appointments including Command of a front line strike squadron and Chief Operations Officer of a MiG-27 base. He was the founder member and deputy leader of the famous Air Force Aerobatics Team, the "Thunder Bolts". Gp Capt Thakur has been officiating as Air-I, Central Air Command since Jan 96. During this period, a major Air Force exercise was Planned and conducted in the Central Air Command area of operations, involving induction and operations of forces on a scale unprecedented in the Command. Gp Capt Thakur ensured smooth operations of such large forces. Operations included setting up elaborate Control and Reporting centre and Communication network, deployment of Air Defence forces, issue of detailed orders and operating procedures for conduct of operations, as well as continuous liaison with other Commands and Air HQ. It was largely because of his professional approach and deep sense of commitment that the whole exercise was completed smoothly with over 650 accident/incident free sorties executed. The aim and objectives of the exercise were successfully achieved.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt JS Thakur.

Squadron Leader Devinder Kumar Sharma (18659) Accts was commissioned as an Accounts Officer in the IAF on 06 Dec 1986. During his initial service as Accounts Officer at Air Force Station Chandigarh, and Senior Accounts Officer at Air Force Station, Leh, he displayed a unique penchant for planning and organising and was instrumental in clearing long outstanding Audit objections. His tireless efforts, systematic professional approach and quest for excellence enabled Air Force Station, Leh to tighten budgetary control and streamline procedures for planned expenditure.

In recognition of his outstanding abilities, he was appointed Staff Officer to Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers). He was later chosen to be Staff Officer to Air Officer-in-charge Personnel, Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command and finally Staff Officer to Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Central Air Command. All through, the officer has discharged his duties in the most outstanding manner using well-honed managerial skills to support the functions of the Secretariat.

The officer has displayed remarkable maturity in prioritisation of tasks as well as coordination among various agencies so as to achieve the desired results quickly. He has instilled a high degree of motivation in his subordinates to achieve results much beyond the accepted norms. Polite but yet firm in dealings, he has, with great sensitivity, conveyed the directions of Air Officer Commanding-inChief to all and ensured their appropriate follow up. He possesses a great deal of professional ability, self-discipline, and capacity to understand and analyse human relations, and deals appropriately and firmly with his superiors and subordinates alike.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Devinder Kumar Sharma.

Group Captain Dinesh Mukundan (13508) Administration/Air Traffic Controller was commissioned in the Administrative Branch in 1973. He was adjudged the best ATCO of the IAF in 1983 and thereafter posted as Commanding Officer of prestigious Air Force Element of IMTRAT in Bhutan during 1985-87.

During his distinguished career having 32 years he has been the Chief Administrative Officer of four different IAF stations i.e. AFAC, AF Stn Jorhat, AF Stn Palam and Air Force Academy and held instructional appointment CIGDOT at AFA. He has also served in a prestigious staff appointment as officer in-charge Drafting at Air Force Record Office. Gp Capt Mukundan is an alumnus of National Defence Academy. He was commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 1998 and by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief, WAC and TC in 1990 and 1996 respectively. As Senior Personnel Staff Officer at Central Air Command, he has worked with dedication and perseverance in bringing about significant improvement in all facets of personnel administration in all units under Central Air Command. His humane approach and untiring efforts in making the existing policies and procedures more logical, simple and user friendly have been a hall mark of a very able and efficient administrator. Wherever he has worked during his last 32 years of service he has left very significant impact and a legacy behind which is worthy of emulating by his successors. His pioneer efforts in successfully introducing a vermiculture zero garbage scheme with no additional cost at Air Force Academy (one of the largest populated stations in the IAF) proved so successful that Air Headquarters directed all stations in the IAF to implement the zero garbage scheme on the pattern of Air Force Academy.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Dinesh Mukundan.