Wing Commander Paramjeet Singh Mann (15570) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 30 Dec 78. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has over 3200 hours of fighter flying. He was a member of the erstwhile formation aerobatics team, 'Thunderbolts', and has served three tenures as Flight Commander in different fighter squadrons. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.

Wg Cdr Mann commanded a Hunter Unit for nearly three years. On assuming command, he was beset with two difficulties. The first was the maintenance problems of an aged Hunter fleet and the second was the logistics and administrative impediments due to a widely dispersed technical area. Encouraging in-house solutions and local adaptations, he achieved a high serviceability, touching 100% on a number of days. His leadership and personal involvement were manifest in the efficient accomplishment of tasks and the excellent Flight Safety record that was maintained during his tenure. By ergonomically re-organising his Flight and maintenance Complex, he improved the working environment, thus negating the inherent disadvantage of a widely dispersed technical area. Qualitative improvements in his Airmen's billets by way of provisioning cable TV, curtains and bed-side lamps and the creation of a Recreation room, effectively reinforced the 'one family' feeling among his Unit personnel.

Wg Cdr Mann was also very involved in the induction of the indigenous pilotless Target Aircraft-Lakshya. Even in the nascent stages of induction, he formulated preliminary operating procedures, training schedules and also suggested modifications to the system. As a result of his dedication, the entire spadework is already in place for the operational induction of the new equipment.For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Paramjit Singh Mann.

Squadron Leader Biswanath Kar (21831) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 1992. He is on the posted strength of a Hunter Squadron since 01 Dec 1997. His total service flying is 987 hours. He is also dual trained on the Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft and is one of the few pilots who is fully operational in flying this aircraft.

On 24 Sep 2001, Sqn Ldr Kar was ferrying a Hunter aircraft from Kalaikunda to Ambala. On reaching overhead Ambala, during the process of burning fuel, his engine flamed out. He tried a hot and cold relight, which were unsuccessful. At the time of the flame out the altitude of the aircraft was 7000 feet and he was not very favourably positioned in relation to the runway. Poor visibility and an unfamiliar airfield were added constraints. Despite these, Sqn Ldr Kar kept his cool and manoeuvred his aircraft to position himself on finals. During the process his ailerons went into manual control. He landed his aircraft at the correct touch down point and at correct speeds.

An engine failure in a single engine fighter would have normally resulted in an ejection leading to the loss of an aircraft, a precious national asset. The exceptional courage and professionalism exhibited by Sqn Ldr Kar, led to the safe recovery of the aircraft.

For his professional skill of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Biswanath Kar.