Air Vice Marshal (then Air Commodore) Minoo Merwan Engineer, MVC, DFC, was posted as AOC to No. 1 Group, which was responsible for operations in NEFA. During the Chinese aggression in Autumn last year, the operational commitments in the area assumed considerable proportions without any increase in the resources available to No. 1 Group. Air Vice Marshal Engineer, a veteran operational commander, faced the heavy task with his usual calm and determination, and personally planned most of the logistic support operations with considerable success.

The helicopter operations in NEFA were also controlled by Air Vice Marshal Engineer in order to achieve maximum utilization of the few helicopters then at his disposal. To infuse full confidence among his pilots in landing at difficult helipads at heights like Tsanghdar (16000 ft), he flew in the first helicopter to land there and organized the evacuation of casualties from that difficult helipad. On another occasion, he remained at our outpost at Walong till the last moment and flew out only when the landing ground was being shelled by the enemy. These operational missions were beyond the call of his normal duties but in carrying them out , he set a fine example at all times for his officers and men to emulate.

The task allotted to the Air Force in NEFA during the Chinese aggression, were carried out with determination and confidence and this was, in large measure, due to the leadership and unflagging zeal displayed by Air Vice Marshal Engineer. By his devotion to duty and sound organizing ability, he has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

During the operations in Goa, Daman and Diu, Air Vice Marshal Erlic W Pinto was A.O.C-IN-C, Operational Command for overall conduct of air operations. His directive was to assist the land forces in the attainment of their objective with the use of minimum force. The risk of casualties to the civil population in air operations was inherent. As a result of meticulous by Air Vice Marshal Pinto and efficient coordination, the air operations in the three enclaves were carried out most successfully.

With the outbreak of the Chinese hostilities in 1962 the air operational commitments assumed vast proportions in J & K area as the land forces were largely dependent upon the Air Force for supplies, ammunitions and evacuation of casualties. The resources at Air Vice Marshal Pinto's disposal remained unaltered. However, he faced the situation with his usual calm and reorganized the units under his command to undertake the intensive logistic support required. To infuse confidence in his officers and men he led many difficult airlift missions with complete disregard to his personal safety. The first landing at forward outpost entailed use of a river bed which is the highest 'airstrip' in the world. In spite of the hazards involved, Air Vice Marshal Pinto decided to proceed on this flight himself to check operating conditions there.

As A.O.C-in-C Operational Command, Air Vice Marshal Pinto has all along displayed initiative, drive and leadership of a very high order.