Flying officer Ved Prakash Mehta has been posted as the Station Adjutant at an Air Force Wing in Punjab since January, 1964. During the recent operations against Pakistan, the administrative work load increased many times owing to rapid influx into this Station of army troops, Punjab Armed Police, Punjab Police, Central Reserve Police and additional

Air Force personnel. Fg. Offr. Mehta, by his excellent organizing ability and high degree of professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty carried out his task most efficiently. Inspired by his personal example, his staff, at times at very odd hours and under the threat of enemy bombing, worked cheerfully as well knit team. Despite heavy influx of troops into the airfield and recurring visits of Very Important Persons and Staff Officers from higher formations, Fg Offr Mehta catered for their requirements adequately.

This officer always stood by the side of the Station Commander and executed his orders smoothly and efficiently. At times this officer, with complete disregard to his personal safety, carried out rescue work also. On the night of 9th September, 1965 during air raids, he, with the assistance of army personnel, removed a number of causalities from the debris and caved-in-trenches caused by enemy bombing and rushed them to the Station Sick Quarters. Again on the night of 13th September, 1965, under a RED WARNING and with enemy aircraft strafing, he with the assistance of airmen, removed a number of casualties from the debris near the Equipment Section and rushed them to the Station Sick quarters. On 14th September, 1965, under orders from the Station Commander, he promptly organised a rescue party and rushed to Daulatpur, a place at a distance of about 50 miles from Adampur, where one of the Air force helicopters had force landed. He reached the spot at 2215 hours and after ensuring that the crew and the aircraft were safe, returned to the base at 0145 hours the same night.

Throughout the operations he displayed praiseworthy qualities of leadership, a high standard of professional knowledge and an untiring zeal for work.

Flying Officer Dara Phiroze Chinoy was pilot in an operational squadron in the Punjab when the hostilities against Pakistan broke out. On 10th September, 1965, while on a low level strike mission against heavily defended targets in the Lahore sector, his aircraft was shot down and after ejecting from the aircraft, he landed in the area held by the enemy. Then started a long chase by the enemy for capturing him. Fg Offr Chinoy walked, crawled and, when required, ran for over five hours to evade capture until he safely crossed the front line and arrived amidst our own friendly forces. The very high sense of duty shown by the officer in successfully evading capture for such a prolonged period against very heavy odds, speaks of the sense of determination and devotion to duty of this officer.

Through this tortuous and dangerous course of action, Fg Offr Chinoy not only successfully foiled the attempts of hordes of Pakistani soldiers and civilians to capture him, but also rejoined his squadron to carry out further operational missions against the enemy.

The officer has completed 10 operational sorties on low level strike missions and armed patrols during the current hostilities and has contributed a large extent towards the achievements of his squadron.

Pilot Officer Alex Puthenveede Mammen has been serving as a technical Engineering officer with a fighter Squadron. When the present hostilities started with Pakistan, this officer was faced with a difficult task of maintaining serviceability of the aircraft of his Squadron to the maximum, in spite of shortage of technical manpower, ground equipment and spare parts. Plt Offr Mammen worked many long hours during the critical period and ensured maximum serviceability. This young officer with his zeal, determination and single-minded devotion to duty was a source of inspiration to all the personnel working under him. But for his efforts, the heavy commitment that the Squadron had to face would not have been possible.

Warrant officer Doraiswamy Iyer Ramakrishnan was warrant officer in charge electrical section of a Bomber Squadron. This Warrant Officer true to the best traditions of the Air Force service kept up the serviceability state of the aircraft of his squadron in spite of very heavy odds against the task. Shortage of trained manpower and equipment did not deter him from achieving his end. During the period of operations he ensured that minimum number of aircraft was available for quick turn around for operational missions by rectifying the defects with minimum delay.

His unflinching devotion to duty and tenacity of purpose provided an inspiration of a very high order to all other tradesmen working under him. His efforts went a long way to make the operations a success.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Warrant Officer Bhaskaran Nair was in charge of armament section of a fighter squadron. Operations carried out by the squadron called for a high degree of armament readiness and this warrant Officer rose to the occasion and readily met the incessant and heavy demand made on his section. Working under difficult conditions, by his personal example and selfless service he instilled in his subordinates a sense of responsibility which merit the highest praise. His single minded devotion to the duty and capacity for hard work is in the best traditions of the Air Force.

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.

During the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, the personnel of operational squadrons had to work hard and for much longer periods in order to maintain a high serviceability state of aircraft. Warrant Officer Joshi was the fitter in-charge of the second dispersal area of an operational squadron and was responsible for servicing the aircraft in his charge. He displayed leadership and courage of a high order and inspired the airmen to continue working under very adverse conditions. Because of his presence with the men at all times, day and night, the morale of the men was very high. It was during this period that the airfield was subjected to heavy bombing for several nights continuously. Warrant Officer Joshi's cool and clam nature served to encourage the airmen to stick to their tasks. In spite of the bombing and lack of rest during the nights, Warrant Officer Joshi was seen on duty in the mornings with the aircraft ready for operations.

Flight Sergeant Datla Rambahdra Varma has been incharge of Daily servicing Section of a transport squadron since July, 1963. With very limited resources available at the forward airfield in the Eastern Sector, this SNCO has left no stone unturned to keep the aircraft of his Squadron in the air. During the year 1965, the Squadron carried out 4,000 hours of flying involving various airlift tasks. This effort was in no small measure due to the magnificent efforts put in by Flight Sergeant Varma. At times when the aircraft serviceability of the squadron reached a low ebb, this SNCO in utter disregard to personal comforts pro ceeded to areas in the interior to salvage equipment and spares from crashed aircraft so that the overall aircraft serviceability at base could be improved. His sincere and unflinching devotion to duty and cheerful acceptance of the hazards of working under difficult conditions provided magnificent inspiration to all to other airmen of the Squadron.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Flight Sergeant Kanai Lal Mukerjee was employed in armament section of the Wing headquarters. He was very often called upon to defuse and render bombs and other missile safe. On each such occasion, fully aware of the dangers involved in fusing and de-fusing of armament stores, he cheerfully carried out the tasks assigned to him. In spite of continuous pressure of various commitments at the Wing, he displayed a rare sense of duty and organizing ability and ensured that the turn round time of all aircraft for re-arming was kept to its minimum.

During the present hostilities against Pakistan in September, 1965, Flight Sergeant Amolak Singh was in charge of the Armament Section of bomber squadron. In spite of great handicaps like shortage of trained personnel and equipment, this senior non-commissioned officer displayed great devotion to duty and unique determination in very rapid re-arming and turn-round of his squadron aircraft after every operational mission. Called upon to meet heavy and urgent commitments he always rose to the occasion and successfully met the demands made upon his section for bombing up the aircraft at very short notice. Very often this senior N.C.O worked in utter disregard to personal safety and comfort. His contribution to the operational success of the bomber squadron was of an exceptionally high order. His achievement during the period has been a source inspiration to all other tradesmen working under him.

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.

During the period of recent operations against Pakistan Flight Sergeant Pritam Singh Majhail was in charge of daily servicing section of fighter squadron in a forward base. By his professional skill and untiring devotion to duty, this senior non-commissioned officer was able to maintain the servicing schedule of the aircraft of the squadron in a high pitch. Unmindful of dangers and personal comfort he was always ready to shoulder fresh responsibility so that a maximum number of aircraft could be made available for combat. Success of the operational sorties carried out by the Squadron was in no small measure due to this SNCO's sense of responsibility and capacity for hard work.

Sergeant Brahmi Govindaram was serving with a bomber squadron when the present hostilities started against Pakistan. During the operational period when the workload for the squadron aircraft increased, it became essential to ensure the highest rate of serviceability of aircraft so that no mission was handicapped due to lack of aircraft. To ensure this operational commitment Sgt. Govindaram worked round the clock in spite of the unfavorable conditions prevailing at the forward dispersals. A total of 460 hours were flown by this squadron on operations during this period without engine trouble in any aircraft. This is a great tribute to the efficiency, high sense of duty and responsibility exhibited by this S.N.C.O in maintaining all the ground equipment in perfect working order.

Throughout the operational period Sgt. Govindaram has shown devotion to duty unlimited capacity for hard work and great professional skill.

Sergeant Puran Singh has been working as the non-commissioned officer in charge Daily Servicing Section of a Paratroopers Training School during the recent hostilities with Pakistan the aircraft of this unit were utilized for transport duties. Sergeant Singh worked with utmost devotion and relentless vigor to achieve cent per cent serviceability of the transport aircraft of his unit. The unit carried out all its allotted tasks which was possible due to high serviceability state of aircraft.

Sergeant Puran Singh's willingness to work cheerfully at all time was a source of inspiration to all airmen to work hard under very adverse conditions.

Sergeant Dilip Kumar Mukerjee, F.II.E was on the posted strength of one of the fighter squadrons operating in the western sector when the present conflict with Pakistan started. During this period the operational com mitments of the squadron increased extensively and to ensure cent percent serviceability, he worked on the aircraft ceaselessly for long hours. His zeal, determination and single-minded devotion to duty was a source of inspiration to all airmen. His supervision of the technicians working under him earned him respect from all. But for his efforts, the heavy commitments the squadron was called up to undertake, would not have been possible.

Flight Sergeant Seetharaman Ayyaswamy was posted to one of the fighter squadrons operating in the western sector when the present operations started against Pakistan. At the outbreak of hostilities the squadron was faced with heavy operational commitments and to meet this commitment it was essential that high rate of serviceability of aircraft was maintained. During these critical days Flight Sergeant Ayyaswamy displayed high organizational ability, technical skill and great devotion to duty. He has worked round the clock with complete disregard to personal safety or comfort to ensure serviceability of the aircraft of his squadron. By his untiring efforts and inspiring leadership he has encourage his men to work to the maximum capacity.

Corporal Madayi Puthiyapurayil Jayaram was serving in the Daily Servicing Section of an operational squadron in the western sector when the present hostilities started with Pakistan. To meet the high rate of operational commitments of the squadron it was essential to maintain cent percent serviceability of aircraft in the squadron.

Corporal Jayaram worked 14 hours a day during theses critical days and thus ensured that all aircraft under his charge were kept serviceable.

On 6th September 1965 when Pakistan Air Force raided the airfield, he was servicing an aircraft and in spite of the enemy aircraft diving for straffing runs he did not leave his aircraft until he had made sure that all the switches were put off, thus reducing the fire hazards.

By his devotion to duty in complete disregard to his personal safety he has set a fine example for the rest of his colleagues to follow.

Corporal Kalarickal Kurian Philip was working in a fighter squadron in the western sector when the present hostilities against Pakistan started. At the outbreak of the hostilities was faced with heavy operation commitments and to meet these commitments it was essential that a high rate of serviceability of the aircraft was maintained.

Corporal Philip worked more than 16 hours a day during the critical period and ensured that all aircraft in his charge were kept serviceable. On 6th September, 1965, while he was working on an aircraft in the dispersal area, the airfield was attacked by enemy aircraft. During the raid, in spite of the enemy aircraft diving for a straffing attack Corporal Philip did not leave his own aircraft till he had ensured that all switches had been put off to minimise fire hazards. Through out this period Corporal Philip had shown zeal, determination and single minded devotion to duty which have been a source of inspiration to other airmen.

Corporal Brahmanpalli Kesari Rao was working as a F II A in a Headquarters when the present hostilities started with Pakistan.

On 13th September 1965, enemy aircraft attacked the airfield and damaged a helicopter on the ground. The damage to the aircraft was extensive and it was beyond the unit's capacity to repair it. Since the helicopter had to be flown to base for repairs, orders were issued to "patch repair" the aircraft.

Corporal Rao, along with six other tradesmen, was detailed to carry out the repairs. In the absence of relevant publications and adequate equipment, the task was formidable but Corporal Rao, with his confidence in his professional knowledge undertook the task with great enthusiasm. As the aircraft was parked in the open and the enemy air raids were taking place frequently the task had to be completed under extremely dangerous circumstances.

Corporal Rao had to repair the damages of such vital items as the main rotor blades, cyclic pitch control column and the hydraulic system. He also had to obtain the serviceable spares required for the repairs from another crashed aircraft lying a few miles away.

In spite of all these hazards Corporal Rao displayed cool courage devotion to duty and professional skill of a high order.

Leading Aircraftsman Thanuvan Gopinathan was working as Radar Mechanic with Signals Unit when the present hostilities started with Pakistan.

During the operations leading Aircraftsman Gopinathan worked round the clock to ensure that the Radar sets were always serviceable. His enthusiasm, zeal and confidence in his profession has enabled him to meet the any eventuality which could have caused a technical breakdown.

The complete disregard to personal safety and comfort exhibited by him was a source of inspiration to his colleagues. It was due to his selfless hard work, loyalty and zeal that the radar sets were maintained serviceable throughout the operational period. Even the air raids on the unit did not deter him from carrying out his duty.

Leading Aircraftsman Eanjuneyulu Mallikarjuna had been serving with a helicopter Unit when the present hostilities started with Pakistan.

On 13th September, 1965 the enemy aircraft attacked the airfield and extensively damaged a Mi-4 Helicopter. The extent of damage rendered the aircraft completely unserviceable and under normal conditions the repairs required were beyond the unit's capacity. Instruction were issued to carry out such repairs on the aircraft to enable it to be flown to base for repairs. Leading Aircraftsman Mallikarjuna, along with six other tradesmen was detailed for the task. In the absence of relevant publications and adequate tools the task seemed formidable with confidence in his professional ability he undertook the task and carried out the repairs in the minimum period. The aircraft was parked in the open and during this period, in spite of the danger of air raids without warning he carried out the repairs and has shown a rare sense of devotion to duty, loyalty and professional skill.

Aircraftsman Sikandar Gulab Kulkarni was working with a Signals Unit when the present hostilities started with Pakistan.

On 20th September, 1965 he was on duty as radar tube observer. The tube was full of clutters due to the sky being overcast. The radar scope was clear only in very small patches and in spite of cluttering and disturbances, he was able to pick up a track leading towards his unit. Aircraftsman Kulkarni gave the correct direction and strength of enemy aircraft approaching the unit. As soon as the track faded from the tube he rushed to the 20mm gun mounted in the unit for air defence and took position and fired at the enemy aircraft when they were sighted. The enemy aircraft were driven away by ground fire.

The timely warning given by Aircraftsman Kulkarni was responsible for defensive action taken by the unit which saved the unit from major damage.

Sepoy Pritam Singh, a member of the Defence Security Corps was one of those entrusted with ground defence and security of an airfield in Punjab during the hostilities with Pakistan. When news was received about dropping of Pakistani paratroops near his airfield on 7th September, 1965, many a time, he entered maize fields at great personal risk and helped in capturing three Pakistani paratroops near Rajoana. He also recovered considerable quantities of arms and ammunition from the adjoining fields dropped by Pakistani aircraft along with paratroops.

On 8th September, 1965, this unit was under attack by enemy paratroops, he showed exemplary courage and, unmindful of personal risks, moved from one guard post to another in aid of his colleagues and fired light machineguns from security jeeps to keep the paratroopers away from the main perimeter fencing. Because of his night-long vigil, single-minded determination and offensive spirit, the attempts of the enemy to break into the airfield defences, were foiled and our aircraft and airfield installations escaped damage.

Squadron Leader Dewki Nandan Sharma is the Senior Armament officer at a forward operational Wing. During the recent hostilities when bombing and straffing were being carried out by the enemy, Squadron Leader Dewki Nandan Sharma, without any regard for his personal safety, moved from one location to another to feed ack. ack. guns, with the required ammunition and other stores, when the actual raid was in progress. Further, this officer without the help of any other officer, planned, coordinated, supervised and executed the missile preparation of the explosive stores required for various types of aircraft, practically for a period of 22 days non-stop. The task was carried out cheerfully with extraordinary zeal, which boosted the morale of his subordinates.

Squadron Leader D.N. Sharma, even during the actual raid, without any regard for personal safety, moved around the airfield installations to locate the un-exploded bombs and missiles and to effect immediate clearance to facilitate resumption of operational sorties.

Squadron Leader John Albert Ratnam Balraj the Commanding officer of an operational squadron carried out sixteen operational sorties out of which eight were low level tactical missions over enemy territory. During these missions he operated at the extreme limits of aircraft's radius of action, very often under enemy Ack. Ack. and light machine gun fire. In addition, he flew eight combat air patrols over his base, operating under difficult conditions. Squa dron Leader Balraj exhibited excellent flying sill and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron leader Tinnam Narayan Ventkataraman has been in the command of a Repair and Salvage Unit since March, 1964. During the operations against Pakistan it was his responsibility to deploy repair parties, equipment and material to all wings and stations under Headquarters Western Air Command to undertake Cat 'A', Cat 'AC', and Cat 'B' patch repairs of aircraft damaged due to enemy action and flying accidents. The resources at his disposal although augmented somewhat for the operations, were by no means adequate. From these he organized parties for all wings constantly shifting personnel and equipment according to requirements. He visited every station to ensure that repair work was progressing satisfactorily. On many occasions he personally directed and supervised more difficult jobs these demanded tremendous resourcefulness and an untiring effort. His devotion to duty and courage was of such a high order that he always rushed to the place where his services were most required thus inspiring his men to efforts beyond the call of normal duty. The fact that in all his busy days, he never neglected the welfare of his men is further evidence of the outstanding manner in which he acquitted himself as their Commanding Officer. He kept his men constantly informed regarding the well being of their families thus relieving them of worries than can be natural under such circumstances.

The average repair time of damaged aircraft during operations was half a day, an out standing achievement by all standards, Squadron Leader Venkataraman's professional skill, ingenuity, leadership and above all his concern for the welfare of his men were mainly responsible for this outstanding achievement.

To meet the requirements of the training establishments and operational units, one of our Base Repair Depots has continually been

called upon to increase the output of Vampire aircraft. By the end of 1964, this Depot was able to turn out only a few aircraft a month. As this was still not meeting the requirements revised plans to step up production were drawn up.

In April, 1965, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh was posted in and was made Officer In charge Vampire Reconditioning Section. Immediate after he took over, it became apparent that this officer had the capacity to analyse and efficiently handle organizational problems connected with production activity. The impact of his taking over was soon felt as this officer so arranged the section that with the same man power ground equipment, tools and resources a sustained output of about twice the number of aircraft per moth was achieved in a short time.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan everyone was called upon for a still bigger effort. Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh willingly accepted this additional challenge and by setting personal example for hard work and devotion to duty was responsible for producing a record number of aircraft in the month of September, 1965; a spectacular performance when compared with recent past.

Squadron leader Iqbal Singh has excellent organizing capability and a practical mind backed with sound professional skill. By his performance over a period of six months, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

The Gnat aircraft of the Indian Air Force, most of which were based at one of our forward Wings, were prone to unserviceability of serious as well as petty nature. Even petty unserviceability in most cases involved thorough examination of the entire system in the aircraft. The result - very low serviceability.

To ensure a reasonable serviceability state and better utilization of the Gnats, Squadron Leader Indrakanty Gopala Krishna was attached to the Gnat Wing immediately prior to the commencement of recent hostilities. He was entrusted with the day to day servicing and rectification of not only the Gnats but also a few Hunter aircraft based there. There was heavy demand of the Gnat aircraft for use in the front line airfield like Pathankot, Adampur and Halwara. Quite often detachments had to be sent out with a nucleus of ground equipment and technical personnel to the new bases of operation which meant a reduction in the number of trained personnel at the home base. Added to this difficulty was the constant threat of Pakistani aircraft and paratroopers. Throughout the period of operations Squadron Leader Krishna worked hard himself and achieved a very high state of serviceability. His own professional knowledge, skill and organizing ability were such that they enthused the technical personnel on the station to better effort. Krishna did not spare any effort himself wherever his services were required during the day or night and maintained close liaison with the pilots of Gnat squadrons in order to learn of the problems of un-serviceability that were arising frequently and finding solutions for them. He created thereby a sense of confidence in the pilots about the reliability of this aircraft in combat.

Squadron Leader Nivarthi Chittaranjan was the Chief Technical Officer of a forward operational wing, when hostilities broke out with Pakistan. This base was the primary target of the Pakistan Air Force, throughout the period of hostilities.

During the period Squadron Leader Chittaranjan worked ceaselessly for 16 to 18 hours a day personally undertaking maintenance and servicing requirements. He was a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who worked with him, which resulted in maximum air effort being maintained in air defence and in support of our army.

On 6th September, 1965, there was a heavy air attack on this base by Pakistan Air Force which resulted in damage to some of our aircraft. At this time the full complement of the repair and salvage unit party had not arrived and Squadron Leader Chittaranjan had to fall mainly on his station resources of manpower, equipment and material to undertake the repair of these aircraft. He worked for nearly 48 hours without any rest and completed the repairs of these aircraft in a record time of just two days. Again on 9th September, 1965 when the Indian Oil Company fuel pumping equipment was suddenly rendered unserviceable due to a breakdown in the electric supply by a direct hit from an enemy aircraft, personal initiative and drive of this officer came to the fore. He immediately realized that to wait for the repair to the electrical supply and the pumping installation to be carried out through normal channels would be disastrous for our air operations. He at once organized hand pumping to fill up his refuellers as a stopgap arrangement. He procured a 25 KVA generating set from a local Army unit and put the pumping equipment in commission by some ingenious improvisations. The normal operation of the pumping equipment was thus completely restored in about 12 hours thereby ensuring uninterrupted refueling arrange ments. Both these achievements were outstanding and their fulfillment was most vital in the interest of air operations from this air base.

Had it not been for the professional skill, ingenuity, initiative and leadership displayed by this Officer, throughout the operations and particularly on the two occasions mentioned above, the availability of our aircraft for operations against the enemy would have been adversely affected. By his personal example and inspiring leadership, accepting almost impossible tasks cheerfully, this officer was a tower of strength to the technicians working under him. His work and efforts have been in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron leader Nori Seetarama Sastry has been Chief Technical Officer of an operational Wing since 21 September, 1964. During his tenure as Chief Technical Officer of the Wing his professional skill, initiative and ingenuity have been largely responsible for the mobilization and optimum utilization of the technical resources of his station. During the recent operations against Pakistan, Squadron Leader Sastry, in spite of repeated air attacks on his airfields, had maintained a very high rate of serviceability of the fleet of Alouette helicopters and Auster aircraft and completed repairs to aircraft and helicopters damaged due to enemy action or flying accident in record time. He also maintained a very high rate of serviceability of the common user and specialist vehicles thus enabling proper conduct of operations from his base.

The extensive repair work carried out on two Alouette III helicopters under his personal supervision and guidance deserves special mention. One of these helicopters had force landed on 28th May, 1965 on a helipad at an altitude of 14,500 feet. He realized the difficulties and limitations of airlifting heavy equipment and material required for this repair work to a helipad at such a high altitude. He planned his work and requirements of equipment with such thoroughness that minimum equipment and material had to be airlifted to enable the helicopter to be flown to base. He took just two additional airmen with him and yet was able to complete the work in a record time under two days. This achievement is outstanding particularly in view of the great discomfort felt by the repair party on account of cold, height and lack of proper shelter. Had it not been for Squadron Leader Sastry's exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and leadership it would not have been possible to retrieve this helicopter.

Another example of Squadron Leader Sastry's exceptional ability was evidenced when he organised and supervised the repair work on the second Alouette helicopter. This helicopter was categorized as cat 'B' as a result of an accident on 21st July, 1965. Apart from the extensive metal repairs, it involved replacement of about 60 per cent of the major assemblies and their installation checks and subsequent intricate adjustments. Squadron leader Sastry had to design and fabricate some fixtures and templates required for the job. Undaunted by the risks which he had to face during repeated air attacks by Pakistani aircraft, he continued and completed the work. The helicopter was subsequently air tested by a production test pilot and passed all approved tests required for such a major work and changes of assemblies. It was Squadron Leader Sastry's ingenuity and initiative that made this repair possible although the work involved was not within his purview.

The operation of AN-12 aircraft was adversely affected during May-June, 1965 due to non-availability of aircraft accumulators. On finding that inordinate delay was likely in procuring new accumulators from Russia, Squadron Leader Jagdish Mitter Kaushal approached Air stores Park and collected more than hundred Cat 'E' accumulators which had sustained various types of damage during transit between Russia and India. Through hard work and ingenuity, he repaired about 90 per cent of the total number of these accumulators and after a thorough test put them into use. Their actual operation indicated that these accumulators were giving as good a service as the new ones. By his determination and initiative of high order, Squadron Leader Kaushal not only saved equipment worth a large amount in foreign exchange, but made a most significant contribution towards the maintenance of a high rate of aircraft serviceability.

On the night of 15 Sep 65, an aircraft crashed while taking off. The aircraft was carrying a full bomb-load of explosive bombs and caught fire on impact with an obstruction. The fire spread rapidly and threatened two AN-12 aircraft parked on the southern edge of the apron. Squadron leader Kaushal who was the Duty Engineering Officer immediately organised the evacuation of these aircraft with complete disregard to personal danger. Before long both the aircraft were towed away to a safe area. In doing so this officer exhibited exceptional devotion to duty in the face of risk to his own life.

Flight Lieutenant Kunwar Yogendra Singh posted to a Signals Unit, was charged with the responsibility of controlling a section of Gnat aircraft of an operational squadron on the 3rd September, 1965. While the section of Gnat aircraft was giving cover to another section of Mysteres engaged in close support to the Army, Flight Lieutenant K.Y Singh broadcast information accurately regarding all movement of aircraft approaching the sector in which the Gnats and Mysteres were operating and when the enemy aircraft reached the sector he deftly positioned the section of Gnats in such a manner that it was possible to achieve the first ever kill of a Pakistani F-86 Sabre Jet by a Gnat which, as it is known was piloted by Squadron Leader T. Keeler. Flight Lieutenant KY Singh was also responsible for many more successful intercept ions on the 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th September, 1965. On more than three such occasions he was in the control cabin giving broadcast control to own aircraft even though his Unit was under attack by enemy aircraft. Such coolness of head and unflinching dedication to the work on hand was possible because the officer possessed a thorough knowledge of his primary tasks and of the performance of the various aircraft he was controlling.

Flight Lieutenant KY Singh displayed a great amount of keenness and as at the operations room continuously without taking any rest especially on the first two days. He displayed a high sense of duty and resourcefulness.

Master Warrant Officer John Anthony George is a talented musician and a graduate of Military School of Music, who has been actively associated with formation of Air Force bands right from their inception. This Master Warrant Officer, all through his career as a musician, has displayed great enthusiasm, zeal and devotion to duty of a very high order. He has distinguished himself as a composer of martial tunes for military bands and his contribution towards the overall improvement of standard of music and bands has been magnificent. The tunes composed by Master Warrant Officer George have been accepted for the bands of the defence Services. Earlier, for is professional efficiency, this Master Warrant Officer received commendations by the Chief of the Air Staff.

When the proposal for accelerated training to increase the establishment of the bands was undertaken, this Master warrant Officer rose to the occasion and was mainly responsible for the advanced training of the newly passed out musicians and the development of the Indian Air Force bands. He has at all times personally undertaken all important assignments and has inspired great confidence among the bandsmen placed under his charge.

This master warrant Officer has displayed exceptional professional skill, loyalty and devotion to duty of a very high order, which is in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the recent operations, Sergeant Om Prakash Midha of repair and salvage unit was associated with the repairs of aircraft at forward airfield. Till the arrival of the officer commanding on 10th September, 1965, this Senor Non-commissioned officer was placed in charge of the repair party. He rose to the occasion and shouldered the responsibility with exceptional skill and resourcefulness. He displayed high professional skill and ingenuity. The repair work carried out under his guidance and supervision was of the highest standard and was done in record time thus ensuring maximum serviceability.

A large number of Cat 'AC' repairs were carried out by the repair and salvage unit party at this forward base during the operations. For some unavoidable reasons, the full complement of the repair and salvage unit party and the officer-in-charge could not be positioned till 10th September, 1965 and the bulk of repair responsibility had fallen on the shoulders of Sergeant Midha. His task was by no means easy since the base was being subjected to repeated attacks and the enemy had dropped paratroops nearby to set an naught the full working capacity of this air base. The base had to observe complete blackout at night, thereby making the repair work still more difficult. But all these handicaps did not dampen the spirit of Sergeant Midha in carrying out his tasks with single minded devotion and with a spirit dedication. The organizing ability, drive and great devotion to duty in the face of personal hardship and risk, shown by this senior non-commissioned officer have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.