Wing Commander Bangalore Madhavaraya Umberkoman (2662) (Retired) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1943, in the Accounts Branch. During his career he has held important appointments such as Assistant Director Pay, Pensions & Regulations, Command Accounts Officer and Deputy Director Accounts. During his service career he has attended many courses including Equipment Accounts Course and Defence Services Staff College Course. From March 1964 to January 1968 when he retired from the Indian Air Force he was Honorary Secretary Indian Air Force Benevolent Association, the job in which he has continued in paid capacity after his retirement.

Wing Commander Umberkoman possesses professional knowledge of a very high standard which he effectively used as Secretary of Indian Air Force Benevolent Association. During his Secretaryship of the Association for the last five years, he has been instrumental in implementing various new schemes such as Family Assistance Scheme (Officers), Family Assistance Scheme (Airmen) and Instrumental Agent of the LIC. The funds of the Association grew three-fold during his tenure. In planning, organisation and supervision he has displayed dynamism and drive. He has worked with determination to alleviate the hardship of serving and retired personnel and their dependents. Of a genial temperament and urbane manners he has devoted himself to the task of welfare in Air Force with a missionary zeal. He possesses keen business acumen and is knowledgeable about sound investment ventures.

Wing Commander Umberkoman has displayed loyalty, outstanding devotion to duty and a capacity for continued hard work throughout his career in the Air Force.

Wing Commander Varada Kagendra Sundara Rao, while commanding a forward Air Storage Park has brought up the unit to successfully achieve the role assigned to it in a remarkable manner. During this period, he surmounted tremendous difficulties by the ingenuity of his professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty. With utter disregard to his personal discomfort he has devoted himself to the task with great zeal, tremendous capacity for work and superior organising ability. He has achieved remarkable success even in other appointments. He has rendered invaluable service of a very high order.

Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Lakhanpal possess missionary zeal and matchless sense of duty. While serving at an Air Storage Park in the Eastern Sector he dedicated himself to the problems of a gigantic magnitude facing the unit. By his constant hard work and devotion to duty he was able to resolve these problems during the tense period of stress and strain. His contribution to the work in an exemplary manner under difficult circumst ances singles him out. He has rendered invaluable service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Lakhanpal with his devotion to duty and exemplary manner has set an example for others to follow.

A chain of radar stations was planned to be set up with United States assistance for the air defence of the country. In September 1965, U. S. assistance was withdrawn. Consequently Indian Air Force was obliged to take up the installation of the radar chain without any technical assistance. Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran was posted as commanding officer of an installation unit entrusted with the responsibility of installing three radar stations.

The equipment to be installed was an extremely complex one incorporating some highly advanced techniques. None of our technicians had any experience in installing or maintaining this equipment. The task involved marrying a variety of diverse equipment like Search Radar, Height Finder Radar, display systems, communication systems etc. In addition, the task was made more complicated in the absence of all the installation equipment. Hence the problems posed were indeed formidable.

Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran took up this challenge and completed the task of installation and calibration of three stations, proved the installations and handed them over as working stations to the respective units which are now operational. During installation, he had to refer to numerous drawings and publications and ensure that the installations were up to the expected standard. Wherever items were deficient or unserviceable careful market study was carried out under the guidance and appropriate repair agencies and suppliers of in lieu items were located. Thus the installation programme progressed without delay. The task was completed within the planned schedule satisfactorily, economically and without any mishap whatsoever.

By his superior organising ability and able leadership, he welded his installation unit into a highly competent and dedicated team. Wing Commander Chandramowleswaran's contribution to the installation of these vital air defence radar stations constitutes distinguished service of high order.

Wing Commander Erasseri Pathayapura Radhakrishnan Nair has been in the Command of the Navigation and Signals School since November, 1966. Prior to this posting, he had held a variety of important appointments. In the performance of these duties he has shown commendable initiative and exceptional ability as an instruction and administrator.

During the period of his command, he had to face enormous problems connected with training, maintenance and administration. In accordance with the reorganised post emergency training plans Navigation and Signals School was to re-form at Begumpet as an independent unit in January, 1968. When the proposed move was made known towards the end of 1967, there were two ab-initio Navigators Courses, one Signallers (Air) Course and one Navigation Instructors Course under training at their school. The Navigators and Signallers (Air) Courses had to be completed in December, 1967 if the planned flow of aircrew to operational squadrons were to be maintained. This task was admirably completed by the Navigation and Signals School. To accomplish this, while the preparations for the move were in progress, demanded an organising ability of the highest order. By this inspiring leadership, man management and exampleable, Wing Commander Nair was able to obtain willing cooperation from his instructional and maintenance staff. The move was completed in a very organised and orderly manner and the courses commenced training at the new location within ten days of the move, which speaks of his administrative ability.

Often, the low serviceability state of the limited class room aircraft had given the school cause for anxiety. During these occasions, Wing Commander Nair had shown utmost patience untiring zeal, initiative and tactfulness of high order which made it possible to maintain the enthusiasm and confidence of the staff.

This officer has also distinguished himself professionally as a navigator on transport aircraft and as an instructor. Currently he holds a transport "A" category and a "A-2" instructor's category.

Throughout the tenure as the Commanding Officer of the Navigation and Signals School. Wing Commander Errasseri Pathayapura Radhakrishnan Nair has displayed organising ability, dedication to duty, professional superiority and resourcefulness of a high order.

Highly complex high power radar stations were provided to the Air Force under U.S. Aid Scheme. These stations had to be planned, installed and operated after September, 1965 by the Air Force without any technical assistance. Wing Commander Warty was appointed as the Commanding Officer of an installation of a few of these stations.

Each radar installation was extremely complicated involving highly advanced tech- niques. The officers and the technicians of the unit had little or no experience either in the installations or maintenance of this equipment. Many components of the equipment each complex in itself, had to be integrated into complete system. Unserviceable items of equipment had to be serviced and indigenous substitutes had to be found for efficient items. Thus erection and operation of the radar stations presented a formidable task.

Wing Commander Warty undertook this challenging task in an extremely able manner and completed the installation and calibration of the radar stations allotted to him. He had to prove each installation and hand them over as a turn key project to the respective units, which, thereafter had only to carry out routine operation and maintenance. During the process of installation, operation and calibration, Wing Commander Warty had to refer to innumerable complicated diagrams, publications and test schedules in order to ensure that the installations came up to the expected standards. New methods of erection, especially of heavy equipment, had to be evolved. A careful market study had to be done in order to procure indigenous installation material. Apart from all this the installations had to be progressed expeditiously to a very tight time schedule which involved completion of installation and calibration of each station within a short period of four to six months.

Wing Commander Warty completed the installation of the stations allotted to him in the most satisfactory and economical manner. He had shown superior organising ability and able leadership. He was able to infuse a high degree of enthusiasm and dedication to the tasks in his officers and men. He welded officers and other ranks of different branches and trades into highly complicated task entrusted to him. His contribution to planning, installation and operation of these vital radar stations represents a distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the tenure as Command Met Officer, he has enhanced the efficiency of meteorological facilities for the optimum operational flying by sheer initiative and enthusiasm. By arranging continuous Met Training and high lighting effects on flying of seasonal weather hazards through periodic circular, he has made the aircrew more weather conscious. He has spared no efforts to ensure that Met Sections situated at remote corners function at the highest efficiency. The officer's forecasting abilities are of a high order. During last two years, Headquarters Western Air Command organised several exercised and fly pasts involving a large number of aircraft. The officer's forecasts in marginal weather conditions were found to be very accurate and extremely useful for carrying out the exercises with safety. During the last twenty five years of active forecasting the officer has developed a deep insight into the ways of weather.

Throughout his service career, the officer has put in very hard work, and willingly met exacting commitments very creditably, in spite of limited staff and facilities. As a Met Officer at various operational Wings, without caring for his personal comforts, this officer worked long hours for several days at a time to cope with the heavy burden. With the cooperation of aircrews he was responsible for planning nearly 300 Met Reconnaissance flights. These have yielded unique and very valuable high level data and have attracted world-wide attention. He identified himself with the aircrews by flying with them whenever possible and by personal interest in their problems and flight safety. As the first Command Met Officer of HQ Training Command, he was responsible for organising Met Training and Met facilities for flying training for aircrews and Met Officers and men, when the Emergency training plan was at its peak strength. Through standardization of Met précis, training aids and frequent inspections of all training Unit he ensured a high standard of Met training and Met facilities.

The officers has flown over 300 hours in various types of aircraft including an eleven hour marathon chase of a severe cyclonic storm in a research aircraft. He has represented India in International Meteorological Seminar and Expedition.

The superb manner in which Wing Commander Deshpande shouldered the great responsibilities in providing excellent meteorological facilities for optimum operational efforts and succeeded in gaining the confidence of aircrew by his accurate predications is in the best and highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Parduman Kumar Jain, the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at one of the Air Force Wings, has discharged his responsibilities with exceptional resourcefulness and outstanding devotion to duty. He has been a pioneer in the establishment of the Ground Control Approach system and other Radio/Radar Communications which are so vital to the safety of aircraft operating in the Kashmir valley. Despite tremendous shortcomings, extremely inclement weather conditions and various other privations, he has stood up to all such difficulties without regard to his personal comfort or rest. By his personal example and determination to fulfill the tasks allotted to him, he has proved himself to be an outstanding Air Traffic Operations Officer.

This officer even as early in 1962, during his tenure in operational area has displayed the same quality of setting an excellent example to others and also devotion to duty under trying circumstances. The efforts and work of Sqn. Ldr. Jain have repeatedly been recognised by Civil and other Governmental agencies. For example Indian Airlines Corporation have expressed in writing their appreciations for his outstanding work.

Squadron Leader Parduman Kumar Jain is an officer who has consistently maintained an exceptionally high standard in his work in the interest of the Service.

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 15th May 1943. During his 25 years of unblemished service record as a Clk G.D. he has with distinction served in numerous appointments in the various formations of the Air Force, the noteable amongst them are Assistant Adjutant at Air Force Station Tambaram, O i/c P-3 Headquarters Maintenance Command, Org IV in Headquarters Training Command, M.W.O I/c Personnel-I Headquarters Western Air Command, in which appointment he is serving at present. He has also to his credit an unusually long tenure of two years and 3 months at a Tactical Air Centre, which he most cheerfully completed in spite of the adverse and exacting climatic conditions.

All through his 25 years of service, Master Warrant Officer Narayanan has worked with commendable energy and perseverance, setting a very high standard of efficiency as a Clk G.D. A M.W.O. of outstanding ability who by his unflagging zeal, helpful spirit understanding and integrity has set a fine example to the airmen working under him. By unremitting care and energizing his men to the utmost effort he has always ensured a very high standard of efficiency. In his long years of service he has never spared himself or those placed under him in a determined effort to fulfill the task entrusted to him.

M.W.O. Narayanan's skill and effort as a Clk G.D., his administrative ability, energy, drive and devotion to duty have always been a source of inspiration to the airmen working under him.

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Sergeant Mahesh Nath Bhan has been serving with an Operational Squadron for the last seven years. During his stay in this Squadron he has been responsible for the servicing of all ranges of ground equipment required for the aircraft in use. His thorough knowledge and high technical skill has resulted in achieving enviable serviceability of 100%. Thus, his sustained efforts have been instrumental in enabling the Squadron to achieve a high state of operational readiness.

Despite his personal discomfort and handicapped by low medical category, Sgt. Bhan has put in sustained hard work to keep the Squadron always operationally ready. In this he has displayed vast organising ability. He has technical skill, unfaultering devotion to duty and tremendous capacity for hard work. He has rendered invaluable service and has been a source of inspiration to his other colleagues in the Squadron.

Sergeant Syed Muniruddin has been associated with Canberra Squadrons for over a decade. During this period he has been concerned with first and second line servicing of all ranges of armament equipment fitted in this aircraft meant for various roles. He has been instrumental in carrying out almost all modifications introduced by the IAF in this aircraft concerning armament. He has made significant contribution towards the introduction of a release unit which was subsequently used in other aircraft as well with slight modifications. He is a versatile worker, having extreme resourcefulness and devotion to duty. His missionary zeal for work and high standard of discipline has set an excellent example to all men in this Squadron. Sgt. Muniruddin has rendered invaluable service of a distinguished order.

215745 Corporal Mukkanamcheril Varkey Joseph Wireless Operator Mechanic (I) was a member of the helicopter ground crew which took part in the flood relief operations carried out by the Indian Air Force in Gujarat State during August, 1968.

Corporal M.V. Joseph has a thorough knowledge of wireless and radar equipment installed in the aircraft and their lay-out. During the operations, Corporal M.V. Joseph, because of his thorough knowledge, was able to detect and rectify quickly even complicated snags. After finishing the job pertaining to his trade, Corporal M.V. Joseph always volunteered and gave a helping hand in loading the helicopters replenishing fuel and oil and cleaning the aircraft though these jobs do not pertain to his trade and though this entailed his working from early morning to late into the nights. He thus helped his colleagues in reducing the turn around time of the helicopters to the minimum. In keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, Corporal M.V. Joseph displayed an exemplary devotion to duty throughout the operations.

218931 Corporal Vettukuzhyil Scaria Chacko Scaria Fitter Mechanical Transport was posted to one of the Air Force Signals Units on 9th April, 1967. He was among the first of the unit personnel to reach and stay at the remote technical site, where even basic amenities were scantly. His tasks included moving the very heavy and bulky power house equipment over long distance on difficult terrain, custody of these equipment and supervision of installation and check-out of the equipment. Lack of communication and other logistic facilities at the site as well as difficulties with the contractors rendered the task doubly difficult. Despite these difficulties, Corporal Scaria plunged into his task with great confidence, zeal and technical skill and working in close liaison with M.E.S. and contractors helped in the successful completion of the task in good time.

After installation, Corporal Scaria successfully trained other mechanics of the unit in the operation and maintenance of the complex power generating equipment. The various problems of maintenance were tackled successfully under his guidance. He has been a tower of strength to his colleagues.

His cheerful disposition and willingness to tackle all problems and the tremendous confidence he inspires, is in the best traditions of service. The responsibility he has shouldered has been much beyond the call of duty. He has set up good example of technical skill of high order and devotion to duty.