During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Winston Rabinder Sanjeeva Rao (10191) was attached to a Brigade in the Rajasthan area for duties as a forward Air Controller in the Air Contact Team of the Brigade. The duty of an Air Contact Team requires its members to position themselves at vantage points in the battle zones, from where they can see enemy targets, and to guide the pilots of attacking aircraft on to the desired targets by radio. On the 5th December, 1971, a platoon patrol of the Army came under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. A company of troops was rushed to help the patrol, and Flight Lieutenant Rao was detailed to accompany them. He rushed to the area on a camel and took up a position on a dominating sand dune, exposed to enemy fire, from where he could direct our aircraft on to the enemy positions. Again on the 7th December, 1971, a company of the Army was under heavy enemy fire at Saidan and asked for an air strike to take place at 1715 hours. Flight Lieutenant Rao volunteered to proceed to the spot to carry out FAC duties, although he knew that Saidan was 52 kilometers away across the desert, including 12 kilometers through enemy territory, and that it was already 1200 hours. He succeeded in reaching the road head at 1400 hours and then having organised a patrol led it himself, carrying his radio set along with him on a camel. He succeeded in reaching Saidan well in time to direct the air strike very successfully and returned to the Battalion Headquarter on the 11th December, 1971. On the 14th December, 1971, at about 1000 hrs, the Saidan defended position was surrounded by an enemy battalion, and by 1400 hours it came under heavy enemy pressure. Once more, Flight Lieutenant Rao volunteered to go to the area to dire strike aircraft against the besieging enemy troops. He left the Battalion Headquarters in a jeep with his radio set and after linking with a patrol from one of the companies, managed to get through to the surrounded Saidan position. The enemy attack was beaten back, but during the night, they built up again for another attack. An air strike was called for at 0830 hours on 15th December 1971, and this was excellently directed by Flight Lieutenant Rao as a result of which the enemy was forced to withdraw having suffered heavy casualties in men and equipment.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Winston Rabinder Sanjeeva Rao displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron. On 4th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two on a tactical reconnaissance mission in Naya ChorUmarkot-Dhornaro area. Near Chor he observed enemy vehicle convoys moving towards Dhornaro Railway Station. He immediately went in for a front gun attack and scored direct hits on the vehicles. This mission then flew directly over Dhornaro Railway Station and once again he spotted a goods train being unloaded. He attacked the train despite concentrated ground fire and caused considerable damage. He pressed on with his third attack, but while pulling up his aircraft was hit and damaged by ground fire. He brought the damaged aircraft under control and headed for base, which was about 100 miles. Under compelling circumstances, he abandoned the aircraft. In this operation, he made the supreme sacrifice.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte displayed gallantry and determination of a high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Donald Lazarus was serving with a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On 22nd November 1971, Flying Officer Lazarus was detailed to fly as No. 4 in a formation of four Gnat aircraft. The formation was ordered to intercept four hostile aircraft which had intruded into our territory. The formation leader maneuvered the formation to an advantageous position and engaged the introducing Sabre Jets. In the ensuing air Battle, Flying Officer Lazarus maintained his stations as number four ensuring the safety of his element leader. At one stage, when Flying Officer Lazarus noticed that one of the Sabre Jet was becoming a threat to his element leader, he maneuvered his own air craft with great skill and got behind the Sabre Jet and pressed home his attack till the Sabre Jet disintegrated in the mid air.

In this action, Flying Officer Donald Lazarus displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadrons. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a dusk strike mission over an enemy airfield. In spite of poor visibility over the target, he successfully carried out the attack and destroyed one blast pen. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two in a strike mission over an enemy Signals Unit. He attacked the Radar Unit and caused such extensive damage that the Radar Station never came on the air throughout the operations. In this operation he made the supreme sacrifice.

In this action, Flying Officer Kishan Lakhimal Malkani displayed gallantry, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya was serving with Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He carried out two counter air day missions to enemy airfields and destroyed a heavy transport aircraft on the ground and also caused extensive damage to permanent airfield installation in the face of heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Ballachandra Chengapa Karumbaya displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the Operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian was serving as a pilot with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On 4th and 5th December 1971 he flew deep day penetration operational missions to enemy airfield and successfully damaged enemy airfield on ground and other airfield installations despite heavy ground fire.

In this action, Flying Officer Shankarnarayanan Balasubramanian displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Bartan Ramesh was serving with a Helicopter Unit. He carried out forty-five successful operational missions, some of which were in the heart of the battle area. During two of these missions he, with complete disregard to his personal safety, evacuated Army Battle casualties from forward Helipads in the Uri Sector in the face of constant shellings by the enemy.

Throughout, Flying Officer Bartan Ramesh displayed gallantry, professional skill and, devotion to duty of high order.

On 4th December 1971, Flying Officer Harish Masand was No. 3 in a 3 aircraft strike mission for attacking an enemy airfield. Just short of the target the formation was intercepted by two Pakistan Air Force Sabre aircraft. In the ensuing dogfight, he shot down one Sabre aircraft. He also undertook a number of Fighter Reconnaissance missions in the enemy territory and completed the tasks assigned to him.

Throughout, Flying Officer Harish Masand displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of high order.

During the operation against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat as a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, flew several operational missions against the enemy. On the 5th December he carried out a strike in Kathua sector and destroyed a bridge. On the 7th December, while on a close support mission, he des troyed a number of enemy tanks. During one of his missions his aircraft was badly hit by enemy ground fire but he remained calm and cool and brought the aircraft back safely. On the 9th December 1971, he was number two in a two aircraft formation when the formation was attacked by six enemy Mirages. He kept a good look around and gave full cover to and support to his leader. Even though 12 Air to Air missiles were fired at them by the enemy aircraft. The formation safely returned to base. On the 10th December while on a close air support mission in Chhamb sector he saw his leader being hit by ground fire and crashing but he remained unperturbed and pressed home his attack on the enemy concentration causing heavy damage.

Throughout, Flying Officer Jai Singh Gahalawat displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971 as a pilot in a Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Flying Officer Mohan Dikshit flew several sorties. He flew as a wingman on a strike mission and damaged a bridge in spite of heavy enemy defence. In the Pathankot sector he damaged four marshalling yards and the canal headworks. While on a close air support mission he destroyed few gun positions in the Chhamb area.

Throughout, Flying Officer Mohan Dikshit displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flying Officer Sukhdev Singh Dhillon flew as a pilot in a Helicopter unit and single-handed evacuated 87 battle casualties from the most difficult and hazardous terrain of Kargil sector in complete disregard to his personal safety. He carried out these evacuation missions in the face of heavy ground and air opposition.

Throughout, Flying Officer Sukhdev Singh Dhillon displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Parminder Paul Singh Kawatra (11383) was attached to a fighter squadron. He flew several missions including three as mission leader in Poonch, Uri, Tithwal and Kargil sectors. Despite limited experience on type he successfully completed all his missions. On the 15th and 16th December, 1971, while engaged in attacks at the enemy posts his aircraft engines flamed out but he continued the attack after relighting the engines. On the 15th December, 1971, during an enemy air raid on one of our airfields, the camouflage net covering a blast pen caught fire. He rushed to the spot and put off the fire despite the fact that enemy aircraft were still over head.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Parminder Paul Singh Kawatra displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Satish Chandra Sharma was attached to a Brigade in the Eastern Sector for duties as a Forward Air Controller in the Air Contact Team of the Brigade. On the 7th December, 1971, Flying Officer Sharma was detailed to accompany a Company which was airlifted by helicopter to a site behind the enemy occupied area at Sylhet. He landed at the helipad at 1700 hours with a small party and signal sets, under heavy enemy fire. He immediately took control fo the situation and brought his men safely to vantage point from where he directed the incoming helicopters sorties to strike enemy postions at the branch on river Surma and enemy Headquarters at Circuit House. This strike was so effective that the enemy did not fire for quite sometime. The enemy resumed its fire pressure at the subsequent landings on the morning of 8th December 1971. Flying Officer Sharma again went to a vantage point under heavy enemy shelling and successfully directed our bombers on the enemy positions and targets. These strikes were so accurate that the enemy firing ceased immediately. On the night of 8th/9th December, 1971, the enemy occupied positions around two of our forward block companies and engaged then with heavy MMG and mortar fire. Flying Officer Sharma again went to a vantage point and effectively directed our air strike. Undeterred by the enemy fire all around him, he led his escort party towards the forward company location. Enroute, he encountered a small enemy patrol, who fired at his party from a nearby grove. Though unfamiliar with infantry tactics, Flying Officer Sharma ordered his small party to attack the enemy, and personally led the charge on the enemy patrol. This spontaneous and swift action resulted in the death of two enemy personnel. Flying Officer Sharma and his party moved forward with confidence and reached a suitable vantage point close to the forward block company. From that position, he directed air attacks on the enemy occupied area. The air strikes were so accurate and effective that they disorganized enemy’s preparation for a possible attack on the forward block company.

Throughout, Flying Officer Satish Chandra Sharma displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Lieutenant Arun Prakash was on deputation to IAF. On the 4th Dec, 71, he led an IAF strike mission to an enemy airfield. In the mission he destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft on ground and returned to base. On the 5th Dec 71, he led a deep strike penetration day ops strike into enemy territory and attacked an enemy airfield, heavily defended by air and ground forces. He destroyed enemy’s heavy transport aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.

Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Prakash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 15th September, 1970, a fire broke out in the stores section of a Helicopter Unit. Sergeant Kailash Chander Sharma, the unit Warrant Officer, immediately raised alarm and rushed to the scene of fire carrying two fire extinguishers. He found that the fire was spreading and that it could endanger the aircraft store rooms and the hangar in which the aircraft were parked. He fought the fire single handed, until reinforcement arrived. The flames were fierce and he suffered severe burns on his body. Though not a trained fire fighter, he continued fighting the fire with complete disregard to his personal safety, until overcome by heat, smoke and fumes, he collapsed. He was rescued by 229133 Corporal Tilak Raj Sharma. Sergeant Kailash Chander Sharma's efforts succeeded in localizing the fire to only two rooms and enabled the two aircraft in the hangar and other valuable stores to be shifted to a place of safety.

On the 15th September, 1970 a fire broke out in the stores section of a Helicopter Unit. On hearing this Corporal Tilak Raj Sharma immediately ran to the scene of the fire. After rescuing Sergeant Kailash Chander Sharma, who had collapsed due to heat, smoke and fumes, he started fighting the fire. Corporal Sharma, though not a trained fire fighter, continued fighting the fire in complete disregard of his personal safety. He suffered severe burns on his body and finally collapsed, where upon he was rescued by other personnel engaged in fighting the fire. Corporal Tilak Raj Sharma's efforts helped in localizing the fire to only two rooms. Two aircraft and other valuable stores were saved.

In this action, Corporal Tilak Raj Sharma displayed courage, determination and initiative of a high order.

On the 15th September, 1970, a fire broke out in the stores section of a helicopter unit. On hearing that the unit stores were on fire, NC (E) Yamapalla Papa Rao, Cook immediately rushed to the scene of the fire carrying two fire extinguishers. He found that the fire had spread and was endangering the safety of the adjacent store rooms and the hangar in which the two aircrafts were parked. He immediately started fighting with the fire. Though the flames were fierce and he suffered sever burns on his body, NC (E) Yamapalla Papa Rao continued fighting the fire with complete disregard to his personal safety until the regular fighting party took over. NC (E) Yamapalla Papa Rao's efforts help to localize the fire to only two rooms and enabled two aircrafts and other valuable stores to be shifted to a place of safety.

In this section, NC (E) Yamapalla Papa Rao displayed courage, initiative and determination.

During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Arora was attached to a surface to Air Guided Weapons Squadron, for duties as a controller for guiding the Squadron to engage enemy aircraft. He set up the guided weapons Command Post in one day and fully interacted it with the local Air Defense system. He remained at his post throughout and efficiently guided the Squadron to engage any intruding enemy aircraft. His efforts culminated in the successful engagement of and enemy bomber aircraft while it was raiding the airfield. While still on duty he inadvertently stepped on a hidden explosive which had been dropped during an enemy raid and was killed.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Arora displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the night of 8th/9th December, 1971, one of our forward airfields was subjected to heavy bombing and straffing by enemy aircraft, resulting in the fire in the explosive storage. The fire spread at a fast rate and the whole dispersal area was lit. The pens and the buildings also became visible and were exposed to danger of enemy air attacks. In the meantime, the second air raid siren was also sounded. Unmindful of the risk involved Corporal Sarmukh Singh immediately volunteered to assist in putting out the fire. The task was accomplished successfully and the ammunition dump and dispersal were saved from the next enemy air raid.

In this action, Corporal Sarmukh Singh displayed commendable courage and devotion to duty.

On the night of 8th /9th December, 1971, one of our forward airfields was subjected to heavy bombing and staffing by enemy aircraft, resulting in the fire in the Rocket Dump. The fire spread at a fast rate and the whole dispersal area was lit. The pens and the buildings also became visible and were exposed to danger of enemy air attacks. In the meantime, the second air raid siren was also sounded. Unmindful of the risk involved, Leading Aircraftsman Omkar Singh immediately volunteered to assist in putting out the fire. The task was accomplished successfully and the ammunition dump and dispersal were saved from the next enemy air raid.

In this action, Leading Aircraftsman Omkar Singh displayed commendable courage and devotion to duty.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Virsa Singh Mall was employed as Technical Officer of a Fighter Bomber Squadron at one of our forward airfields. With his sustained hard work he ensured maximum serviceability and quick turn around of aircraft for operational requirements.

During the nights of the 9th and 10th December, 1971, the airfield was attacked by enemy aircraft thrice in quick succession and the bombs fell in the dispersal area; setting fire to the armament stores lying in a bunker and lighting up of the entire dispersal area. Though the air raid siren for the next attack was on, he with the help of few airmen extinguished the fire by pulling out the burning boxes and throwing loose earth over them thus saved the armament dump from destruction, in complete disregard to his personal safety.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Virsa Singh Mall displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Shri Apar Singh Cheema was Assistant Station Master at Gurdaspur Railway Station during Indo-Pak conflict of December, 1971. He was made responsible to coordinate low level reporting system in the area. Under his able guidance, 110 observation reports were sent between 3rd and 17th December, 1971. 90% of these reports were passed to the Control Centre within thirty seconds, twenty one of these were made at night and twelve out of these twenty one materialized into actual air raid over Pathankot. It was because of his alertness and dedication that Pathankot got timely warning of air raids.

On 12th December, 1971, Gurdaspur Railway Station was heavily bombed by five Sabre aircraft. Despite the bombing, Shri Apar Singh Cheema remained at his post and kept relaying the information to the Control Center.

On the 13th December, 1971, at about 1410 hours, he informed the Control Center that four enemy aircraft had been seen passing by. Immediately two aircraft were sent for interception and thus the enemy aircraft were prevented from continuing their attack on Gurdaspur.

Throughout, Shri Apar Singh Cheema displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Group Captain Kottavathukal Thomas Abraham was commanding a Signals Unit in the Western Sector. He was in control of an Air Defence Direction Centre and a number of Ground Control Interception and Early Warning Units. A number of Air Defence Artillery Brigades and Surface to Air Guided Weapons Squadrons were also placed under his functional control. In addition, a completely new system, including a chain of Observation Posts were inducted into the existing system. With sound planning, hard work and inspiring leadership, Group Captain Abraham accomplished all the tasks creditably. The ground work laid down by him prevented the enemy Air Force from carrying but any productive strike. When enemy aircraft attached and damaged some equipment of his unit, he made it possible for the unit to resume operations with commendable speed and also to handle the heavy volume of operational traffic.

Throughout, Group Captain Kottavathukal Thomas Abraham displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971 Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy was commanding a Transport Squadron. He was the Force Commander of his squadron aircraft that took part in the airborne operation on the 11th December, 1971. He planned and organised the operation and led his force with cool courage and earned out the airborne operation with great success.

In this action, Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Johney William Greene was commanding a Fighter Squadron. He flew a number of operational missions in the form of Combat Air Patrol, sweeps and escort. On the 4th December, 1971, while he was on Combat Air Patrol mission, two F-104 aircraft attempted to attack an airfield. Even though he was alone in the air, he took offensive action and attacked the enemy aircraft. The enemy aircraft jettisoned the tanks and armament load and engaging the reheat, retreated towards their own territory.

Throughout, Wing Commander Johney William Greene displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Man Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1951, and has been employed on the operational staff of Headquarters Western Air Command since June 1969. He improved the operational efficiency of the Squadrons under Western Air Command. He successfully organised and conducted numerous exercises to test the efficiency of the Squadrons. He contributed greatly to the formulation of the Operational Plans of the Command and his advice had always been very useful. He made a significant contribution towards the success of the plans of the Command Headquarters during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.Throughout, Wing Commander Man Singh displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in February, 1952. He was posted as Senior Technical Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command in January, 1970. From February, 1971 he has been functioning as Command Engineering Officer responsible for maintenance of all aircraft and airborne equipments including the provisioning responsibilities associated with it. There was need for streamlining and systematizing the modus operand so that timely action was initiated to ensure that spares were produced in a scientific manner. There was also the need for rationalising the second­line servicing aspects to ensure optimum efficiency. He infused a sense of urgency and understanding of the problem to the various units concerned and his efforts resulted in a high degree of serviceability of aircraft during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar was serving as Chief Technical Officer at an Operational Wing. With his personal example, man management, he ensured a very high rate of serviceability of air craft inspite of staggering number of sorties flown and the damage caused to the aircraft by enemy action. He was responsible for the expeditious repair of five aircraft which were unserviceable. Under his supervision and guidance, a very high rate of serviceability of specialist vehicles was ensured resulting in quick turn around of the aircraft. He had so geared up the station workshop that it manufactured certain items which were earlier considered beyond local capability.

Throughout Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar displayed initiative, professional knowledge and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Gandharva Sen was commanding a Signal Unit. His unit stopped functioning only once despite the fact that it was subjected to twenty-nine enemy air attacks. Even on that one occasion, the disruption of power supply and damage to the equipment was rectified in about half an hour. When his Unit was called upon to perform the additional role of Air Defence Direction Centre, he rendered valuable assistance in arranging air defence of the tactical areas, protection of our own aircraft on offensive missions and organising aggressive action over enemy territory in the form of sweeps. Apart from the operational tasks directly connected with the Unit, he also carried out the task of training a large number of personnel from the Air Force to enable them to man the low level reporting system which functioning very well during hostilities.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gandharva Sen displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duly.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Keshava Dev Kanagat was commanding a Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron. The work of maritime reconnaissance, search sighting and reporting and guidance carried out by the Squadron In close cooperation with the Indian Navy was of very vital importance to the Naval operations and contributed considerably towards the success of Naval operations both in the Western and Eastern Sectors. He carried out the maximum number and most hazardous missions himself and was a source of inspiration and courage lo his aircrew. It was largely due to him that the squadron carried out all maritime operations assigned to it successfully.

Throughout, Wing Commander Keshava Dev Kanagat displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney was commanding a Transport Squadron. Although his Squadron was deployed at three places, he remained in constant touch with all these detachments to ensure optimum work-out-put. He led his Squadron in airborne operations over Bangladesh and also took part in the airlift of an Infantry Brigade.

Throughout, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Rajaram Jayaram Ambegaonker was commanding a Transport Squadron which was deployed In the Eastern Sector. He increased the output of his squadron and toned up the operational efficiency of aircrew and groundcrew. He also improved the serviceability state of his aircraft by organizing aircraft maintenance on a 24 hours basis. He led a section of aircraft in the airborne operation over Bangladesh on the 11th December, 1971, and the restraining strap on his aircraft gave way causing the premature extraction of a part of his load, he maintained control over the aircraft and completed the missions.

Throughout, Wing Commander Rajaram Jayaram Ambegaonkar displayed courage, leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Gursharan Singh was serving as the Chief Technical Officer of an Operational Wing. His sustained work resulted in a high rate of fighter and bomber serviceability. With complete disregard to personal comfort and undeterred by multifarious maintenance problems, he worked round the clock to produce excellent results.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gursharan Singh displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari was serving as the Senior Armament Officer of an Operational Wing. He took over control of Squadron Armament work in addition to his normal duties. It was lately due to him that the Squadron was able to achieve a high rate of success in the operational sorties. He reduced the turn­round time of aircraft to a considerable extent and by intelligent analysis the bomb hang ups were reduced to virtually zero. He made significant contributions towards armament modifications and trials for carriage and launching of special stores from aircraft and thus considerably improved the operational capability of the Bomber aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari displayed professional skill, organising ability and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Satwant Singh has been a Senior Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron for nearly five years. During the entire period, he devoted himself selflessly and trained the pilots to ensure the operational readiness of the Squadron. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he led twenty Combat Air Patrol, sweep and escort missions setting an example to his pilots who put in their best efforts for the defence of the airfield.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Satwant Singh displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta was a Flight Commander of a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a photo reconnaissance mission over an Airfield. Immediately on completion of his mission, he was intercepted by two enemy Sabres, but he jettisoned his external loads, manoeuvred his aircraft and thus avoided attack by the enemy aircraft. A little later while on his way back to base, he was chased by two enemy Mirages but he again skillfully manoeuvred his aircraft and avoided interception. Though his aircraft had run short of fuel and the engine flamed out a few kilometers away from his base, he carried out a dead stick landing and thus saved the valuable aircraft. The photographs brought by him gave information about enemy airfield, which were of immense value for further planning. In addition, he successfully led many strike missions, interdiction missions against enemy lines of communication and close air support missions.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Narinder Singh Verdi was serving as a senior pilot with a Fighter Squadron. On the 8th December, 1971, he went on a low level sweep mission as a number 3 in a four aircraft formation. After completion of the mission, as the formation was approaching the base, his aircraft was hit by a flock of three large birds and the aircraft including the engine was severely damaged. The wind­screen was smashed and the canopy was broken. He lost R/T contact and could see only the side of the cockpit. Despite the steady and progressive loss of engine thrust and the limited vision, he located the airfield and landed safely thus saving the valuable aircraft.

In this action, Squadron Leader Narinder Singh Verdi displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Tehmurasp Ratanshaw Patel was serving with an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was No. 3 of a strike mission over Dacca airfield. He had difficulty in raising the undercarriage of his aircraft and by the time he was able to raise it, he was separated from the formation. On his own, he attacked and caused heavy damage to a goods train and also fired at many enemy positions before returning to base. On subsequent days, he carried out a number of strike missions. On the 11th December, 1971, Squadron Leader Patel along with another pilot took off for an attack on enemy bunkers in Rangpur area. After knocking out the bunkers while pulling out of the dive, the aircraft was hit by ground fire. Both the pilots sustained extensive injuries. Squadron Leader Patel was hit by splinters near his eyes which caused severe pain and bleeding. Inspite of the injuries, he brought the aircraft back to base.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Tehmurasp Ratanshaw Patel displayed courage, professional flying skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ujjal Singh Pruthi was serving as a surgical specialist in on Air Force Hospital in the Eastern Sector. It was entirely due to his foresight and planning that the hospital could meet all demands placed on it. With his professional knowledge and administrative ability, he stepped up the hospital to a high state of efficiency. As the battle casualties started pouring in, he singlehanded carried out surgical operations for long periods. On one occasion, 41 casualties were attended to and emergency operations carried out in a period of 48 hours. On another occasion, when 22 casualties were brought in, he worked in the Operation Theatre for 36 hours at a stretch. The hospital treated 148 battle casualties during a period of ten days. As a result of prompt attention, all the cases were saved without losing a single life.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ujjal Singh Pruthi displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Shailesh Kumar was serving as Sector Operation Officer with a Signals Unit. He introduced new and original ideas and training schemes which led to considerable improvement in the working of the Air Defence system. The induction of a large number of operational units of various types during the operations required intelligent planning and meticulous coordination which he achieved with commendable efficiency. In addition, he was always concerned with the safe return and recovery of our offensive missions which saved a number of our aircraft under emergency conditions. On many occasions, he directed the successful interception of enemy aircraft by our fighters.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shailesh Kumar displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar was the Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron. By sound planning, he ensured that all the Pilots of his Squadron were fully operational by day as well as by night. He carried out a number of Photographic missions deep into the enemy territory in unarmed aircraft and in heavily defended areas.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar was serving with a Fighter Squadron. He was responsible for bringing the Squadron to a high state of operational readiness. He flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of combat air patrol, escort and interception. It was because of his personal example that the Squadron flew 55 to 60 sorties every day irrespective of weather conditions, in pitch dark nights and at low altitude in the vicinity of hilly areas without any mishap.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar displayed courage, professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Baljit Singh Saint displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva was serving as a senior pilot in a fighter Squadron. He flew twenty eight operational missions in the form of combat air patrol escort and interception irrespective of weather limitations, in pitch dark nights and at low altitudes in the vicinity of hilly areas.

During his escort missions, he always ensured that the strike force was not threatened by enemy aircraft. On one occasion, while leading an escort mission of four aircraft, he spotted two enemy Mirage aircraft closing in on the formation from a very advantageous position. He immediately ordered his No. 2 to the correct position and manoeuvred his own aircraft in such a way that in one turn he started closing behind the enemy aircraft which surprised the enemy. The enemy aircraft, however, escaped after diving to the ground level. Instead of pursuing the enemy, he stayed with our strike force as otherwise our force would have been left without protection.Throughout, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jatendra Kumar Dhawan displayed profcssiona1 skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar was attached to a Fighter Bomber Squadron. He carried out a large number of operational missions deep into enemy territory despite heavy ground fire and air opposition. On the 4th December, 1971, when his No. 2 was hit by ground fire and ejected deep inside enemy territory. He, unmindful of his safety, remained in the area till he could confirm the safe ejection of his No. 2. On the 9th December, 1971, while attacking an airfield beyond hundred nautical miles in enemy territory, he ran short of fuel. Undeterred, he pressed home two attacks and brought the aircraft back to base with practically no fuel. On the 10th December, 1971, while on a close support mission, the left engine of his aircraft was crippled by enemy ground fire. Despite this handicap, he completed his mission and returned to base safely.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju was serving as Officerin-Charge, Photo Section of an Operational Squadron. The photo section, under his personal supervision, produced over 50 000 prints of vital reconnaissance missions maintaining highest quality control. On the 13th December, 1971, aerial photographs were taken of all approaches to Dacca city, and six thousand two hundred prints with twenty enlargements were delivered the next morning. The information collected through these prints was of immense value to our ground forces in planning their operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit was serving with a Bomber Squadron. He flew a number of operational reconnaissance missions covering vital targets like Chitagong, Cox Bazaar, Sylhet and Dacca. On the 4th December, 1971, he volunteered for night mission over Sargodha and carried it out successfully.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of reconnaissance, emergency supply and casualty evacuation, from one of the forward airfields in the Rajasthan sector. He carried out these missions despite bombing and straffing of the areas by enemy aircraft. On the 14th December, 1971, while he was going to land at a Helipad in a forward area for evacuation of casualties, four enemy aircraft attacked in the vicinity. Despite these attacks, he landed his Helicopter in such a manner that the enemy aircraft could not spot it. He thus not only saved the Helicopter, but also remained with it and flew it back to base.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.