Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan was Commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, he served as the Deputy Director Engineering (A) (Project) at Air Headquarters.

During the Indo-Pak operations, there was an urgent operational requirement for providing photo recce capability to a supersonic aircraft and modifying a small transport aircraft for offensive role. Wing Commander Srinivasan took of these two projects and achieved excellent results. With his remarkable ingenuity, superior professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty he achieved the tasks in a record time. Both the projects required designing of various fittings and pods for carrying aerial cameras. All the aspects including designing, fabrication, fitment and trials were personally undertaken and supervised by him. He was all along aware that he was working to a very tight schedule and, therefore, unhesitatingly worked long hours and was quite indefatigable in carrying out the work. All along he inspired the men working under hum to give their best to the service at a most critical juncture. Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan has displayed ingenuity, superior professional skill, devotion to duty and leadership and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal

Wing Commander Nayel Devarao Mohan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of Indian Air Force in April, 1955. During the hostilities in December, 1971 he was employed as Chief Technical Officer of a forward Wing in the Western Sector.

With his vast professional knowledge and experience he was able to plan and execute all maintenance tasks that were posed to him during the hostilities. No task was impossible or beyond solution for him. Though a number detachments of the squadrons of the Wing were operating from various advance bases, he ensured that the technical requirements of these detachments were fully met. He personally directed and supervised the turn around of the aircraft during day as well as night within twenty five minutes and there was not a single instance when any aircraft was delayed on its mission. On many occasions he himself carried out the job guiding and marshalling the aircraft.

On 3rd December, 1971, a few minutes after the arrival of our strike force, the airfield was littered with bombs dropped by the enemy. One of our aircraft, by mistake, taxied to a wrong taxy track where there two unexploded bombs. He immediately, collected a few airmen and under personal supervision and direction, got the aircraft removed away and thus saved the valuable aircraft.

On another occasion when he was given only forty five minutes to receive a fleet of a large number of aircraft from another base, he quickly planned and organised the requirement in such a way that all the aircraft were taxied to the selected pens in a smooth manner and within two hours all of them were ready for operational missions.

On 5th December, 1971 he was made incharge of a project for preparation of a large number of special bombs which required clear planning and proper co-ordination. Despite three air raid warnings during the night, he, in complete disregard to his personal safety, accomplished the task within the stipulated period.

Wing Commander Nayel Devarao Mohan displayed high initiative, organising ability, devotion to duty and exceptional professional skill in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Surinder Mohan was commissioned in the IAF in April 1955. Since May 1971, he has been in command of a unit engaged in highly sensitive activities in the Gujarat and Rajasthan sectors.

Squadron Leader Mohan appreciated the potential of the Unit in providing the Armed Forces with information that could be of vital importance in operational planning and immediately set about reorganizing, training and directing activities of his Unit towards this aim. The successes achieved by his Unit in this field are to a large extent attributable to his inspiring leadership, exemplary conduct and determined efforts to maximize the output of personnel and equipment under his Command. He has made a significant contribution towards operational planning and successes in the Gujarat and Rajasthan sectors in spite of frequent air raids.

Squadron Leader Surinder Mohan displayed leadership, professional ability and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Lakhmir Singh was com missioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he served with Signals Unit.

Squadron Leader Lakhmir Singh has been responsible for the successful development and fabrication of special electronic equipment for use in a bomber aircraft.

During October and November, 1971, Squadron Leader Lakhmir Singh was given the task of fabricating these special electronic equipment in quantity. With his drive, initiative and important substitution, he was able to complete this in record time. He also installed these sets in operational aircraft so that these were available for use during the Indo-Pak operations of December, 1971, thereby greatly increasing the operational capability of the aircraft. Throughout opera tions, he worked with the operational squadrons, briefing and debriefing the air crew on the use of these special electronic equipment.

Squadron Leader Lakhmir Singh displayed technical skill, initiative, leadership and devotion to duty and rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Kailash Chander Kapoor (5409) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1957. At the time of outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, he served as office in charge Instrument and Electrical Repair Section at a Base Repair Depot.

During the emergency, a camera modification on a fighter bomber aircraft had to be completed within a period of 6 days. It was mainly due to the efforts of Squadron Leader Kapoor that this modification was completed successfully in time, and this aircraft was employed successfully in operational role. Another special electronic modification had to be completed on another type of aircraft on the highest priority during the present emergency. This modification was also completed in a record time of 5 days. Squadron Leader Kapoor has also brought about a marked improvement in the output of the rotables at the Depot.

Squadron Leader Kailash Chander Kapoor displayed professional skill, initiative and dedication to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1957. Immediately before the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he was posted as Senior Armament Officer at a forward air base. Within six days he ensured the armament preparedness of the base. He inspired and motivated his men to work round the clock and ensured effective dispersal, deployment, camouflage and concealment of vast quantities of explosives to safeguard them from aerial attack.

During the first ten days of the operations more than 403 tones of bombs, rockets, ammunition and demolition explosives were handled efficiently and expeditiously at the base under his expert supervision without any mishap.

On 3rd December, 1971, immediately after the enemy air raid, Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari was detailed to carry out bomb reconnaissance along the runway where a few bombs had just exploded. With complete disregard to his personal safety he completed the task exposing himself to the grave danger of bomb blast as one bomb exploded while he moved from one pit to the other. Three more bombs with varying time delays subsequently exploded in the same area. He accounted for all the enemy exploded and unexploded bombs within the airfield by meticulous time measurement and calcula tions thus ensuring safety of aircraft, equipment and personnel.

On 5th December, 1971, when one of the 1000 pound bomb was released from a landing aircraft and came to stop at about 600 yards along the runway and 15 feet from the apron with the fuse wire already pulled out, it was extremely risky to handle and make the bomb safe and on the other hand it would have rendered the main runway unserviceable if it was to be demolished on site. He was asked to render the bomb safe and remove it. He showed extreme courage and composure in performing the delicate operation of removing the bomb tail unit, pistol and detonator to render the bomb safe.

Squadron Leader Zaheer Ahmed Ansari displayed dedication to duty, organising ability and professionalism of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Gurbakhash Rai Sahni was commanding a Mobile Echelon Maintenance Unit in a forward area in the Western Sector during the December 1971 operations. He managed the tremendous operational works at his unit in a very efficient manner and sited a large number of observation posts which contributed significantly in taking tactical action in time.

For his leadership, zeal, skill and devotion to duty of a very high order he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Srinivasa Rangaswamy was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1958. Since August 1971, he has been Commanding the Central Re-production Unit, During the period 16th October 1971 to 3rd December, 1971 and throughout the period of Indo-Pak operations, the unit was required to produce, on a mass scale, contact prints, enlargements and mosaics. Inspite of the limited manpower, the unit achieved five times its normal output. Most of the negative rolls/unprocessed films were received in evening and the production work was carried out throughout the night. All types of photographic equipment, films, printing paper and chemicals were collected, stored, issued and despatched to the operational units.

Squadron Leader Rangaswamy completed these tasks admirably. Irrespective of the time of day and nigh was available at the unit and by his Direct involvement, guidance and tact he built a team spirit which was essential sustained effort.

Squadron Leader Srinivasa Rangaswamy displayed initiative, keenness, tact and inspiring leadership and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Sardari Lal Gupta was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he was posted as the Senior Logistics Officer at a forward base in the Western Sector.

Throughout the hostilities he remained at his post round the clock hardly with any rest and encouraged his men stay at work even during nights. On the night of 4th December, 1971, his area was bombed and some portions of section were damaged. Despite this with utter disregard to his personal safety he organised his men and material resources exceptionally well with the consequence that the flow of equipment was maintained which enabled the base to carry out all the operational tasks successfully. During the period of operations, under his stewardship the quantum of task completed by equipment section was five times more than that of proceeding 14 days.

Squadron Leader Sardari Lal Gupta displayed dedication to duty, organising ability and professional skill of a I order and thereby rendered distinguished service. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Squadron Leader Dilip Kumar Chatterjee rendered distinguished service by quickly restoring land lines, and VHF and HF communications disrupted by enemy raids. On several days he provided alternate lines to important sections and repaired HF transmitter aerial and Eureka within a very short time after the raids, often by working during nights in spite of unexploded bombs lying in the vicinity.

For his devotion to duty, inspiring leadership and exceptional professional skill he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Baburao Magdum was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He served as an engineering officer of a Fighter Squadron before and during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.

He established a sound technical organisation in the Squadron for first and second line servicing. His exceptional qualities of leadership which inspired his men to maintain a very high rate of aircraft serviceability which was never less than 92% during the operations. This high rate of serviceability enabled the Squadron to fly over 300 sorties during the short period of operations.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Baburao Magdum displayed dedication to duty, exemplary leadership, professional skill and distinguished service of a high order in the best tradition of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Baljit Singh Sahmey (6558) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He has been serving as the Chief Technical Officer of an Air Force Station in the Eastern Sector since January, 1971.

Within a short period of two months, he established second line servicing of a transport aircraft which had earlier been carried out by Messrs. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, he maintained a high rate of 86 percent aircraft serviceability rate and thereby enabled the Squadrons to complete their missions successfully.

Squadron Leader Baljit Singh Sahmey displayed high professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Hardeep Singh Boparai was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1962.

During the December, 1971 operations, he was employed as the Senior Technical Officer of a Fighter Bomber Squadron which operated from a forward airfield in the Western Sector.

On 4th and 5th December, 1971, four aircraft suffered heavy damages due to enemy air attack and ground. He carried out necessary repairs along with his men and made three of these aircraft airworthy within a very short time. Six more aircraft which were later damaged were also repaired on the spot. Though the airfield was equipped to undertake only first line servicing, he, with his ingenuity and hard work, maintained a high rate of serviceability.

In the night of 9th/10th December, 1971, the airfield was attacked by enemy aircraft and Squadron Armament Store was set on fire, lighting the entire dispersal area. All buildings and aircraft pens also became vulnerable to en attack. Though the air raid siren was on, he, with the help of another officer and some airmen extinguished the fire thus not only saved the Armament Store but also ensured that the airfield was not visible from the air.

Throughout the hostilities, Flight Lieutenant Hardeep Singh Boparai displayed high organising ability, leadership and professional skill in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Throughout the December 1971 operations, Flight Lieutenant Pannalari Korothunbikahannan Nambiar ensured cent per cent serviceability of his unit's aircraft while serving with a Helicopter Unit in the Eastern Sector. This he achieved by working round the clock with utter disregard for his personal comfort. On 16th December, 1971 a helicopter of his unit forcelanded at Fenchugung after being hit by enemy ground fire. Flt. Lt. Nambiar flew to the spot and by personally carrying out the repairs, made it possible for the aircraft to be flown back to base the same evening.

For the distinguished service of a high order rendered by him he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Narinder Kumar Chhibber while serving in a mobile unit during the 1971 conflict maintained a high operational efficiency of his Unit despite frequent moves.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for sustained hard work and distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Vir Sain Chowdhry (7126) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1963. He was posted as Armament Officer of a Fighter Bomber Squadron during the period of opera tion against Pakistan in December, 1971.

He was responsible for setting up a high standard of maintenance of the aircraft armament equipment. He ensured the training of armament personnel within a short time which enabled the squadron to become fully operational. By his ingenuity he increased the number of rounds loaded in aircraft and thus increased its fire power. This modification was subsequently accepted even by the manufacturers. He was also associated with the clearance trials of indigenous armament stores used in the aircraft.

He skillfully organized the activities of the Central Repair and Servicing Section, and thereby increased the rate of aircraft serviceability. He also undertook camouflaging of aircraft blast pens and dispersal of technical equipment.

Squadron Leader Vir Sain Chowdhry displayed dedication to duty, organizing ability and professional skill of a high order. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Bhuban Mohan Gogoi (7454) was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1968. At the outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he served with an Air Force Hospital in the Eastern Sector.

Being the only anesthetist in the hospital, he assisted the Surgeon in three operations theaters simultaneously during the Indo-Pak operations. As battle casualties started coming in, he was busy in the operation theater for long periods. In one instance when 41 casualties were operated he worked for 48 hours at a stretch. On another occasion when 22 casualties were operated, he was busy in the operation theater for 35 hours without a break.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Bhuban Mohan Gogoi set an example with his organizing ability, high professional skill and steadfast devotion to duty with complete disregard to personal comfort in the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh (7845) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1968. At the time of outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, he served with a Base Repair Depot.

Prior to the posting of Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh to Depot, the facilities for overhaul of fuel pumps and other engine components were not established at the Depot. Such facilities were provided by Messrs. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This factor had been adversely affecting the engine production rate of the Depot for the last few years. Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh being widely experienced in the sophisticated techniques of overhaul of these components, was given the challenging task of setting up the required facilities. By his personal guidance and under his direct supervision these facilities were established and personnel trained in the techniques of overhaul. As a result of this, the engine production rate of Depot increased considerably.

Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh displayed professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Subir Kumar Niyogi was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force In October, 1963.

During the December, 1971 operations he was posted as the Engineering officer of Fighter Bomber Squadron which was operating from a forward airfield in the Western Sector.

Throughout the hostilities, with his skill and hard work, he maintained a high rate of aircraft serviceability despite the fact that on many occasions, the aircraft came back badly damaged by enemy fire. Again with his ingenuity he got the damaged fuel tanks vulcanized through local civil sources and patched up bullet holes on the aircraft with improvised means when the specialist for patch repairs was not available and thus made the aircraft operational within hours.

On 9th December, 1971, when one aircraft was badly damaged at 1600 hours by antiaircraft guns with the rear fuselage ripped open at three places and the engine also damaged he, along with his crew worked overnight and made the aircraft serviceable for flying by next morning.

Flight Lieutenant, Subir Kumar Niyogi displayed high initiative, ingenuity, devotion to duty and professional in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Hitendra Singh Chimni was commissioned in Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1964. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he was employed on Air Traffic Control at a forward air base in the Western Sector. Throughout the operations he maintained a very high standard in controlling extremely heavy air traffic by devising and efficiently introd ucing new methods. He also handled many emergencies with great presence of mind and controlled heavy air traffic, at times upto forty aircraft with varying state of fuel, armament and even battle casualties.

He excelled in the utilisation of Ground Control Approach radar as an early warning system and at many times succeeded in detecting hostile aircraft movements which could not be noticed by other types of radars.

He also commanded Platoons of Defence Security Corp and in a short time introduced new methods of training on anti-commando/ infiltrator technique and transformed them from peace time pole into an integral part of the ground defence system during the operations.

Flight Lieutenant Hitendra Singh Chimni displayed organising ability dedication to duty and professional skill a high order and thereby rendered distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Gian Parkash Sharma was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1964.

During the December, 1971, operations, as the Engineering Officer of a Helicopter Unit operating from one of our airfields in the forward area in the Western Sector, he was required to carry out the second line servicing of Helicopters which otherwise would have been carried out at the original location. Though faced with a difficult task, with his sustained hard work and judicious utilisation of spares, carried out six 100 hours inspections, three hub changes and two engine changes and ensured quick turn around of the Helicopters. But for his personal efforts, the unit could not have been able to carry out the large number of operational missions.

Flight Lieutenant Gian Parkash Sharma displayed zeal, capacity for sustained hard work and high professional skill in the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Clarence Ferdinand Noronha during the Indo-Pak operations in 1971 through ingenuity and outstanding professional skill repaired battle damaged aircraft in record time and maintained a very high rate of aircraft serviceability. Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for displaying leadership and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Adhiyur Raju Maniam was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in September, 1965. Since July, 1968 he has been serving with a Unit engaged in sensitive activities.

Throughout his tenure of duties, Flight Lieutenant Maniam has shown

exemplary diligence, application a comprehension in his analytical duties. His attention to meticulous detail coupled with a highly imaginative approach contributed substantially towards operational planning in the Indian Air Force in peace time and during the Indo-Pak operations in December 1971.

Flight Lieutenant Adhiyur Raju Maniam displayed extreme devotion to duty and dedicated discharge responsibilities and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

10277 Master Warrant Officer Jaywant Singh Ray Fitter 1 has been serving with an operational squadron as Master Warrant Officer-in-Charge of the Repair and Servicing Section for the last two years.

His performance during the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, has been commendable. Working round the clock with a detachment deployed away from a forward base, he closely supervised all inspections, rectifications and servicing, keeping the aircraft serviceability at a high figure of 70% at the commencement of hostilities and main tained a high serviceability rate througho ut the operations. He has made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency and achievements of the Squadron.

For his distinguished service of a high order and professional skill, Master Warrant Officer Jaywant Singh Ray is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1966. During the December, 1971 operations, he was posted as the Senior Armament Officer of a Fighter Squadron which operated from a forward airfield in the Western Sector.

On 4th December, 1971 at about 0130 hours the airfield was attacked by the enemy and bombs were dropped on and around the runway. He immediately reached the scene to clear the unexploded bombs to facilitate runway repair. While he was busy with the task, a delay fused bomb exploded within fifteen yards from him. Undeterred, he continued to cover the other unexploded bombs with sand bags and thus ensured that no loss or damage was caused to life or material.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was often required to make available to the Squadron varied type explosive stores and sometimes the type of ordinance load to be carried by the aircraft was changed at short notice but he always undertook and successfully completed all such tasks.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon displayed determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order and set a shining example to those working with him. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flying Officer Suresh Khanna (10861) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) of the Indian Air Force in October 1967. At the time of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he served as Officer-in-charge of a detachment of a wireless unit deployed in the Rajasthan sector.

Both before and during the Indo-Pak operation, Flying Officer Khanna proved commendable practitioner of his duties and responsibilities and extended the same by admirable dedication. His ceaseless efforts and personal example were a source of inspiration to all personnel under him worki ng under extremely trying conditions and difficult circumstances. He made significant contribution towards planning and success of air operations in the Rajasthan sector.

Flying Officer Suresh Khanna displayed leadership and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flying Officer Gurjant Singh was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of Indian Air Force in March, 1968. Since November, 1970 he has been serving with a unit engaged in sensitive activities.

Since September 1971, Flying Officer Singh has been incharge of a unit detachment in Agartala Sector where working environments were extremely hard. Despite these, he showed rare qualities of leadership and initiative. By his personal example to face up all hardship and short comings with utter disregard to personal comfort, he welded subordinates into a dedicated team which cheerfully and enthusiastically carried out the difficult assignment of Detachment.

Flying Officer Vinod Chandra Tripathy was employed on Air Traffic Control duties at a forward air base in the Western Sector before and during the operations in December 1971. He single handedly ensured the smooth functioning of Air Traffic Control and on one critical occasion averted a serious accident by his skill, alertness and presence of mind.

For his devotion to duty and professional skill and for his distinguished service he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flying Officer Ranjan Bhattacharya was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1968.

During the December, 1971 operations he as a Photo Officer of a Fighter Bomber Squadron operating in a forward airfield in the Western Sector, set up a field Photo Section for the Squadron.

His Section had to look after the processing of films not only of his Squadron but also of all the units operating from air field. On 13th December, 1971, when the Squadron was given a Photo task by the Army to photograph Chhamb and a large area west of Tawi river, he accomplished the job of processing 800 feet of film, titling each negative and making 1200 prints in the shortest possible time, by working throughout the night despite enemy bombing raids. The photographs with enlargements were thus delivered to the Army in time for their future planning.

Flying officer Ranjan Bhattacharya displayed great zeal, high devotion to duty and exceptional professional skill in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flying Officer Chandra Shankara Narayana was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1968. Since February, 1971, he has been serving with a Unit engaged in sensitive activities.

Since his arrival at the unit, Flying officer Shankara Narayanan showed an extremely keen interest in his duties. His appreciation of his responsibilities was far beyond his age and service experience. His discharge of his duties and responsibilities was always carried out with unfailing dedication.

During the Indo-Pak operations in December 1971, Flying Officer Shankara Narayanan, as a Detachment Commander located in advanced operational area in Punjab Sector, showed his merits and capabilities to even greater heights. Even under frequent enemy air actions, he steadfastly and with dedicated zeal not only carried out his duties but also was a source of inspiration to all airmen under him. His efforts contributed substantially to our Air-operation in Punjab Sector.

Flying Officer Chandra Shankara Narayanan displayed leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Phanindra Mohan Sen has been working as Master Warrant Officer-in-charge 2nd Line Servicing Section of a Fighter Bomber Squadron for the last one year. During the period he keenly devoted himself in formulating planned inspection schedules and their implementations. This resulted in better control and efficient utilization of men and material. He organised and coordinated activities of various sections in order to reduce inspection timings and enhance production from Repair and Servicing Section.

Prior to the hostilities his section was much hard pressed and was confronted with the gigantic task of completing inspections in anticipation of the hostilities. This was required to be done to reduce inspections during operations. Also during this period three aircraft were severely damaged due to bird hits and required engine changes besides Cat 'AC' repairs. In addition to this second line servicing was required to be dispersed. Master Warrant Officer Phanindra Mohan Sen worked day and night and deployed his manpower in such a way that the second line servicing was successfully dispersed without any hold ups in inspections or engine changes. His foresight and planning paid excellent dividends and he managed to produce 23 Inspections, 33 repairs and major rectification and 4 engine changes during the recent operations against Pakistan. But for his complete devotion and efficient planning the above output would have been greatly lacking.

Master Warrant Officer Phanindra Mohan Sen displayed high organising ability, technical ability and to duty in the best tradition of the Air Force for his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Ram Naresh Misra was attached as Technical Officer of an adhoc operational unit in the Western Sector. This unit was formed to meet certain urgent operational commitments and was to operate from an Advance Landing Ground to provide close support to our ground forces in that Sector. Despite initial shortage of servicing tools and facilities he worked day and night in complete disregard to his personal safety and ensured a very high state of Aircraft serviceability. Through his personal example of devotion and sustained hard work he inspired his men and formed an excellent team to accomplish the tasks allotted lit. He displayed high resourcefulness by establishing perfect liaison with the Local Army Units in that area.

He personally loaded the Armament in the aircraft with such skill that there was not a single case of hang up of armament.

Master Warrant Officer Ram Naresh Misra displayed high organising ability, devotion to duty and capacity for sustained hard work in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

During the Indo-Pak conflict of December, 1971 he fulfilled all tasks with determination, enthusiasm and skill. His organizing ability, perseverance and professional skill greatly contributed to speedy servicing and clearance of major rectifications rendering the aircraft available for operational missions without break. His untiring efforts and professional competence have made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency and achievement of the Wing.

For his distinguished service of a high order and professional skill, Master Warrant Officer Amar Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Warrant Officer Ishwar Singh was posted as Mechanical Transport Officer at a forward base in the Western Sector during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971. Inspite of his old age and difficult working conditions with sub-zero temperature prevailing at the place he remained at his post all the time. He organised the Mechanical Transport Section so well that it met with all the operational requirements. In addition to his duties as Mechanical Transport Officer he voluntarily assumed the duties of a Sector Commander in the station ground defence organisation. He inspired his men and personally led them on patrol duties.

Warrant Officer Ishwar Singh displayed great devotion to duty, organising ability and professional skill of a high order and thereby rendered distinguished service. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

200052 Warrant Officer Darbara Singh was posted as Warrant Officer in-charge Central Repair and Servicing Section for Fighter Bomber aircraft at a forward air base during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971. By efficiently managing the Central Repair and Servicing Section he appreciably reduced the turn time around time of the Fighter Bomber aircraft thereby increased the rate of serviceability. Undaun ted by the enemy raids he continued working and by his personal example inspired his colleagues and subordinates to contribute substantially to the operational readiness of the aircraft.

Warrant Officer Darbara Singh displayed dedication to duty, professional skill of a very high order and thereby rendered distinguished service in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

100917 Flight Sergeant Ranjit Kumar Dutta displayed professional skill and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict, he displayed great enthusiasm and ingenuity in rectification of cranes and tractors which had been unserviceable for long periods. He also serviced a Crash Tender which was lying unserviceable due to non-availability of some parts, by fabricating the parts indigenously.

For displaying professional skill, ingenuity and devotion to duty of a high order, Flight Sergeant Shivinder Kumar Suri is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Sergeant Rattan Lal Mehta was working in a Surface to Air Guided Weapons Squadron during the Indo-Pak war in December 1971. On 3rd December, 1971 he made the transport loading machine serviceable in the middle of the night by transferring highly inflammable and toxic fuel on the missile tank and loaded the missiles on the launcher for firing in record time.

For his devotion to duty in complete disregard to personal safety, and his professional skill of a high order he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

208020 Flight Sergeant Bireswar Mukherjee was Senior Non Commissioned officer incharge of Armament Section in a Fighter Squadron at a forward base in the Western Sector during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971. He worked round the clock to prepare aircraft without any regard to his personal comfort and safety. Even during the enemy raids he continued with harmonization, rectification and arming up the aircraft. With his extraordinary zeal, cool headedness and the high professional skill he inspired a special sense of duty amongst all the persons under him and thereby ensured full operational preparedness of the aircraft for the mission.

Flight Sergeant Bireswar Mukherjee displayed great devotion to duty, determination and professional skill of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

208052 Flight Sergeant Mannettu Varkey Phillipose served as Senior Non-Comm issioned Officer in charge of Sheet Metal Bay at a Base Repair Depot during the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971.

Flight Sergeant Phillipose was entrusted with the task of fabricating of camera modifications and belting of tools for certain type of aircraft. He showed remarkable skill and a high degree of technical competence in the design and fabrication of these items and as a direct result of which the performance of our operational aircraft was considerably augmented.

In the execution of the above task, Flight Sergeant Phillipose was required to work for long hours as for every task the time schedule laid down for completion of task was very tight. He completed these tasks in time with complete disregard for his personal comfort.

Flight Sergeant Mannettu Varkey Phillipose displayed professional skill, ingenuity and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

212572 Flight Sergeant Devi Sharn Sharma served with a Base Repair Depot at the time of outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971. He was entrusted with the job of designing, fabricating and developing the mounting structure for camera modification of a supersonic fighter aircraft. The work, apart from being voluminous and arduous, called for a technical skill of a very high order. Structural work involved converting the drop tank into a camera pod was planned and executed by him in a record time of five weeks. This increased the operational capability of the aircraft.

Flight Sergeant Devi Sharn Sharma displayed high professional skill, ingenuity and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

219440 Flight Sergeant Ramdas Ganpathrao Jodh served with a Base Repair Depot at the outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971. He was responsible for preparing the design for electrical circuitry and routing diagrams for camera modification of certain types of aircraft. He was also responsible for suggesting improvement in fitment of Batteries in aircraft. He has been responsible for manufacturing a number of electrical assemblies for a particular type of aircraft both for the use of Depot as well as for operating units.

Flight Sergeant Ramdas Ganpathrao Jodh displayed professional skill, ingenuity and devotion to duty and rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

218640 Sergeant Karunakara Gangadharan is serving with an operational Wing.

He has shown a commendable degree of professional skill, zeal and energy in the manufacture and repair of urgently required Ground Equipment for aircraft servicing. He reclaimed some aircraft spares which were in short supply. His contribution in the fabrication of special adapters for carriage of certain new type of armament stores on Bomber aircraft required for operational mission, during the Indo-Pak operations was outstanding.

For his outstanding service of a high order and professional skill, Sergeant Karunakaran Gangadharan is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

222975 Sergeant Jotirmoy Chatterjee was enrolled in the Indian Air Force as a technician in December, 1857. During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, he served as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of aircraft maintenance and servicing of an Air O.P. Flight in the Eastern Sector.

The Air O.P. Flight was deployed in support of a Corps and had therefore to operate from different helipads; constantly moving from one field to another. Under such trying conditions the responsibility of maintaining and servicing the aircraft rested on Sergeant Chatterjee. He applied himself diligently to the task and worked long hours under consider able pressure without any regard for his personal comfort. With his exemplary devotion to duty, he inspired the men to give their best inspite of handicaps.

During the operations in Akhura, Brahama nbaria and Laksham Sectors, when an aircraft became unserviceable, Sergeant Chatterjee worked with determination on the night of 8th/9th December, 1971, with the help of ordinary hurricane lamps, accomplished the change of engine and thus made the aircraft airworthy to undertake vital operational mission the next morning.

Throughout the operations, Sergeant Chatterjee displayed leadership, high professional skill and extreme devotion to duty. He made a significant contribution towards the operational achievements of his unit. For his distinguished service of a high order, Sergeant Jotirmoy Chatterjee is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, 223025 Sergeant Suhas chandra Khanderao Gupte served with a bomber Squadron. He was responsible for servicing and rectification of the aircraft. Throughout this assignment, he displayed a remarkable sense of duty, professional skill and enthusiasm. To a very large measure, it is due to his ceaseless efforts by night and by day that the aircraft serviceability was maintained at a very high figure. In an instance, when detailed at very short notice for an engine change on an aircraft held up at an outstation base, he carried out the task with utmost speed and enabled the aircraft to be brought on line for the operational mission the very next day.

Sergeant Suhaschandra Khanderao Gupte displayed professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

229457 Sergeant Esakkre Chelliah is serving with an operational Squadron.

He worked with single minded devotion to servicing and repair of Electrical systems on Bomber aircraft to ensure a very high rate of serviceability prior to and during the period of hostilities. His contribution to a major modification of the aircraft for launch of special Armament stores was outstanding. The modified aircraft were available in time for use on Operational missions during the Indo-Pak operations.

For his distinguished service of a high order and professional sill, Sergeant Esakkre Chelliah is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

236986 Sergeant Bairava Kasu Subbaro Babu Rao was posted to a Guided Weapons Squadron in the forward area in the Western Sector during the Indo-Pak conflict of December, 1971.

During and prior to December, 1971 operations he displayed outstanding tenacity and devotion to duty inspite of very limited servicing facilities. On one occasion he worked round the clock to rewire one unit in the system and completed the difficult task in 48 hours. This task was a fourth line job and would have taken at least a week if it was sent to a normal repair agency. It was because of his professional skill and determination that a job beyond the scope of the unit could be successfully completed. His untiring efforts culminated in making the Guided Weapon Squadron available for operational duties.

Sergeant Bairava Kasu Subbaro Babu Rao displayed technical skill, firm determination of high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

216416 Corporal Ram Kishore Gupta has been serving with an operational wing since February, 1971. On 23rd November, 1971 he was NonCommissioned Officer in-charge of crash crew. At 1650 hours, he observed one fighter aircraft coming overhead carrying out the R/T unserviceability procedure. He immediately alerted his crash crew for any eventuality. The aircraft made a heavy landing. Corporal Gupta noticed that the aircraft did not have the canopy and a little smoke was coming out of the cockpit. He correctly followed the aircraft with crash tenders and other safety vehicles. As soon as the aircraft came to halt, he with his crew reached the scene within seconds. A thick smoke and flame was coming out of the cockpit. As soon as the pilot jumped out of the cockpit Corporal Gupta and his crew extinguished the fire very efficiently. But for this prompt action the aircraft would have been seriously damaged. On 29th November, 1971, another aircraft abandoned take off. Corporal Gupta observed the smoke was coming out from the port tyre. He along with his crew promptly rushed to the aircraft and extinguished the fire before it could do any damage to the aircraft.

During the Indo-Pak operations of December, 1971, one aircraft landed back after the mission with a huge flame from underneath the fuselage was observed by the crash crew. Corporal Gupta and his crew reached the scene immediately and extinguished the fire saving valuable aircraft.

In performance of his duties, Corporal Ram Kishore Gupta displayed great enthusiasm and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

226893 Corporal Muthuvellu Padmanabhan, Electrician 1 has been serving with an operational Squadron for the last three years.

He has handled the difficult task of locating faults in the intricate electrical circuits of Super Constellation aircraft and rectifying them with great competence and skill. During the IndoPak operations he worked for more than 18 hours a day to see off and receive aircraft engaged on missions and ensured that the electrical system was serviceable. Disregarding personal comfort and conve nience, he set a fine example to his fellow tradesmen by his hard work and deep devotion to duty.

For his distinguished service of a high order and professional skill, Corporal Muthuvellu Padmanabhan is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

229509 Corporal Surinder Mohan Chhiber, Fitter II Airframe has been working in the Technical Workshop of a Fighter Wing since June, 1970. He was responsible for carrying out all types of skin and structural repair of the fighter aircraft operating at the Wing.

When the Wing was given the task of making a dummy fighter aircraft, he volunteered for the task. With outstanding technical skill, ingenuity and hard work, he completed the task in the stipulated time.

During the Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he distinguished himself as an outstanding member of a ground crew which attended to the battle damaged aircraft. Throughout the operations, he worked day and night and greatly contributed in getting the aircraft back on line for the next sortie.

Corporal Surinder Mohan Chhiber displayed extreme devotion to duty, ingenuity and technical skill and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.