Wing Commander Harjendra Singh Kalsi as Officer in charge Administration at a Wing organized very effective ground defence which contributed effectively to safety of Service installations and civil population.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Rajindra Nath Dawar with his meticulous attention to detail, contributed significantly to the production of vital data for long term financial plans.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Wing Commander Vedantadesikan Krishanaswamy (4045) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. During his service career he has held important appointments at units as well as Commands, and has attended a number of specialist courses both in India and abroad.

Wing Commander Sultan Singh Yadav as Dy. President of A.F. Selection Board greatly improved the efficiency of the Unit and made significant contribution in the planning and handling of the selection programme.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding devotion to duty, zeal and sustained capacity for hard work.

Wing Commander Amal Chandra Gupta through perseverance, diligence, foresight and thorough planning contributed greatly to the success of the bomber missions flown during the 1971 conflict.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta (4859) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been serving as Officer incharge Flying at the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit since October, 1971. With the outbreak of Indo-Pak Conflict, there was a sharp increase in flying commitments at the station, and he was required to set up additional facilities at his base.

He was instrumental in organizing a very effective operations room which was manned by him during "maximum activity hours". He also organised a very effective communication net work for the defence of the airfield. Under his personal supervision and guidance, the Air Delivery Fight was able to carry out a total of 1581 hours of flying, over a period of two months, airlifting 674 tonnes of vital spares and equipment to forward bases. After the conflict, the Air Delivery Flight operations continued, and airlifted a further load of 401 tonnes of vitally needed stores to forward bases. By his constant endeavour and personal example, he main tained perfect coordination between the various sectors under him and kept the morale of his men at a high pitch.

For distinguished service of a high order, Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Bidani was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1956. Since May, 1969, he has been serving at an operational Command as a Staff Officer. He exhibited an extremely high caliber of specialist knowledge relating to the Electrical and Instrument equipment including Diesel Generating sets, Electrical Flare paths and Crash Barriers. He displayed the same interest, and intelligent approach, in dealing with Mechanical Transport problems, as well.

During the second half of 1971, due mainly by the drive shown by the officer, the serviceability of fighter aircraft in the Command increased significantly. When the tempo of work had to be increased, he plunged into his work with greater zeal, his one aim being to contribute as much as he possible could, towards improving the operational efficiency of the Command.

For selfless devotion to duty and capacity for hard work demonstrated by Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Bidani, the Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded to him.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh as NCC Examiner standardized glider training in the NCC. Under his command his NCC squadron was adjudged the best Air Wing Squadron (Flying/gliding) and won both the CAS Silver Trophy and Subroto Air Trophy for the year 71-72.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his selfless devotion to service and qualities of leadership of a high order.

Squadron Leader Pramod Chandra Joshi modified a number of Fighter/Bomber aircraft through ingenuity and improvisation. By his efforts and initiative he saved the country Rs. 33 lakhs in foreign exchange. His project improved the operational capability of aircraft.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma (6659) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He has held responsible instructional and staff appointments with distinction. As a Flight Commander in a Ground Training School, he introduced instructional aids which vastly improved the training standards of airmen. He also made a significant contribution towards the effective training of Cadets in an Elementary Flying Training School. In 1966, he was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. With his immense capacity for hard work, high degree of professional ability and accurate planning, he rendered singular assistance to his Commander in setting up the Command Headquarters at a new location. He also served with distinction as Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. By his sustained hard work and thorough study, he kept himself fully conversant with all problems faced by various establishments under the Command and vigorously persued action on each point raised by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. His exemplary staff work, clarity of thought and expression were of immense help to all concerned.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma displayed exceptional initiative, great organizing ability and single minded devotion to duty. He worked for long hours and successfully coordinated all staff work among Operational, Maintenance and Administrative Cells. He was instrumental in ensuring that orders and instructions of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief reached all levels in the shortest possible time and were executed properly. He confidently dealt with all routine work within the frame-work of broad directives of the Air Officer Commandingin-Chief in devoting his full attention to the Air Operations in the Eastern Sector.

For high professional ability, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Yadlapalli Rajendra Prasad (7299) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1963. He has been serving as the Engineering Officer of an Operational Squadron since February, 1971. Prior to the commencement of Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971, the squadron was assigned the task of camouflaging all aircraft by spray painting in the shortest possible time. He accepted the challenge and organised the painting programme from within the resources of the squadron. In order to accomplish the task in the shortest possible time available, he improvised a temporary camouflaging scheme and under the most trying conditions progressed the work at the rate of one aircraft per day. During the conflict, this camouflage scheme proved useful and effective. When the hostilities broke out on 3rd December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Rajendra Prasad rose to the occasion and unmindful of the personal comforts remained on duty throughout the fourteen days of the conflict, handling servicing and rectification problem of the squadron. He coordinated nearly 30 Cat 'C' repairs to maintain high availability of aircraft. In addition, he also set up servicing facilities for M.T. and specialist vehicles.

Throughout his career, Flight Lieutenant Yadlapalli Rajendra Prasad has displayed conspicuous devotion to duty and high professional skill and conspicuous devotion to duty. For this, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Kashinath Hanumantappa Anadure made a major contribution in the production of aircraft and Helicopters from a repair depot.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for a high standard of professional skill, keenness and initiative.

Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1964. He was serving as an engineering officer in an Air OP unit prior to and during the December, 1971 war. The unit was a hybrid composite of Helicopter and Krishak aircraft. When the aircraft were deployed for operations at places five to six hundred kilometers from the squadron maintenance base, maintaining these aircraft became very difficult. Unde terred, Flight Lieutenant Sherrufudeen displayed outstanding initiative and drive by redesigning and locally fabricating all the tools and test equipment required to permit the detached aircraft to be self sufficient upto the 25 hours servicing stage. He also reorganized the servicing base so that the 100 hours servicing of Helicopters could be completed in half the normal time.

Throughout the operations, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen visited all the Air Observation Post Flights at their forward bases and with consistent hard work, carried on-the-spot repairs to the damaged aircraft. It was primarily due to his untiring efforts that the unit was able to provide maximum support to Army formations throughout the period of the conflict.

By his initiative, extreme devotion to duty, high professional knowledge and consistent hard work, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen maintained a very high rate of aircraft serviceability against heavy odds. For distinguished service rendered of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Jagan Nath Prasad Bhatt was instrumental in eviction of unauthorized and undesirable elements in the vicinity of a vital I.A.F. installation in a forward base. Through vigilance he also contributed to the security of the Base.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his foresight and distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Peruvamba Ramakrishnan Narayana Murthy was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1964. He was employed as a fighter controller at a signal unit in the forward area during the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971.

On 9th December, 1971 he was instrumental in detecting three impending strikes at a forward air base and thus ensured timely tactical action by the base against the air attack. Again on 11th and 14th December, 1971, it was because of his diligence and professional competence that our own strike missions were warned in time to take evasive/offensive action against interception of enemy aircraft. Also on 11th December, 1971, it was due to his vigilance that our ground forces near Chor took defensive positions against air attacks well in time thus preventing many casualties.

Throughout his career, Flight Lieutenant Peruvamba Ramakrishnan Narayana Murthy has displayed great professional skill and ingenuity and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Jagdish Chandra Verma as a trouble shooter of malfunctions on aircraft diagnosed faults correctly and greatly reduced failure rates.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Puran Chandra Singh Rautela volunteered for a very sensitive appointment in the midst of 1971 conflict. Through his drive and perseverance he was able to collect and produce some very vital intelligence about the enemy.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for courage and extreme devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Gopalkrishnan Nair (9610) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1965. Since January, 1970, he has been serving with an operational squadron at a forward air base. With his professional skill, unflinching zeal and capacity for sustained hard work, he helped the Squadron in achieving one hundred per cent aircraft serviceability.

During the operations, the Squadron was required to move to different locations at very short notice. Despite the extremely difficult task of carrying out such moves during the black-out, the squadron was ready to meet any operational commitments within minutes of reaching the new destination. This could not have been accomplished but for the unstinting efforts, enthusiasm and initiative on the part of Flight Lieutenant Nair.

Throughout his career, he has displayed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and high professional ability, rendering distinguished service of a high order. For this, Flight Lieutenant Gopalkrishnan Nair is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1965. In April, 1969, he was serving as Security (Counter-Intelligence) Officer at an Operational Wing, where he organized a very effective counter-intelligence cell which had a deterrent effect on enemy agents. He inculcated a high degree of security consciousness amongst personnel of the wing and established excellent liaison with local civil authorities.

In 1970, Flight Lieutenant Bandopadhyay was posted to the same wing as the Station Adjutant. He immediately dedicated himself to his new task and streamlined the administrative set up by working long hours in complete disregard for his personal comfort. During August/September, 1971, he again showed his mettle and contributed significantly in the coordination and implementation of various operational plans. His professional acumen, leadership and devotion to duty have been an inspiring example of those working with him.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Arunasu Datta (10303) was seconded to the Medical Branch of the Air Force in February, 1966. As the Officer Commanding of a Casualty Air Evacuation Unit in a forward area, he successfully organized air evacuation and reception of casualties from the forward areas and their dispatch to the rear hospitals.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971, he personally supervised reception of battle casualties and rendered timely medical assistance to many critical cases. On 13th December, 1971, when there was a heavy influx of casualties, he personally administered blood transfusions and provided specialized medical treatment under field conditions and saved many valuable lives. In addition, he was often called upon to assist the medical staff of the Base Hospital at off hours which he always did cheerfully.

For high professional skill and devotion to duty and for rendering distinguished service of a high order, Flight Lieutenant Arunasu Datta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay (11528) Medical has been in charge of the Family Ward and Station Family Planning Section of an Air Force Hospital located at a forward airfield since February, 1969. She set about her task with unflagging zeal and dogged determination, zeal and worked incessantly without disregard to her personal comfort. Her accurate diagnosis and understanding of the patients' problems earned her their admiration and appreciation. She was responsible for delivering three cases of premature babies and used her practical knowledge of her profession in improvising her own incubator for them. It was mainly due to her initiative, perseverance and untiring energy that an officer's family ward was opened on the station and a healthy baby clinic started functioning. During the December, 1971 conflict, Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Ban- dopadhyay worked tire lessly and was a great asset to the surgical team in conducting numerous operations. By her personal example, cheerful demeanour and courage, she was a source of great help in keeping the morale of the families at a high level, throughout the period of hostilities.

For exceptional devotion to duty, singular efficiency, tremendous zeal, outstanding professional capability and extraordinary capacity for continued hard work beyond the call of duty, Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

37694 Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu, M.T.D. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 1st April, 1944. He has the distinction of having served as the staff car driver for all Chiefs of the Air Staff since 1954.

Since May, 1970, he has been serving as M.T.D. at an Air Base in a forward area. From the time he took over his duties, the maintenance and serviceability state of M.T. vehicles both common user and specialist, have shown marked and rapid improvement reaching their zenith during Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971. Under his personal supervision and guidance his section has met all the M.T. requirements of the Station. He has set a good example to all personnel and has kept the morale of the men working under him at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu has displayed excellent organizing abilities, devotion, sustained hard work and personal example. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished services of a high order.

48980 Master Warrant Officer Shreenazar Singh Kunwar, G.T.I. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in October, 1944. Prior to his posting to an Air Force Station as Physical Fitness Officer, he had worked in this capacity at various Flying Colleges. During his tenure as Command PFO at an Operational Com mand, he organized the training for the Colour Presentation ceremony of a Squadron in 1968 which was to be reviewed by the President of India. He was commended by AOC-in-C for his devotion to duty and professional ability.

Master Warrant Officer Kunwar was detailed to survey the physical fitness standards of Air Force personnel at various stations and Commands. He did an excellent job, which helped Air Headquarters to formulate policies on the subject. In addition, he was instrumental in assessing the suitability of the new Sten Machine Carbine. While serving at Air Headquarters, he drafted the procedure for Air Force Ceremonial Parades, and also assisted in drafting the procedures for parading the President's Colours for the 1st April, 1972.

He was entrusted with the responsibilities of training the contingent for this special parade, the first ever in the history of the Indian Air Force, which he carried out creditably. Since his arrival at the Air Force Station, MWO Kunwar has organized various sports activities of the Station including the Air Force Football Championship with commendable efficiency. With his outstanding work, professional skill and initiative, 48980 Master Warrant Officer Shreenazar Singh Kunwar has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

10846 Warrant Officer Chengat Govindan Nambiar was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 28th June, 1941. Since January, 1969, he has been serving at an operational Wing as Warrant Officer in-charge a Bomb-Dump.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971, he was entrusted with the task of preparing and delivering various explosive stores to combat Squadrons. It was due to his personal and able supervision that huge armament loads were delivered to the Squadrons without any mishap. He was present in the Bomb-dump at all hours of day and night throughout the period of conflict. The preparation of stores was carried out so meticulously and efficiently under his supervision and guidance that not a single case of "blind/failure" was reported. His professional skill, high sense of duty and determination were a constant source of inspiration to those working under him.

In delivering a huge amount of fused explosives, during the conflict without a single accident, "blind/failure" 10846 Warrant Officer Chengat Govindan Nambiar has rendered distinguished service of a high order for which, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

18321 Warrant Officer Narayan Appa Kashid, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in April, 1943. During the IndoPakistan conflict of 1965, he was mentionedin-despatches. Since April, 1969, he has been serving with a Repair Depot and has been associated with the manufacture of Air Force equipment. His work has significantly helped the Depot to fulfill its tasks within the stipulated time.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict of December, 1971, Warrant Officer Kashid was detailed to develop a Rig for packing the tail parachute of a fighter bomber aircraft. Within one week he developed a hydraulic operated Rig by using components recovered from unserviceable machinery. This Rig was extensively used for packing Tail Parachutes of the aircraft during the conflict and the time factor and physical effort required for packing were reduced considerably. Use of this Rig will, in future, save a considerable amount of foreign exchange.

In carrying out his duties, 18321 Warrant Officer Narayan Appa Kashid has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

39002 Warrant Officer Surjit Singh Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 9th June, 1944. Since April, 1970 he has been serving with a fighter squadron as Warrant Officer in charge of the second line servicing echelon. He readily undertook the additional work of modifying a number of aircraft belong to other units and second line servicing of other squadrons without any additional help. Warrant Officer Surjit Singh with his organizing ability, hard work and devotion always completed tasks in time despite the fact that his own squadron was operating from three forward bases.

During the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971 Warrant Officer Surjit Singh was called upon to organize and manage maintenance operations at a forward base. He showed great leadership and organizing ability and ensured that the facilities were set up in the shortest possible time.

In carrying out his duties Warrant Officer Surjit Singh has displayed great ingenuity, dedication and high professional skill and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for this he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

208791 Warrant Officer Surajpal Singh, Flight Gunner was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 26th July, 1950. He has been serving in a heavy transport squadron as Flight Gunner/Load Master for over seven years. He has flown over 1500 hours during his stay in the squadron. This includes over 2000 hours of operational flying in Ladakh, NEFA, Nagaland and Mizo Hills. During the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971 Warrant Officer Singh undertook all tasks assigned to him, unmindful of personal comforts and in complete disregard to his personal safety. By volunteering to undertake operational drop sorties over enemy territory, he has displayed great courage and devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Surajpal Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

300120 Warrant Officer Lakshmi Kant Dass Electrician 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 8th April, 1947. Since January, 1963 he has been serving with a heavy transport squadron. Ever since his posting, he has set about his task with extreme zeal and skill and has rendered valuable services in the maintenance of aircraft. Initially he was incharge of daily servicing section and later he was in-charge of second line servicing of electrical equipment. His knowledge of the aircraft, its associated specialist vehicles and ground equipment, he has been a source of inspiration to the men working under him. It is to his credit that he volunteered to take over the additional responsibility of servicing Ground Power Units when the serviceability of this equipment was unsatisfactory. Inspite of many handicaps, he kept up the service ability of Ground Power Units at a very high state.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971 he personally organized and set up second line servicing of the aircraft at outstation bases at a very short notice and produced outstanding results.

Warrant Officer Lakshmi Kant Dass, in his 25 years of service has proved himself of a very disciplined, loyal and capable individual. He has an unblemished service record and has been twice commended by Chiefs of the Air Staff. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

200759 Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in March, 1947. During his tenure at a Repair Depot he has been personally responsible for designing and manufacturing a fixture for repair of outer cylinder of Harvard aircraft main oleo, when the supply of this part from abroad was taking an abnormally long time. The required outer cylinders are now being reused resulting in recurring saving of valuable foreign exchange. He also modified an Alloute engine driven pump test rig to utilize Harvard aircraft and for Bell helicopter components as well. In addition, he established testing facilities for Bell helicopter power cylinders.

During the period November-December, 1971 there was pressing demand for hydraulic components for front line aircraft for which the Depot is designated repair agency. By working long hours, day and night, he boosted the production to Qty. 200 components per month against a normal production of 80-90 components. His personal example and dedication to duty, initiative and keenness has been a great source of inspiration to men working with him.

In carrying out his duties, Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan has displayed a very high standard of professional skill and initiative, and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.