Air Vice Marshal Jaspal Singh was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Force in June, 1943. During World War II, he served with No. 1 Indian Air Force Squadron and saw action on the Burma Front. After the War, he became a Flying Instructor and pioneered the takeover of flying training from the Royal Air Force. He was the first instructor who obtained the highest Instructor Category of 'A1' as well as the first pilot to be appointed as an Instrument Rating Examiner on all types of aircraft. He was also responsible for evolving the categorisation and instrument rating schemes for instructor pilots.

After completing the course at the Defence Services Staff College in 1954, he held various staff appointments. In 1957, he was selected to command and convert a squadron to Jet Bombers. With commendable zeal, relentless effort and perseverance, he moulded the squadron into a highly efficient fighting unit in the shortest possible time. On completion of his tenure as a Squadron Commander, he was one of the two officers selected to undergo the Aviation Safety Course in the USA. He passed the course with distinction, and on his return, gave a new dimension to the Flight Safety Organisation in the Indian Air Force. In 1966, he took over the Command of a major Air Force base having transport and fighter squadrons. With meticulous supervision and determination, he ensured that the training of pilots and ground crew was kept on schedule and the transport and heliborne airlift operations always achieved the laid down targets. His base also undertook assembly of supersonic fighters, which were assembled in record time and delivered to the operational squadrons.

On completion of the National Defence College course in 1970, he took over as Director of Air Defence. He successfully tackled intricate operational problems and significantly contributed towards the improvement of the early warning capability which paid handsome dividends during the Indo-Pak conflict, 1971. In 1973-74, he commanded another major Air Force base with great success. In his present appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Flight Safety and Inspection, he has, with his vast experience and professional knowledge of flying and accident prevention, achieved a sharp decline in the overall Air Force accident rates.

Throughout, Air Vice Marshal Jaspal Singh rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jemji Hormusji Framji Manekshaw joined the Army Medical Corps in February, 1943. He was posted to No. 4 Squadron, Air Force during World War II and saw active service in Arakan. In 1946, he was the first Indian Officer to be posted as the Deputy Senior Medical Officer of a Group of Royal Air Force. He has held a number of important administrative as well as specialist appointments creditably. He served as Senior Medical Officer of an operational Group of the Indian Air Force during the Kashmir Operations in 1948 and was the first to organise air transportation of sick and wounded on a regular basis from the forward areas. His suggestions regarding modification of Dakota aircraft by installation of portable oxygen equipment therein, helped in air evacuation of casualties at altitudes above 10,000 feet. In 1948, he was selected for training in Aviation Medicine at US Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. After completion of this advanced diploma course, he was further selected to undergo flight training where he won the Wings of a Flight Surgeon. In 1961, he was deputed as Deputy Air Adviser (Medical) to the High Commission of India in UK, where he helped to resolve many aeromedical problems, which were being experienced in the Air Force due to the induction of high performance aircraft in the Service. In 1964, as Principal

Medical Officer, Eastern Air Command, he displayed sound ability for proper planning,

cooperation and distribution of medical facilities in that sector. He exhibited good

qualities of leadership by visiting all remote areas at the time of crisis even at the peril of his own safety. He has more than 700 hours of flying, including solo, to his credit. In 1967, he was appointed commandant, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore. He brought about further improvement to suit the needs of the modern Air Force and our aircraft industry. This Institute is one of the leading establishments of the Air Force today and plays an important operational role in day to day flying tasks. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was awarded 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' in 1971. He was appointed as Director of Medical Research in the office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services in March, 1973, and in this appointment with his usual drive, professional acumen, determination, energy and tact, he geared up the Medical

Research Armed Forces to a very high pitch of efficiency.

Throughout, Air Vice Marshal Jemji Hormusij Framji Manekshaw has rendered service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jafar Zaheer was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Air Force in September, 1943. During his service career he held with distinction a variety of important operational and staff appointments. He has the rare qualification of being a graduate of the Institute of Armament Technology. This technological background in combination with his primary qualification as a pilot has equipped him with the background to function in many appointments in a uniquely effective and efficient manner. As Deputy Director of Weapons at Air Headquarters in 1962-63 his broad-based knowledge and experience enabled him to compile and introduce a Weapons Planning Directive which continues to be the standard document for such planning in the Air Force. He also rationalised the operational parameters on the basis of which the War Reserve of Weapons are calculated.

From 1964 to 1968, he commanded the Air Force Project Team for the development of an indigenous aircraft. During this tenure, essential improvements/modifications were progressed which led to the introduction of this aircraft in service. During 1968-69, he rendered distinguished services as Air Defence Commander in the Eastern sector and during 1969-72 as Air Officer Commanding of a big station. As Director, Air Staff Requirements at the Headquarters from January, 1973 to June, 1974 he had to undertake the task of selecting major weapons systems for the modernisation of the Air Force. His technological background and operational experience were of immense value in these tasks and also in the concept formulation of Air Staff Requirements for Research and Development in the country. As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) since July, 1974, he has controlled and coordinated the activities of various Directorates dealing in Projects, Plans and Programmes, etc. During a period when the Air Force has recognised the need for large scale replacement of obsolescent equipment, initiation of development projects and review of establishments, he has achieved exemplary results in the formulation of Requirement and Financial Plans on a long term perspective. His professional competence, high intellectual calibre and capacity for work have inspired his Directors and staff to high standards of performance and achievement, and he has thus gained the total confidence of his colleagues and superiors.

Throughout, Air Vice Marshal Jafar Zaheer rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Bawa Sampuran Singh Bedi was commissioned, in of the Air Force on 19th January, 1942 in the Flying Branch of the Air Force as a Navigator. He volunteered for training as a Technical Armament Officer. During his service career he has held with distinction a very wide variety of responsible appointments within the service and in the Defence Research and Development Organisation under the Ministry of Defence. Prior to taking over as Air Officer-in-charge, Maintenance at Air Headquarters, he served as Air Officer Commanding of the largest repair and overhaul complex of the Indian Air Force. For his excellent handling of that assignment he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Engineering). These appointments were handled by him with efficiency, a spirit of dedication and confidence. As Air Officer-in-charge Maintenance, he has brought about significant changes in a scientific and methodical manner covering various facets of technology and logistics in the Air Force. With untiring zeal and understanding of human character and personal example, he has been instrumental in infusing among his subordinates' team spirit and the desire to innovate and successfully meet the challenges of modern technology and weapon systems. This has led to improved maintenance standards in the Air Force.

Throughout, Air Marshal Bawa Sampuran Singh Bedi rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.