Air Marshal Dilbagh Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1944. In his long career in the Indian Air Force, he has commanded operational formations with distinction and has excelled in planning of operations and their execution. He has made valuable contribution towards combat readiness of the Indian Air Force squadrons, By his outstanding qualities of leadership, administrative and organising ability, initiative and drive, he infused a healthy spirit of competition amongst the operational units of the Indian Air Force. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of an Operational Group, he was instrumental in updating the operational and air defence plans, and enhancing the fighting efficiency of the Air Force in his Sector. He has constantly endeavoured to bring about allround improvements in the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Dilbagh Singh has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Idandas Warhomal Sabhaney was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1943 and served till August, 1978. During his long service career, he held various important assignments with distinction. An Electronics Engineer by profession, and an Associate Member of the British Institute of Radio Engineers, he brought to bear his technical acumen and professional skill on the maintenance aspect of the Indian Air Force. As Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, his contribution to the augmentation of production at Base Repair Depots and planning of aircraft serviceability immensely enhanced the flying capability of the entire fleet of aircraft in the Indian Air Force. His significant contribution included embracing of all facets of technology and logistics in the Indian Air Force in a scientific and methodical manner. His profound sense of judgment, organisational capability and realistic planning helped in better utilisation of aircraft with available resources.

Air Marshal Idandas Warhomal Sabhaney has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Harkrishan Lal Kapoor was commissioned in the Administrative branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1943. He has since held a wide variety of assignments. He has the distinction of holding the post of Staff Officer to the Chief of Air Staff for 8 years. His contribution towards re-organisation and expansion of the Air Force, operational preparedness, manpower utilisation and personnel policies of the Air Force has been of a high order. As Judge Advocate General of the Air Force, he streamlined, with a systematic approach, the legal procedures for timely dispensation of justice. His keen interest in and long association with sports, won many laurels for the IAF and the Services in the national and international fields. Having distinguished himself as Chairman of Air Force Sports Control Board, he is now the President of Services Sports Control Board, Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association and President of the Hand-Ball Federation of India.

Air Vice Marshal Harkishan Lal Kapoor has thus tendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Vettakkorumakankav Sivarama Narayanan was posted to the Defence Research and Development Laboratory in 1972, as its Director and Project Officer. There, he built up extensive and comprehensive infrastructure relating to rocket tests, flight range fabrication, aerodynamics, structural tests, environmental tests and quality control, He also built up technological competence in the fields of propulsion, navigation guidance, control, structures, computer science and system technology. He activated a number of sister Research and Development Laboratories and production units, in their respective areas of specialisation and production competence, as relevant to the large weapon systems. He also has motivated, trained and built up a team of young dedicated scientists to form the “core" in the various areas of Missile Technology. These efforts have taken the shape of a complete integrated complex system for utilising and harnessing the resources of the various production units into a time-bound and cost-bound hardware development programme. Thereby a nucleus of powerful project management capability for large projects has been established.

Air Vice Marshal Vettakkorumakankav Sivarama Narayanan has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.