Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan has been the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Squadron since 14 Apr 86. His Squadron currently forms part of the Indian Peace keeping Force in Sri Lanka.

Wing Commander SC Malhan drew first blood for the Squadron on 25 Oct 87 when be under took the first mission on over a causeway south east o Jaffna against LTTE vehicles and an ammunition dump. He spotted the ammunition dump and dived into attack. With his accurate rocket attacks the ammunition dump was destroyed in a single pass. That was the beginning of a series of offensive air support missions by his unit. On 27 Oct 87 he led a major attack on the LTTE strongholds at Chavakacheri. He displayed remarkable marksmanship while attacking in a built up area, destroying LTTE strongholds that has been holding back the advance of the Army. This attack enabled the Indian Army to take over the township with negligible casualties and link up with a Regiment which had been isolated for seven days.

On 03 Nov 87 a Para Commando Battalion was pinned down by deadly enemy fire in the area of Mulai. This was at a time when there were strict restrictions imposed on the use of rockets and bombs. Not a person to be deterred, he struck the enemy position with front guns. Displaying complete disregard to himself, he made repeated attacks on enemy positions against heavy hostile fire even though his aircraft sustained bulled hits. He withdrew only when the heavy automatic weapons were all silenced.

For his exemplary leadership, undaunting courage and complete disregard of personal safety in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan.

Wg Cdr SC Malhan was on the posted strength of High Commission in England as Deputy Air Adviser. He was singularly responsible for procuring, recording and editing various video cassettes on flying training, use of air power, air shows, latest equipment and training material and despatching them to various Air Force units/ establishments. Training value of such material has been greatly appreciated and acknowledged by these institutions.

He had very good interaction with various agencies like MOD (UK), defence industries and the very large attaché community in London. He established excellent working relationship with Foreign Liaison Staff of MOD (UK). This had been of tremendous help not only in the smooth flow of information on various facets of the RAF but had also facilitated coordination of various courses/ visits of IAF officers in the UK.

During his tenure at the mission, he displayed exceptional sense of responsibility, initiative and resourcefulness in improving standards of administration.

For his dedication, devotion to duty and distinguished service of an exceptionally high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SC Malhan.

Gp Capt SC Malhan, VM VSM was commissioned on 18 May 68. A helicopter pilot par-excellence, he was specially selected to go to erstwhile USSR for training on Mi-25 attack helicopters. As Commanding Officer of the Mi-25 Squadron, he participated in the Sri Lanka operations and was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry in the face of the enemy on 13 Apr 88. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service in 1991.

Gp Capt Malhan was appointed as base commander of a newly raised air base at 10060 ft AMSL near Siachen Glacier in Apr 91. He ensured that the air operations in the defence on Siachen Glacier went on flawlessly and simultaneously built an Air Force Base in the most pristine surroundings. Gp Capt Malhan displayed remarkable resourcefulness in construction of rooms, bunkers and MT sheds with material salvaged from con demned vehicles and unusable packing material through 'SHRAMDAN' to tide over the pressing requirements. He could make this possible by coordinating machinery and resources between the MES, GREF, Field Engineers and the contractors. He was able to set up various sections, including a well stocked logistic section in a very short period. No body could have delivered so much in such a short time against overwhelming odds.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal to GP Capt Malhan.