Group Captain Shyam Lal Sharma was commissioned in the IAF on 05 July 1971. He performed creditably as Senior Engineer (Mechanical) at Air Force Station, Gwalior. He has held staff appointment at Headquarters, Central Air Command and also served as instructor at Mirage Maintenance Conversion Flight. He was trained in France on Mirage 2000 Aircraft.

Gp Capt Sharma, as Deputy Director Engineering at Air HQ from January 1993, was actively and directly involved in the study of proposals from French companies for overhaul of Mirage 2000 aircraft and aeroengine. He participated in discussions with technical and commercial representatives which involved hard bargaining and also prepared briefs for Price Negotiation Committee. Bringing his vast experience and first hand knowledge on Mirage aircraft to the fore, he detected a number of omissions, inaccuracies/discrepancies and redundant items in the proposals. This resulted in technically favourable and comprehensive contracts. With ingenuity and visits to units he identified 318 items for deletion from SNECMA proposals reducing the overall cost by approximately Rs. 8 crores.

Import of 16 complex facilities was essential to set up engine overhaul facilities at Kanpur. By his timely interaction with foreign vendors it was possible to complete the market survey, emphasis the special features to be incorporated during design stage and negotiate contracts in time. This avoided delay in setting up the facility and wasteful expenditure in sending the items to France for overhaul.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Shyamlal Sharma.