Air Commodore Yash Kumar (12872) was commissioned on 05 July 1971 in the Engineering branch of the Indian Air Force. During his illustrious service career of 33 years, he has held many important field and staff appointments. He commenced his career in a Bomber Squadron and was awarded a commendation by the CAS in early days of his career. The officer completed his post graduation in Aerospace Engineering from IIT and was awarded Air India Medal for best performance. Presently, he is on the posted strength of HQ Western Air Command, IAF with effect from 01 July 2002 as Command Engineering Officer.

Air Commodore Kumar has undergone training in France on Mirage 2000 aircraft and then in USA on Engine Test Bed. Subsequently, he installed the state-of-the-art Engine Test Bed for Mirage engines to support the then newly inducted Mirage squadrons. Later, as Commanding Officer of a premier aero-engine Repair Depot, with focus on 'higher production with improved quality', he accomplished the highest ever production, leading to a quantum jump in flying efforts by operational squadrons. He is also a graduate of National Defence College.

WAC, being the foremost command, comprises almost all types of fighter, transport and helicopter fleets, which need to be maintained operational at all times. With his deep involvement, high initiative and constant interaction and guidance to technical personnel at bases Air Commodore Kumar has been able to maintain high serviceability and operational effectiveness. He achieved this through daily monitoring and liaison with repair and supply agencies to provide timely support to operational bases. Throughout he has displayed deep sense of responsibility and commitments towards interest of service. With his vast and varied experience Air Commodore Kumar has always been innovative. His relentless effort to improve infrastructure and quality of maintenance of aircraft and equipment has helped to enhance flying effort despite various constraints. He also guided the units on innovations and self help approach and provided a sense of purpose to the personnel who rose to the occasion and took up the challenges. These innovations proved highly useful to improve reliability of systems besides the saving to exchequer.

Air Commodore Yash Kumar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.