Group Captain Abhay Gupta (13241) F (P) was commissioned in the flying branch of the IAF on 22 Dec 72. During his thirty years of distinguished service, he has held several key command and staff appointments and has excelled himself as a professional. He has over 3,600 hrs of accident-free fighter flying to his credit. He is a graduate of College of Air Warfare, a Fighter Combat Leader and a Qualified Flying Instructor. He was one of the founder members of the premier Formation Aerobatics Team of the IAF, the Thunderbolts. He also has the unique distinction of having commanded two fighter squadrons. The Jaguar Squadron he commanded did exceedingly well in all aspects of operations, maintenance and administration and was awarded the Presidents' Colours.

Gp Capt Gupta possesses exceptional managerial skills, sagacity and zest - qualities that he applied to his work as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a major fighter base. He was instrumental in the activation of the long disused airfield at Dharbanga, where fighter operations were conducted for the first time ever. During his tenure as COO, Eastern UP region witnessed unprecedented and devastating floods. Gp Capt Gupta set up a very efficient Flood Control Cell and coordinated the two month long relief operations, which brought timely succour and relief to lakhs of hapless and marooned people. This humanitarian effort brought laurels and appreciation to the Air Force from one and all, including the Prime Minister of India himself.

Gp Capt Gupta has been posted to Air HQ as Joint Director Personnel Planning (JDPP) since Jul 2000. As JDPP, once again Gp Capt Gupta has shown a high degree of commitment, and has brought out a substantial improvement in the work culture and output of Directorate. He took initiative to restructure the Directorate so as to achieve optimum manning level. As a result the Directorate was able to shed 10% of its manpower, including officers and other ranks. With his initiative, all the induction plans have been revised, manpower rationalisation cases have been updated and pursued vigorously with MoD for approval. Gp Capt Gupta has demonstrated exceptional skills in staff work, and has made a major contribution towards finalising the recommendations of the Task Force on Manpower Management.

Throughout his career, Gp Capt Gupta has shown a very high level of commitment, zeal and professionalism. For a distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Abhay Gupta.