Wing Commander Gopal Dass Sharma (14047) Adm/FC has nearly 25 years of commissioned service. During this period, he has worked on all types of air defence radars in a variety of units. As a young officer, he earned an 'AYE' category as a Fighter Controller and today he enjoys an enviable reputation as a professional amongst the pilot/controller community. Before assuming his present assignment as AD-I at HQ South Western Air Command (SWAC) IAF, he has been an inspector with the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection at Air HQ for five years, and has also commanded a Signals Unit in the sensitive J&K sector.

Besides discharging day to day management responsibilities, his tasks have included planning and co-ordination of major exercises, reviewing of orders and instructions and formulating Standard Operating Procedures for smooth conduct of Air Defence operations. In acquitting himself of these responsibilities, he has been found to be very mature, knowledgeable and industrious. He has taken his responsibilities seriously and applied his vast experience well in management of forces in the field. Some noteworthy aspects of his outlook are that despite years of experience and considerable expertise in matters related to Air Defence, he is always receptive to new ideas. Related to this quality is also his habit of expressing his professional opinion forthrightly and unambiguously. Consequently, not only does the section enjoy the benefit of his sound professional advice but also new ideas can be generated.

During the past 18 months, SWAC has handled many operational tasks and conducted a number of exercises. Each of them has been handled most competently by Wg Cdr GD Sharma. This is also reflected in his day to day work.

For a distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Gopal Dass Sharma.