Sqn Ldr Vaidyalingam Ramalingam was on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Base Repair Depots and was working as Officer Incharge Production in the Mi-8 overhaul line.

Sqn Ldr Ramalingam was assigned the responsibility of completing the assigned task of overhauls of Mi-8 helicopters during 198788, with an increase of almost 50% over the previous year's task. The officer took up this challenge, infused in his men a sense of purpose and espirit-de-corps to motivate them and made attainment of the task personal goal. He streamlined the production process and introduced maintenance information system which assured availability of the right spares at the right place and time. During the year 1988-89, Sqn Ldr Ramalingam was once again entrusted with the task of attaining the overhaul target. To meet the target, he put in consistently, extended hours, unmindful of personal requirements and exceeded the overhaul target.

For his unflinching devotion to duty, astute leadership and exceptional professional ability, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Ramalingam.