The officer is innovative and an excellent professional. In Nov 97 a fighter fleet faced a major problem of bulging of No. 2 fuel tank and fuel leak in the air intake region. Over a period, more and more aircraft were affected with similar problems. Neither repair scheme nor the technology to undertake the repair was available in India and Russians had quoted an exorbitant cost to undertake this task. During discussions with Russians, Sqn Ldr Kuldeep Sharma used his engineering skill and sound knowledge to extract maximum possible information regarding materials, tools and the procedures to be used to undertake suitable repair on fuel tanks. He then left no stone unturned to develop the repair technology indigenously. He actively associated himself with HAL (ND) design department in preparation of repair drawings and subsequently made detailed procedures to undertake the repair.

A team of technicians pooled from the BRD and HAL (ND) headed by Sqn Ldr Kuldeep Sharma was formed to undertake the repair on five seriously affected aircraft. Numerous difficulties in terms of availability of materials, spares and tooling were faced by the team. Due to undaunting efforts put in by Sqn Leader Kuldeep Sharma, fuel tank repair on all five aircraft could be completed by Dec 98.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Kuldeep Sharma.