Squadron Leader Shaji Jacob (16652) Administration has been on the posted strength of the Directorate of Intelligence, Air HQ (VB) since 19 Jun 95. He has been working in the Photo Interpretation Section as Assistant Director (PI) since 19 Jun 96.

In early May 99 at the start of the Kargil operation very little information was available about the presence of the enemy in terms of depth and extent of coverage. To obtain this information numerous sorties had to be mounted both for the Army and for the Air Force Planning Staff. Because of the peculiarity of the operations conducted in the Kargil sector, Air HQ undertook the task of photo interpretation of the tactical area of operations, consisting of mainly bunkers and Administration camps. The Photo Interpretation Section of Air HQ that was normally geared to interpret strategic targets was hard put to tackle these small tactical targets which required quite different techniques of analysis. There was also the problem of interpreting a large number of demands from Jaguar Long Range Serial Photography, Canberra and MiG-21 oblique as well as MiG-25 vertical high level photography. Analysis of LORAP photography was particularly demanding because of the differing scales involved.

It is to the credit of Squadron Leader S Jacob that throughout the entire period of operations he worked non-stop seven days a week to produce imagery so vitally needed for the planners. His undivided attention and professional competence contributed significantly in the identification and location of some very important targets from a mass of film. These targets were subsequently engaged by the Air Force with telling effect. The Army too got some very good imagery in time to aid their operations. The effort of this officer was specially significant during the period beginning May to end May where there was only one civilian Photo Interpreter officer to share the load. It was only after this period that other officers were identified and attached to Air HQ.

For his professional competence, dedication and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader S Jacob.