Flight Lieutenant TRILOK NATH GHADIOK (2354), (Now Wing Commander) whilst acting as a Flight Commander in a transport supplyl Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir, showed at all times the highest qualities of leadership and therby set a fine example to other officers and airmen in his flight to follow. The Officer carried out many supply dropping sorties to Uri and later to Tithwal under difficult flying conditions, which earned special praise for him. On one of his sorties, even though his aircraft was repeatedly hit by enemy fire, he sucessfully completed his mission with his characteristic calmness and determination. When Transport supply had to be undertaken to reinforce Leh, this officer operated as a Captain on this hazardous route regularly.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

In December, 1962, Group Captain Trilok Nath Ghadiok assumed command of a transport wing mainly responsible for the air supply of J&K area including Leh. He set to work with commendable energy and perseverance in the face of numerous difficulties and soon brought the Wing to a high standard of efficiency in the air and on the ground. A pilot of outstanding ability, he has led a number of supply missions to forward areas, setting a very fine example to the experienced aircrew while training juniors. By energizing his men with unremitting care to the utmost effect, he ensured a high rate of aircraft serviceability. By infusing enthusiasm among his officers and men for operational efficiency, he brought the Wing to a high level of cohesive unit and combat-effectiveness. His unflagging zeal, helpful sprit, understanding and integrity have earned him excellent interservice support and co­operation and so this Wing has accomplished its large and varying task with unqualified success. The tonnage of supplies and equipment airlifted by this Wing between December, 1962 and May 1965 reached the admirable figure of over 73,000 tonnes.

By his devotion to duty and outstanding, effort, Group Captain Ghadiok has rendered service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Trilok Nath Ghadiok was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in March, 1943. He saw action in the J & K Operation 1947 when as a Flight Commander of a transport support Squadron, his courage and valour won him a Vir Chakra. Later, he distinguished himself as Commander of a transport base responsible for air maintenance in the Jammu and Kashmir and Leh area. His personal example, perseverance, meticulous planning and unity of purpose led to better interServices relationship and enabled the Wing to accomplish its task with unqualified success.

In his long Service career, he competently held many staff appointments of Command of Wings, Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational command, Chief Instructor of the Defence Services Staff College and Director of Personnel at Air Headquarters. During January 1970 to September 1973, he was the Air Attaché in our Embassy in Moscow, where he acquitted himself creditably. A graduate of the National Defence College, he is today its Commandant.

Air Marshal Trilok Nath Ghadiok has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.