Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1943. After completing a tour of operational flying in Burma, he became a flying instructor. He holds the highest flying instructor's category and has held many staff and command appointments with distinction. He has been the Director of Systems Evaluation in Air Headquarters since early 1970. He has been responsible for the success of the Directorate and its contribution to increased effectiveness, economy and efficiency in various spheres of Air Force activity. He has also been responsible for a large number of studies ranging from the evaluation of Air Force effort during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, the optimum constitution of a Fighter Squadron the optimisation of resources at flying wings and the rationalisation of organisation and establishments at Air Headquarters and the Commands. These studies have generated a systems approach in the Air Force and led to significant savings in manpower, material and other resources and to an increase in the operational potential of units. As a pioneer flying instructor and Officer Commanding of Flying Instructors School, he was instrumental in the implementation and success of the categorisation scheme which is the basic foundation of the high standards of flying instruction. At operational stations, he ensured very high level of operational efficiency of Squadrons and Signals Units.

Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.