After 1947 Indian Air Force was faced with the ardous task of disposing of stocks of accumulated war surplus explosives. This task was also hazardous since deterioration had already set in and the stocks had become highly sensitive and dangerous to handle.

In 1953, Squadron Leader P K Desikan took over command of an ammunition depot which had large stocks of heavily corroded 20mm High Explosive / Instantaneous Ammunition, deteriorated high explosive bombs, 40mm ammunition , practice bombs and other miscellaneous explosive stores. Infact the deterioration was so much tat even slight friction while handling the round or while lifting the ammunition boxes could cause a serious explosion. Squadron Leader P K Desikan, fully aware of the hazards and risks involved, undertook the disposal task on operational priority and carried out the demolition at a fast rate. As the Commanding Officer of the Depot from 1953 to 1955, Squadron Leader P K Desikan directed and supervised the task of demolition of the unserviceable and dangerous stock of these explosives. He exposed himself to grave danger for a period of two years while engaged in the execution of the task..

In accomplishing the task, Squadron Leader P K Desikan has displayed a very high sense of duty, courage and professional skill.