Wing Commander Shanker Govind Chitnis was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the IAF in January, 1959. At the outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he was commanding an Air Storage Park.

During the Indo-Pak operations vital task were assigned to the Air Storage Park. Wg Cdr Chitnis with his foresight and ingenuity, rose to the occasion and by his sustained hard work, inspired leadership and direction, achieved maximum results and his unit kept on supplying the essential and vital equipment to all the operational units in the Eastern Sector. Apart from ensuring prompt supply of stores to the operational units, he also undertook distribution of consignments received through the Air Delivery Flight. Despite shortage of staff and transport, he carried out the arduous tasks entrusted to him cheerfully, without compromising the security of the station and welfare of the personnel placed under him.

Wing Commander Shankar Govind Chitnis displayed courage, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty and rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.