In the initial stages of the operations against Pakistan in the Chhamb Sector, a detachment of Gnat was sent to give cover to our ground attack aircraft and establish our superiority. Squadron Leader Johnny William Greene led missions repeatedly into this sector where the enemy was using missile equipped F-86 Sabre and F-104 Star fighters. He worked out tactics to combat them and, by his personal example and determination, infused confidence in the members of his formation.

On 3rd and 4th September 1965, the formations led by him were in the first air combats with the enemy air force. Unmindful of the enemy’s numerical superiority and radar advantage, he controlled and maneuvered his formations with such skill that they succeeded in shooting down two enemy aircraft - the first in these operations. Subsequently, he led a number of formations giving air cover to Mystere and Canberra aircraft in attacks on ground targets. The success of these attacks was largely due to his bravery and leadership.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Johney William Greene was commanding a Fighter Squadron. He flew a number of operational missions in the form of Combat Air Patrol, sweeps and escort. On the 4th December, 1971, while he was on Combat Air Patrol mission, two F-104 aircraft attempted to attack an airfield. Even though he was alone in the air, he took offensive action and attacked the enemy aircraft. The enemy aircraft jettisoned the tanks and armament load and engaging the reheat, retreated towards their own territory.

Throughout, Wing Commander Johney William Greene displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Johney William Greene was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1951. He specialised in fighter operations as Pilot Attack Instructor and Day Fighter Leader. Later in 1965, he received training as a specialist in flight safety and has since devoted much of hit attention towards improving safety in the Air Force. He has held several important command and staff appointments, including command of three fighter squadrons and an operational Wing. He served as Director of Flight Safety at Air Headquarters. He has held all these posts with exceptional competence.

He took an active part in the Goa operations and the 1962 operations. He was awarded Vir Chakra for bravery, in 1965 and Vayu Sena Medal for his role in the 1971 Conflict. In all these operations, he displayed exemplary capabilities of his flying skill and leadership.

As Senior Air Staff Officer, No. 1 (Operational) Group, Air Commodore Greene has, with his professional skill and experience, enhanced the operational capability of the combat and support elements of the forces under his Group and improved their flight safety record. He has also made significant contributions in the fields of fighter tactics, standard operating procedures and flight safety. His meticulous planning and remarkable capacity to find viable solutions to problems has won or him the confidence and admiration of his superiors and the esteem of his subordinates.

Air Commodore Johney William Greene has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Johnny William Greene AVSM VrC VM (4093) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1951, and has held important command and staff appointments, including command of three fighter squadrons and an operational Wing, Director of Fight Safety and Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational command and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans). He held all these post with rare distinction.

An outstanding fighter pilot, AVM Greene qualified as pilot attack instructor and day fighter leader from U.K. He took active part in the Goa operation, Chinese aggression in 1962 and Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971. During these operations his abilities in flying and leadership, both in the air and on ground, were an inspiring example of devotion and worthy of others to emulate. Early in his career, he was especially selected for specialist course on Flight Safety in the USA.

After graduating from the National Defence College in 1976, as Senior Air Staff Officer of a major operational command, he enhanced the operational combat capability of various elements, and significantly improved the operational preparedness of the command.

As Director of Air Staff Requirements, and presently as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans), he has enhanced the operational preparedness handsomely in planning, induction and absorption of new and latest types of aircraft, weapons and complex equipment in the Air Force. Due to his remarkable skills, meticulous planning and clear thinking he has been outstandingly successful in finding viable solutions to extremely intricate problems which enhanced the defensive capability of the nation as a whole.

His sustained record of brilliant performance over a long service of 32 years and dedicated contribution in all appointments so far, are in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Johnny William Greene AVSM VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.