Wing Commander Kanwal Krishan Malik has been the Officer-in-Charge Flying at an operational Wing for over two years. During this period he has shouldered the task of supervising the operations of Fighter Squadrons, helicopter unit, Aircrew Examining Board and numerous flight trials. Unmindful of his personal comfort, he was always ready to shoulder fresh responsibilities. The year 1971 mainly saw him fully occupied with his duties as Station Commander of a forward base, where, working under the most trying conditions, he infused enthusiasm and an offensive spirit by his high professional ability and personal supervision and guidance. The excellent results achieved by his unit in the operations in December, 1971 were, in the main, largely due to his stewardship.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kanwal Krishan Malik displayed courage and leadership.

Air Commodore Kanwal Krishan Malik was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1952. He has been the commanding officer of an operational station in one of the sensitive areas since 1978. Earlier he commanded another operational station during 1976-77 and held important senior staff appointments, both at command and Air Headquarters. In all these assignments, despite limitations imposed by operational commitments and weather conditions, he was able to ensure high standards of operational readiness, and creditably performed all tasks assigned to him. In recognition, he was award the Vayu Sena Medal in 1973.

When he took over the Command of an operational flying Station in May, 1976, a couple of fatal aircraft accidents had taken place at the station. For want of spares and repairs for periods varying from six months to two years, a large number of fighter aircraft were grounded. Air Commodore Malik formulated comprehensive maintenance plans and personally supervised the implementation of these plans at the Station level and through frequent visits to Base Repair Depots and Equipment Depots with the result that all these unserviceable aircraft were reclaimed for full operational flying within a year. This was a creditable achievement in that his was the only Station in the entire Command at that time which had no aircraft unserviceable for more than six months.

He achieved similar improvement in the serviceability of the supporting specials vehicles. He explored markets for spares and brought these vehicles to a serviceability state within a short period. Some of the maintenance and technical procedures and practices and local improvisation in regard to aircraft and supporting vehicles maintenance, which he had developed, were also introduced at other stations in the area which brought about substantial improvement in the level of flight safety in the command.

He took the same keen interest in the welfare of his men and undertook a number of welfare projects. It was due to his personal initiative that a building was constructed for housing a school on the campus which, in that remote station, was not only a great achievement but also helped in raising the morale of the personnel.

Air Commodore Kanwal Krishan Malik has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.