Air Vice Marshal Pathathil Venugopal (4431) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 17th January, 1953. He has held several important field and staff appointments at major Stations and Wings and at Air Headquarters. He has also commanded two independent fighter Squadrons and a major fighter base. As the Air Officer Commanding, he was made responsible for rendering relief operations during the MORVI dam disaster in Gujarat.

Later, as the Air Officer Commanding, Advance Headquarters Western Air Command, Simla, he was responsible for planning and coordinating the application of Air Power in two major exercises of the Indian Army for which he earned a good name for the Air Force. As a result of the experience gained, he also made a total revision of the Directive of Joint Operations.

In September 1982, he was posted to Air Headquarters as Director of Air Force Works. In this difficult assignment, he made significant contribution in creating realistic annual and five year plans, oriented towards operational efficiency and improvement in the living and working conditions of the Units. His personal endeavours led to the timely sanctioning of 'Vajra' and 'Shamsher' projects. In July 1984, at an extremely short notice of 20 days, as Officer on Special Duty, he was made solely responsible for creating infra­structure for the inauguration of HQ Southern Air Command, Trivandrum.

With his experience as DAFW, he was selected in July 1984 to serve as Director General, Air Force Naval Housing Board. It is due to his personal involvement that the NOIDA Phase I project has finally been completed.

Air Vice Marshal Pathathil Venugopal has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.