Flight Lieutenant Krishan Kant Saini had been operating in NEFA area since October, 1960. On 18th November, 1962, he , along with his co-pilot was evacuating seriously injured battle casualties in Walong area. He was instructed to land at a helipad close to the enemy line which was reported to be clear of enemy troops. When he was over the helipad, Chinese troops opened fire from many directions. His helicopter was hit at several places; the main reducter was damaged and oil from it gushed out in a thick spray which blinded him temporarily. His right ankle was also injured by a splinter and he was bleeding profusely. With great determination, presence of mind and skill, he dived the helicopter almost to ground level in order to avoid further damage from enemy fire. He thus saved the helicopter and the lives of his co-pilot and passengers. In spite of the damaged hydraulic system and the personal injury, he skillfully brought the aircraft back to base.

Flight Lieutenant Saini displayed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order.

Wing Commander Krishna Kant Saini joined the IAF in January 1953. During his service career, he has held many important flying appointments, including the command of a Squadron. He was detailed to carry out environmental trials of four different types of helicopter during the period November 1968-August 1969. These trials entailed flying at very high altitudes in difficult terrain and in adverse weather conditions. On a number of occasions, he faced hazardous situations with exceptional skill and courage. On the 8th May 1969, during the course of an evaluation trial, he landed and took off from an altitude of 22,500 feet bettering a world record for any class of helicopter. Throughout, Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini displayed exceptional skill and courage.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini was commissioned in as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since August, 1970 as a rotary wing test pilot. During his tenure he has done 980 flights comprising 879 hours on testing, evaluation and training of Helicopter pilots as Flight Inspectors. His efforts in this respect have been unrelenting and he has shown great devotion to duty. He has also shown high degree of skill and competence in his Job,

He was twice deputed to Aerospatiale in France. On the first visit, he was required to assess the vibration standards obtained on helicopters in France as this defect was resulting in extra test flights at Bangalore. The recommendations of Aerospatiale for remedial action to obtain acceptable vibration were very inte lligently applied by Wing Commander Saini and this resulted in the acceptance of helicopters without extra flights, thus saving infructuous expenditure. On the second visit in connection with production testing of the first fly away SA-315 (Cheetah), after an intelligent study of the Flight Manual he pointed out the feasibility of clearing the helicopter for operation at an all up weight of 1750 Kg instead of 1650 Kg at high altitude. This valuable suggestion was accepted by Aerospatiale engineers. This was highly commendable technical appreciation.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini has worked beyond the call of duty and displayed courage, initiative and outstanding skill in discharge of his duties. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.