During the operations against Pakistan, Squadron Leader Ranjit Dhawan was the flight commander of an operational squadron. He was also responsible for a group of 25 Gnat aircraft based at his station and had to look after the necessary coordination between the engineering and the operational personnel. He carried out a total of 44 operational missions in Gnat aircraft. He also was required to plan and coordinate the flying effort of all the aircraft under his command. Thanks to his leadership and planning, the Gnats were able to give a good account of themselves against Pakistani aircraft of superior performance. Although he himself did not shoot down any enemy aircraft, other operational pilots achieved success under his guidance and leadership. His cheerful disposition, zeal and keenness to hunt the enemy in the sky inspired the other pilots and the Ground crew under him to put in their best efforts in the operations.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965. During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non-directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations. In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high, Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965.

During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non­directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations.

In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high,

Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.