When both the Squadron Leader and the Flight Commander of a Squadron were killed in a fatal flying accident in July 1965, Squadron Leader Eric Lionel Allen took over the command of the Squadron. By working from dawn to dusk and at times even during the night, he successfully completed the task of operational training of the pilots in the Squadron, within a very short time. During the conflict with Pakistan in 1965, he undertook several difficult missions. In addition to the duties of Squadron Commander, he performed the duties of Officer-in-Charge of Flying at an airfield for a period of 15 months.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Eric Lionel Allen displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He was posted to a Fighter Squadron and on completion of his tenure was detailed to undergo the Flying Instructors Course. On completion of his Instructional tenure the officer held a number of varied posts, distinguishing himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

He commanded a front line fighter squadron where he accomplished enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency. Subsequently as the Command Training Officer (Flying) in Headquarters Training Command, Air Commodore Allen with meticulous planning and optimum utilisation of aircraft, manpower and equipment reshaped the training, achieving creditable results without compromise in the training standards.

In recent years Air Commodore Allen was in Command of an Operational Signals Unit. Immediately on taking over the unit he was faced with various Operational Maintenance and Administrative difficulties due to the unit's location, in extremely difficult terrain. Air Commodore Allen with great determination and unflinching devotion to duty organised the unit to meet the existing and changing challenges with limited resources at his disposal. With dedicated hard work, he brought the unit's operational effectiveness to its peak, despite constraints of communication, maintenance and manning. During his tenure there was a vast improvement in the operational functioning of the unit, in that the serviceability of radar was maintained at 99.2 per cent and outstanding categorisation of Fighter Controllers was achieved, by imparting continuous theoretical and practical training, and the Operation Room was re-organised to meet operational commitments.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.