Wing Commander Harkrishan Oberai was Officer-in-Charge Flying of an operational air base during operations in Decembet, 1971. By working hard he brought up the station Base Operations Room, Close Support Cell, ATC and GCA complex to full operational readiness. With his superior planning and organisational skill, he coordinated operations most effectively to make maximum use of the resources available to him. All close support missions assigned to the station were carried out under his able guidance. When the runway at his base was damaged by enemy action several times, he co-ordinated the repair work of the Engineers, and was on the runway with the repair teams throughout the night on many occasions, in sub-zero temperatures and with unexploded bombs lying close to the places of repair. He was a source of inspiration to the repair teams, who followed his example and repaired the runway in time for the next day's operations. Throughout, Wing Commander Harkrishan Oberai displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Har Krishan Oberoi VM (4583) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 14th October, 1953. Throughout his career spanning 30 years, he held a large number of important and prestigious appointments. He has over 7700 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

As a junior pilot, he carried out aerial survey and strategic reconnaissance along our northern borders, stretching from Aksai Chin to Arunachal Pradesh, for over 6 years. His work greatly facilitated mapping of the hitherto unsurveyed territory, most required for operational planning besides the need of oil and mineral survey. As Flight Commander in Air HQ Communication Squadron, he was responsible for successful induction of TU-124 aircraft for VVIP operations in the IAF. Later during his two years tenure as Squadron Commander of this prestigious Squadron, his Squadron was awarded the Flight Safety Trophy successively for both the years. During the 1971 operations, for the telling results achieved by him, as Chief AVSM 1984-85 Operations Officer of an operational wing, he was awarded 'Vayu Seva Medal'.

Air Commodore Oberoi, as Commandant, Transport Training Wing, was responsible for the formulation and successful implementation of the new training syllabus for transport pilot. His unit undertook flood-relief operations on many occasions and earned the appreciation of the concerned State Government as well as of the Govt of Sri Lanka. As Director of Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters, he was closely associated with the development and induction of the new appraisal system and extension of the retirement ages, in the ranks of Wing Commander to Air Marshal.

Since November, 1962, he is working as Director Plans at Air Headquarters and has been responsible for sponsoring and processing a number of proposals. His major achievements have been upward revision of manpower ceiling, establishment of four wings and four FBSUs and creation of Southern Air Command. Another major achievement of Air Commodore Oberoi is the Government's approval of second cadre review, which aims at improving the career prospects of Air Force personnel.

Air Commodore Har Krishan Oberoi VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Har Krishan Oberai, AVSM VM (4583) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 14th October 1953. He has held a number of important command and staff appointments, with distinction and exhibiting a flair for Innovation and pioneering work.

He has during his service carried out extensive strategic reconnaissance and aerial survey of unsurveyed territory in the North, stretching from Aksai Chin to Arunachal Pradesh. This work has been of lasting value for operational planning and natural resource mapping of the area. Later he served with distinction as the Flight Commander and, subsequently, as a Squadron Commander of the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, The Air Officer was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his contribution during the 1971 war,

Air Marshal Oberai has served as Director of Personnel (Officers), Director Plans and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans). In these appointments he inducted scientific methods of approach, and through his conceptual ability and capability to pursue goals, was able to achieve results of a high order. Later on, as Commandant of the Air Force Academy, he brought about qualitative Improvement not only in the training, systems and standards, but also In the field of maintenance and general administration.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he was appointed as the Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational command where his wide experience vividly contributed to the operational preparedness and performance of the Command.

Air Marshal Oberai In his present appointment as the Air Officer-incharge Personnel at Air HQ, is continuing to enhance the quality of personnel management and development of human resources in the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Har Krishan Oberai, AVSM VM (4563) Flying (Pilot) has thus rendered distinguished services of the most exceptional order.