Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest was commissioned in the Flying of the India Air Force in January 1954. He has served in fighter bomber squadrons, also been a member of the staff at the National Defence Academy, and has served in a radar unit. After completing a course at the Armament Training Wing, he was retained at the Wing as a member of the instructional flying staff. At present, he is the Commander and Instructor at an operational training unit. He implemented a rigorous training for his aircrew, to bring them to the highest peak of efficiency. During the recent conflict against Pakistan, the Unit under the inspiring leadership of Wing Commander Melvyn Conquest, acquitted itself creditably.

In his career, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest has fulfilled all assigned to him. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest was commanding the Operational Training Unit. On the 4th December, 1971, he led a formation which attacked and set fire to Karachi Port bulk oil installation. On the 5th December, 1971, he carried out a daring attack on Mauripur airfield and destroyed at least six enemy aircraft on ground and caused extensive damage to others. Again on the 6th December, 1971, he attacked and destroyed the Warehouses at Drigh Road airfield. In addition he carried out a number of close air support and interdiction missions. He was instrumental in neuteralising heavy enemy armoured thrust in the Longewala section and in setting on fire numerous goods trains. On one occasion he was wounded by enemy fire and war profusely bleeding. Despite excruciating pain and loss of blood he successfully brought his formation back to base.

Throughout, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a high order.