Group Captain Surjit Singh Malhotra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He has been serving as the Commanding Officer of Air Headquarters Communication Squadron since March, 1976. During the very first year of his command, he brought about appreciable improvements in all round performance and efficiency of the Squadron. The Squadron flew a total of 5,292 accident­free hours maintaining a high state of serviceability. He also ensured that the aircrew training was vigorously progressed. This enabled the Squadron to achieve hundredpercent aircrew categorisation and remain fully operational. Under his able guidance, the Squadron also completed its tasks connected with the transportation of dignitaries and undertook all the transport support missions assigned to it. Group Captain Malhotra has over 7,300 hours of unblemished accidentfree service flying to his credit. He has flown six types of operational aircraft and has held highest transport category 'A' on no less than four types. At present, he holds 'A' category on two types of aircraft in current use. This is commendable achievement particularly when he has been on ground tenure for nearly seven years during his service.

Group Captain Surjit Singh Malhotra has thus displayed high professional skill, determination and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra VM Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 06 Nov 1954. During his long service he has gained vast operational experience in the transport support role. He has successfully commanded a Transport Squadron, NCC Squadron and a Flying Wing besides holding staff appointments in two operational commands and Air Headquarters. During his operational tenures Air Commodore Malhotra has flown over eight thousand six hundred accident free hours which speaks of his operational acumen. Out of the nine types of aircraft which he has flown he had held 'A' Master Green on four.

Despite his preoccupation with normal staff duties as Air II at Western Air Command, Air Cmde Malhotra planned with meticulous care the arrival/departure, parking and security of aircraft of all VIPs during the NAM &CHOGAM in 1983. subsequently, during Nov 84 as AOC AF Stn Palam he made precise and efficient arrangements for the reception and parking of VIP aircraft of all foreign dignitaries who came to attend the funeral of late PM, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

As AOC Palam Air Cmde Malhotra by excellent Planning and optimum utilization of limited resources organized the rescue of about 500 persons, who were affected during the civil disturbances following the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He also gave shelter and necessary help out of his meager station resources.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.