Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta (4859) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been serving as Officer incharge Flying at the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit since October, 1971. With the outbreak of Indo-Pak Conflict, there was a sharp increase in flying commitments at the station, and he was required to set up additional facilities at his base.

He was instrumental in organizing a very effective operations room which was manned by him during "maximum activity hours". He also organised a very effective communication net work for the defence of the airfield. Under his personal supervision and guidance, the Air Delivery Fight was able to carry out a total of 1581 hours of flying, over a period of two months, airlifting 674 tonnes of vital spares and equipment to forward bases. After the conflict, the Air Delivery Flight operations continued, and airlifted a further load of 401 tonnes of vitally needed stores to forward bases. By his constant endeavour and personal example, he main tained perfect coordination between the various sectors under him and kept the morale of his men at a high pitch.

For distinguished service of a high order, Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.