On 23rd January 1970, Squadron Leader Ranjit Singh Bedi was leading a formation of four aircraft during a rehearsal of the Republic Day Flypast. When on the final run in, at approximately 500 ft above ground level, the port stabilator of his aircraft was hit and damaged by another aircraft in the formation, causing it to roll over on to its back. He showed remarkable presence of mind and professional skill in regaining control of his aircraft and thereby averting a serious mishap. He has been a Flight Commander in a Fighter Squadron for over three years. He has successfully converted a large number of pilots on the type of aircraft with which his Squadron is equipped.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ranjit Singh Bedi displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

AVM Ranjit Singh Bedi VM (5120) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the IAF on 01 Apr 60 and was assigned to the Fighter Stream. Since then he has held a number of prestigious command and staff appointments. He has commanded a Combat sqn and a Premier Aircraft Base in the Western Sector with distinction. He has also held command of a major Air Defence Direction Center and has been Director of Air Defence at Air HQs.

In 1971, while posted as the Flight Commander of a Front Line Combat Sqn, the officer was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for high professional ability, courage and devotion to duty. The officer continued to show these qualities in high measure when subsequently given command of a Sqn.

As Air Office Commanding a Major Base in the Western Sector, the officer displayed exceptional professional acumen and managerial abilities in bringing about all round improvements. His contribution towards increasing the utilization of Air to Ground Range, under his control, was particularly significant. Under his dynamic leadership the flying environment, maintenance infras­tructure and administrative facilities of the Station showed marked improvement. Through personal examples and refined man-management techniques, he was able to infuse a spirit of dedication and hard work amongst all personnel under his Command, thereby bringing the Station to a high state of operational preparedness in a very short time.

After graduating from NDC in 1986, the officer was appointed Director of Air Defence at Air HQ. During his tenure, he was instrumental in bringing about far reaching changes and improvements in the Air Defence environment of the country through innovative refinement of tactical doctrines, successful induction of state of art sensors and effective integration of newly installed Plan Adges equipment in the overall Air Defence system. His contribution as Director Air Defence has significantly enhanced the Air Defence capabilities of the Nation. His forward planning in this sphere has ensured that the process of upgradation of Air Defence potential would continue unhindered. On promotion to the rank of AVM in Nov 88, he was appointed Senior Officer Incharge Administration of a premier operational Command. While discharging his onerous responsibilities in this prestigious appointment with his usual professionalism and dedication, AVM Bedi was given additional task of organizing Air Power Demonstration at Tilpat range. The task of such magnitude not only required utmost attention to minutest details in planning but also coordination of time bound activities by a large number of civil and military agencies. This complex administrative plan was executed within the exacting time from with optimum economy, despite innumerable difficulties and bottlenecks, entirely because of AVM Bedi's inspired leadership, meticulous planning and sustained hard work. As a result he was able to make faultless administrative arrangements for a telling demonstration of the country's Air Power not only to the high dignitaries and diplomatic corps but also to the nation as a whole.

Air Vice Marshal Ranjit Singh Bedi VM has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.