Squadron Leader Karam Singh was in command of one of our Repair and Salvage Units from June 1962 to March 1964. The task of the unit was to repair and salvage aircraft all over the Western Sector.

In the face of such extreme difficulties as inaccessible areas of operations, difficult terrain, adverse weather condition and shortage of manpower, the officer carried out his duties in an exemplary manner during the period of his Command. The following two examples highlight the commendable efforts put in by this officer in the discharge of his arduous duties:ﾃつｭ During, the period Decembar, 1962/ January, 1963, the officer was called upon by Western Air Command to carry out extensive repairs to a crashed aircraft C-130 of the United States Air Force engaged in airlifting operations for our defence forces at Leh. Despite the nonﾃつｭavailability of standard repair schemes, specialist advice or adequate maintenance facilities, this officer, leading a handful of men, successfully carried out major repairs to the aircraft, at the scene of the crash, under most arduous working conditions at subﾃつｭzero temperature.

In September, 1963 he was called upon to undertake major repairs to an IAF aircraft ANﾃつｭ12 which had suffered extensive damage at an advanced airstrip in the J&K. Despite the nonﾃつｭavailability of proper materials, test equipment and schemes for repair he led his men and carried out the repairs in the shortest time possible.

He displayed a high degree of professional skill, praiseworthy qualities of leadership and perseverance in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. All these were collectively responsible for the successful completion of the task.

Squadron Leader Karam Singh has thus rendered valuable service of an exceptional order, which is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.