Squadron Leader Conjeevaram Rajaratnam Mohanraj took up flying as a Flight Engineer in early 1963 when he was posted to a transport squadron in Jammu and Kashmir. Although new to his job, he worked steadfastly to master operational flying and techniques and from his experience a number of data were formulated for the safe operation of the transport aircraft of the squadron in Jammu and Kashmir. During his short career, he has flown about 2000 hours which include a number of sorties in hazardous areas. Once, his aircraft caught fire during ground testing due to mechanical defects. With complete disregard of his personal safety he got the cargo in the aircraft unloaded and also the other aircraft parked nearby removed to a safe place and, thereafter, opened the engine panels of his aircraft and saved it from burning by draining out engine oil from the crank case.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Conjeevaram Rajaratnam Mohanraj displayed courage and devotion to duty.