During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Vishnu Narain Johri was commanding a FighterBomber Squadron. He was leading a tactical reconnaissance mission on the 5th December, 1971, when he spotted a train at Bhawal Nagar, carrying tanks. He immediately went into attack and while attacking the train the port wing of his aircraft was damaged by anti aircraft fire. Undeterred and unmindful of his personal safety he pressed home his attack and destroyed a large number of tanks. After pulling out of the attack he found the port wing of his aircraft on fire. With great presence of mind and skillful flying, he brought the crippled aircraft back to base safely. He also flew several other missions successfully.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Vishnu Narain Johri displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri has held command of a Conversion Unit since 22 Aug 1980. Although he had very little experience on Hunter aircraft and is not a QFI, he threw himself whole heartedly into the training task of his Unit. He mobilised his officers and men and motivated them to achieve better results. Three consecutive courses have each completed their training in roughly two thirds of the schedule duration of the course. This has been achieved inspite of progressive reduction in manpower from 95% of establishment to the current level of about 70% or less in some trades.

He set an outstanding example to his officers and men by flying as much as any member of his staff. With excellent leadership, and by setting a personal example of a high order, Group Captain Johri has been able to motivate those under his command to render outstanding performance, and achieve tasks which have eluded the unit for a long time, This has not only been of value to the unit by making available adequate training time for operational training of staff pilots but the entire fighter force by timely despatch of trained pilots.

For these achievements, his personal flying effort and leadership, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri.