Squadron Leader Roopanagunta Saroj joined the Air Force as a Radar Operator in 1943. He successfully completed the Radar Mechanics Course in 1950 and later he was selected for flying duties as a Sig/Air at the Air Force Flying College, Jodhpur. He was awarded the ground, air and all­round trophy as the best trainee. He has flown over 3,000 hours of which 1,800 hours were in NEFA, Nagaland and the Mizo Hills areas. During the 1962 Chinese aggression, he flew a number of missions to far-flung areas in NEFA. He has to his credit over 4,500 hours of flying as aircrew in different types of aircraft. In 1963, he joined an operational unit. He has qualified for flying duties on all types of aircraft held by the unit. Since 1965, besides his professional duties, he has been employed on important staff duties. These duties require planning and execution of operations, proper liaison and co­ordination with various organisations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Roopanagunta Saroj displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.