Wing Commander Joseph Dass Ebenezer (7374) AE (L) was commissioned in Technical Electrical Branch on 1 June, 1963. Since then he has had held various appointments in operational bases, training institutes and overhaul depots. Wg Cdr Ebenezer was specially selected to undergo training abroad for a new type of VVIP aircraft.

Wg Cdr Ebenezer as Officer in-charge Electrical and Instrument Repairing Section in one of the Base Repair Depots met all the targets set for his section. His devotion and dedication in smooth and efficient functioning of the section was commended by AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in Aug 79. In Dec 79, he was posted to HQ South Western Air Command. He is responsible to monitor and progress technical activities and logistic matters pertaining to storage and handling of armament stores, airfield support facilities, captive power for radar units and airborne cine photo and record equipment.

There are two Air to Ground Ranges besides one Air to Air Range controlled by this HQ. In order to ensure their maximum utilization by the visiting squadrons from other commands, it is essential that stocks of various explosives are available at one of the concerned bases. In addition, by virtue of the base being located along the international border, adequate quantity of explosives stores has to be stacked and maintained for use during hostilities. This is a professional work. Basically being an electrical officer, Wg Cdr Ebenezer does not have formal training or earlier experience on Armament duties. By his own efforts, he has equipped himself with adequate knowledge and had worked out a realistic storage plan to stock maximum possible training stores at the station. His accurate forecast and efforts for procurement resulted in sufficient build up of stores. It is creditable that not a single air armament training has suffered because of shortage of stores. This speaks well of his planning, coordination, control and liaison with concerned Commands.

In his present appointment, the officer is not formally responsible for the avionics of the aircraft. But because of his professional capability and knowledge, quite often he is being consulted and also associated with the task pertaining to aircraft maintenance. Type24 aircraft squadron, on induction is experiencing certain difficulties on the availability of Electrical Ground Power unit for flight preparation and starting of aircraft. Wg Cdr Ebenezer took up a study and projected a viable solution. Based on this study, action is on to procure appropriate type and number of Ground Power and Package Units from indigenous sources. This has resulted in savings in foreign exchange and enhanced operational capability of the weapon system.

Wg Cdr Ebenezer took up the responsibility of installing Marut landing lamp on Dakota aircraft. This modification was successfully completed.

The officer's sound professional knowledge and his quick uptake in understanding and giving solutions to the problems have helped in maintaining a high degree of availability and serviceability of ground support facilities on all flying and forward bases. His methodical approach, ingenuity and resourcefulness have won admiration from his superiors. The Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Joseph Dass Ebenezer for rendering distinguished service of high order.