Group Captain Prakash Sadashiv Pingale took over the Command of Operational Conversion Unit in June, 1986. The unit conducts flying training of ex-Air Force Academy pilots on to an advanced fighter aircraft. This training is required to be completed in one year and at any one time two courses undergo training simultaneously. When Group Captain Pingale took over the Command, he had three courses to train. Keeping the low serviceability of over thirty year old Hunter aircraft in view, this was a stupendous task. Group Captain Pingale got down to tackle this problem with exemplary earnestness.

He exhorted the technical personnel to bring up the serviceability of the Hunter fleet. With his personal liaison with Command Headquarters and the repair agency for Hunter aircraft, he was able to ensure regular supply of rotables and clearance of long outstanding AOGs. These efforts resulted in the serviceability of the Hunter fleet from 25% to 55% in a short period of six months. Using his managerial skills, Group captain Pingale spaced out the training schedule of the three courses undergoing training at Operational Conversion Unit. With his own efforts and personal example, he not only cleared the backlog of flying training but also ensured completion of the two courses of pilots 15 days and three months ahead of schedule.

Group Captain Pinagle displayed an extremely high level of skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order. His efforts went a long way in maintaining the regular flow of pilots to our front line Fighter Squadrons and in enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.

For his tremendous zeal and devotion to duty of an exceptional order, in the best tradition of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Group Captain PS Pingale.

Group Captain Ashok Kumar Goel was commissioned in the flying Branch in Dec 1963. An officer with exceptional professional competence, he has 6700 hrs of accident free flying, mainly on operational tasks both in the Western and Eastern Sectors.

Group Captain Goel has always displayed a very high order of leadership, organizing ability, ingenuity and dedication under the most strenuous and trying conditions whether at home or abroad. Under his dynamic leadership, able guidance and close monitoring and supervision the entire team of aircrew achieved excellent grading while under going training on IL-76 aircraft in the Soviet Military Academy. Back home as the first commanding officer of the IL-76 Squadron, he accomplished the stupendous tasks involving the simultaneous equipment and change of location of the Squadron through his meticulous planning administrative acumen and astute management. Undeterred by the multiplicity and the complexities of the myriad problems in the fields of operation, maintenance and administration, Group Captain Goel, with his singular drive, extraordinary capacity for hard work and outstanding ability to train and motivate his subordinates, forged ahead to establish the Mighty Jet Squadron in a remarkably short period since its induction, as the most reliable and dependable workhorse in the country air transport operations. His cheerful acceptance of responsibilities, exceptional initiative and extraordinary diligence have been source of inspiration of everyone.

For his outstanding professionalism, selfless devotion, exemplary dedication to duty and leadership qualities of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Group Captain Ashok Kumar Goel.

Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Gerwal has been in continuous active flying since commissioning and has flown more than 2500 hrs on fighter aircraft. He has maintained an accident-free record during his flying career spanning 20 years. During the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971, he flew 22 operational missions.

The officer won the Sword of Honour Standing first in the overall order of merit and also at Air Combat Trophy during his FCL course in Mar 79. Subsequently, he was a member of the directing staff at the Tactical Combat Development Establishment.

He was specially selected and posted as a flying inspector in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection from Sep 79 to Jan 81. Thereafter, the officer was chosen to fly the most modern fighter aircraft, the MiG-25.

He was appointed Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter Squadron on 24 Jun 85. Under his Command not only was the quantum of flying high, the quality was also of the highest order. The efficiency of the Squadron was well brought out during the DASI inspection of the unit in Aug 86 achieving "Average Plus" in air combat exercises. Setting a personal example of a high standard of flying, flight safety, sincerity of purpose, productive initiative and single minded devotion to duty, he motivated his colleagues and turned the Squadron into a potent and cohesive fighting force. During his Command the Squadron maintained zero human error accident incident record.

For his high standard of professionalism, leadership, devotion to duty, sincerity of purpose and productive initiative, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Grewal.

Wing Commander Avinash Deodatta Joshi assumed command of a frontline fighter Squadron on 15 Apr 85. Throughout the period of his command, Wing Commander Joshi stressed the primacy of operational capability. He trained his Squadron to a very high level of efficiency in its primary and secondary roles. The fully operational and instrument rating status of his pilots was raised to 100%. In addition, his Squadron came to be recognized as highly specialized in undertaking tasks involving extended periods of valley flying.

In acknowledgement of his professional capabilities and achievement of exceptional standards, Headquarters Western Air Command assigned to his Squadron a number of special missions designed to optimize the Vijay's operational utilization. Wing Commander Joshi led almost all of these missions himself. As a result of the trains he conducted and as a result of the success of these special missions, the operational capability of the centre Vijay fleet increased substantially.

Wing Commander Joshi had to sacrifice much of his personal convenience and comfort, and his time, in order to train his Squadron to the peak of operational efficiency. At the same time, he made a noteworthy contribution to the optimization of the Vijay aircraft's operational envelope. He approached these takes and accepted his success with admirable humility. Through his action and attitude, he roved himself a true leader.

For his initiative, professional zeal and out standing competence and for his exemplary leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Avinash Deodatta Joshi.

Wing Commander Peter Douglas Woodman has been on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Bidar since 03 Dec 84. Presently, he is holding the appointment of Chief Flying Instructor No. 2 Squadron.

During his tenure at the Station, he has flown more than 700 hrs of flying on Kiran aircraft of which nearly 500 hrs have been devoted to instructional flying. As the Chief Flying Instructor he has closely supervised daily flying activity, monitored performance of the trainees and the staff. He has ensured correct interpretation and strict implementation of training syllabi. Maintenance of high standards and adherence to orders and instructions under his supervision have brought about remarkable improvement in the quantity of flying training.

The officer has devoted long working hours to ensuring the implementation of training tasks. It is to his credit that he has flown an average of 4 to 5 sorties per day besides his supervisory duties. He has also carried out other operational and administrative tasks efficiently, cheerfully and unmindful of personal discomfort. His devotion to duty, maintenance of high flying standards and creation of a safe environment for flying have contributed in a great measure to the achievement of the aims of his Station.

For his tireless efforts, dedication to duty and exemplary professional acumen, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Peter Douglas Woodman.

Wing Commander James Arun Benjamin sustained serious burn injuries on this back, neck and face in 1971 in a Gnat flying accident. Undeterred by this and other serious emergencies that he encountered, he continued his flying career with courage, determination and thorough professionalism. He has flown 700 hrs on the Gnat and has to his credit 500 hrs of instructional flying as a Qualified Flying Instructor. He completed a successful tenure as a senior Flt Cdr in a MiG-21 Squadron before being chosen to command a prestigious fighter Squadron on 25 Feb 85.

With the distinction of being a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Combat Leader and Defence Services Staff College graduate, he applied his full professional knowledge and ability to hone the Squadron to fine operational pitch during his tenure of two years and two months. The squadron carried out 5838 sorties in 3850 hrs of accident-free flying during this period.

His meticulous planning and guidance to his Flt Cdr assured a high Fully Operational, Instrument Flying rating status throughout, including rights strikes capability.

As a Commanding officer, he was quick on the uptake, totally reliable, positive minded, and a sound leader both in the air and on the ground. His reputation in the Squadron was of an exceptionally high order as was his standing with his peers and superiors. His ability in flying is evident from his flying qualifications, types of aircraft flown and apportionments held. On the present type MiG-21 variants, he has 1200 hours of accident free flying.

For his dedication to service beyond the call of duty, exceptional ability as a fighter pilot and supervisor, and man management, operational planning and training of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander James Arun Benjamin.

Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Gujral was commissioned on 31 Dec 1967. He has to his credit 3100 hrs accident-free flying in single engined aircraft. He is a qualified flying instructor with an A-2 category.

During his long and meritorious service, he has held a number of important appointments. He was on the staff of Flying Instructors' School and was Flight Commander of frontline operational Squadron equipped with Trishul aircraft. He has also functioned as Assistant Director Offensive Ops at Air Headquarters. During 1971, the officer was engaged in strikes against the enemy in South Western Sector. During all these assignment, he acquitted himself creditably, displaying a high degree of skill and professionalism. The officer is a graduate, of Defence Service Staff College and Institute of Defence Management. He has now been selected to undergo Higher Air Command Course.

Wg Cdr Gujral has been commanding one of the premier operational Squadrons since June 1985. On taking over command of the Squadron, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to the task of activating his team into a well-knit cohesive force Displaying high organizing ability, dedication and zeal, he brought about a distinct all­round improvement. He not only set a personal example for others, but also ensured that operational and training commitments of the Squadron were fully and successfully met. Under his inspiring leadership, the squadron achieved 100% serviceability aircrew operational status.

For his professional acumen, devotion to duty, ingenuity and zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr JS Gujral.

Wing Commander Balakrishna Menon has been in command of a frontline fighter Squadron since 08 July 85. He has been an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor for the last 10 years and he has over 2700 hours of accident free flying experience of which nearly 1300 ours are on jet fighters. During his tenure as Squadron Commander, his Squadron has flown over 4600 hours amounting to approximately 7100 sorties on both fighter and trainer aircraft. This gigantic task was achieved without a single accident. In the same period, as many as 16 young fledgling pilots were brought to fully operational status on the MiG-21 aircraft.

Accident free flying and a high rate of training achieved under his command have distinguished his Squadron in the Air Force. This was achieved manly due to his dynamic leadership and total dedication to the task entrusted to him. His deep involvement in every activity of his Squadron and his methodical approach have contributed a great deal towards this achievement. His ability to analysis critically and his probing mind have ensured a high degree of professionalism amongst both the aircrew and the ground crew of his Squadron. His personal example and outstanding leadership have been a source of inspiration to those placed below him.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, leadership of a very high order and professional skill, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Balakrishna Menon.

Wing Commander Ajit Keshav Agtey was on the posted strength of Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment as a test pilot from Dec 82 to Nov 85 and was again posted as a Senior Test Flying Instructor in the Test Pilot School (TPS) with effect from 27 Oct 86.

During the initial three years he made valuable and vital contribution towards the development and safe clearance of aircraft avionics and weapon systems to meet Air Force requirements and also those of various Research & Development establishments. In particular, Wing Commander Agtey was the Project Pilot for a key development programme that aimed at a significant improvement in the operational potential of our frontline combat aircraft. Wing Commander Agtey's personal contribution has been extremely significant in achieving the target at minimum cost and time. He has flown over 50% of all development sorties in this programme and has been the main source of vital pilot inputs so necessary to tune the system to meet operational requirements.

Wing Commander Agtey was again posted to ASTE on promotion in Oct 86 as a Senior Test Flying instructor in the Test Pilots School. He carried out his duties in the above appointment with total dedication.

Besides due to his earlier involvement in development flight trials on the Jaguar, he was once again involved in various trials for the Flight Test Squadron which he performed with the same commitment as he had done during his earlier tenure.

For his exceptional professional knowledge and total commitment to task entrusted to him, perseverance, diligence and outstanding devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander AK Agtey.

Wing Commander Biroja Shankar Singh Deo was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 20 December 1969. He was awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Medal for being the best all­round helicopter pilot in addition to bagging the Jamsaheb Trophy for being first in the order of merit in flying in the Helicopter Training School.

The officer has flown over 4900 accident free hours in various roles operational, instructional and test flying as an Air Force Examiner. Wg Cdr BS Singh Deo holds the highest category/instrument rating of A/Master Green on four different types of helicopters i.e., Mi-8, Mi-17, Chetak and Cheetah. The officer is the only helicopter pilot to date in the IAF to have achieved a Master Green rating when still in the junior rank of Flying Officer. Wg Cdr BS Singh Deo is also a qualified Production Test Pilot. He was awarded the Group Captain Suranjan Das Trophy for standing first in the Overall Order of Merit in the course at Aircraft System Testing Establishment in addition to the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for standing first in Flight Evaluation. He was a staff test pilot at ASTE for nearly two years.

He was sent abroad for conversion on to the Westland helicopter. A mature officer with sound professional knowledge, he has been appointed as a Directorate General of Civil Aviation examiner on the Westland helicopter.

For his exceptional flying competence, consistent first-rate performance all through, instructional ability of the highest order and above all, two full and eminently successful tenures as an Air Force Examiner with the AEB at such a young age, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Biroja Shankar Singh Deo.

Squadron Leader Sunil Ramnath Laud was commissioned on 13 Jun 70. He successfully graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Dec 84 and was posted as Flight Commander to a Squadron to oversee the conversion of the Squadron from Hunters to Jaguar aircraft in view of his experience and specialist flying qualifications.

In the preceding two years 1985 and 1986 as the Flight Commander, he has with his exceptional devotion to duty imparted his experience, qualification and skill to all the members of the squadron. The squadron has thus achieved an Operational Training status of which the IAF can be proud. The manner in which he has linked the maintenance and operational requirements to ensure an optimum utilization of aircraft and personnel has been exemplary.

The induction of the Jaguar aircraft into the Sqn was of added significance in view of the fact that the aircraft were retrofitted with the indigenous Navigation Attack System (DARIN). In the absence of DARIN training aircraft, the under training pilots has to be taught the working of the Navigation Attack Systems in a clear-cut, unambiguous fashion. He addressed himself to this task ensuring that the under training pilots appreciate the system theoretically and were competent at the same time to imbibe the essentials to be able to utilize the system tactically and operationally. This involved a degree of personal involvement and effort that included long working hours.

For his exemplary effort and devotion to duty involving the successful operational induction of the Indian Air Force first indigenously Navigation Attack Platform in the Jaguar, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Laud.

Squadron Leader Gurcharan Singh Baweja has been on the posted strength of Air Force Academy as Qualified Flying Instructor in HJT-16 aircraft since 09 Jun 85. During a short period of slightly less than two years, he has flown a total of 816 hours on Kiran aircraft.

On 01 Apr 87, while flying on instructional sorties in a Kiran aircraft, on the final approach at 300­400', he noticed that even though the pupil was moving the throttle forward to correct for a slightly undershooting approach, the RPM was winding down rather than increasing. Sqn Ldr Baweja immediately took over control and sized up the situation in a split second. He and the pupil had the opportunity to eject, but realizing that he still had some decaying power and even though the aircraft was low on the glide slope it had a slightly higher IAS, he decided to carry on with the approach and make the beginning of the R/W for a safe landing. He now optimised his approach and by deft handling of the aircraft in this critical stage, was able to round off over the undershoot area which enabled a safe touch down just a few feet ahead of the beginning of the R/W. By the time the aircraft touched the R/W, the engine had flamed out fully. This commendable performance was not a reflex action or a chance outcome, but a well judged and premeditated act in which Sqn Ldr Baweja exhibited professional skill and proficiency of the highest order and, as a result, he not only saved a valuable aircraft but also provided an opportunity to locate the cause factor for the engine failure.

Sqn Ldr Baweja is a self motivated officer who goes out of his way to keep his knowledge up to date.

For his exceptional professionalisms, keeping his cool while handling a critical emergency and rate devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Gurcharan Singh Baweja.

Flight Lieutenant Mukul Ekka was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 180. He was posted to 41 Squadron in December 1980 and has been flying the Otter since then.

On 21 Nov 86 Flt Lt Mukul Ekka experienced an engine failure while flying over inhospitable desert terrain full of sand dunes. With his professional judgment and skills he glided the aircraft to the only available stretch of land beside a village and executed a flawless landing saving the life of a passenger on board and civilian property. The aircraft, too, was absolutely undamaged.

On 29 Jan 87, he again had an engine failure while on a cross country flight. One of the cylinders of the engine has burst and the cockpit was filled with dense white smoke. In spite of the adverse conditions, with commendable competence and judgment he executed a perfect force landing besides a river bed, saving the aircraft from any further damage. On both occasions the selection of force landing sites was praiseworthy as it facilitated work on the aircraft and the aircraft were successfully flown back to base after engine changes at the sites. The officer has thus exhibited his tenacity, courage and exemplary self- discipline both in the air and on the ground.

For his continued exceptional of performance of duties and remarkable professional skill, the president is pleased to sward Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt Mukul Ekka.

On 26 Mar 87, Flight Lieutenant Vivek, flying a fighter aircraft, was carrying out a low level bombing attack over the Sarmat air to ground weapons range. During the attack at a high speed and very low height a large bird struck the front of the aircraft causing extensive damage to the air intake. The bird and aircraft debris entered the engine, damaging it severely and leading to an engine flameout. The aircraft was at a very low level, approaching the sea at this time.

Displaying exemplary presence of mind and courage of the highest order in the face of a very critical emergency, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft, turned it away from the sea and subsequently cleared it off the installations on the ground. He carried out all actions flawlessly and in the shortest possible time and informed the range safety officer and the airfield of his flight condition. He then restarted the engine ensuring that his flight path would keep him clear of the built up areas and vital installations near the airfield. Thereafter he carried out a flawless emergency landing at the airfield without any delay or damage to the aircraft.

Flt Lt Vivek displayed courage and presence of mind of a very high standard in handling this grave emergency. He not only saved a valuable aircraft, but also prevented damage to vital installations and injuries to civil and service personnel on the ground. His handling of the emergency was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and is all the more remarkable in that he had returned to active flying after a relatively long break just a few days prior to this accident.

For courage and presence of mind of the highest order in the face of a very grave emergency, the president is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt Vivek.

1224541 Master Warrant officer Anokha Singh Sandhu has been on the posted strength of Paratroopers Training School since Feb 80, and has been performing the duties of a Parachute Jump Instructor. He has to his credit a total of 1043 parachute descents including 460 free­fall descents. The free­fall descents constitute a record not matched by any other individual in the country at present.

He is among the first PJIs is who undertook the daring task of conducting live trials of the Free-Fall Parachute indigenously developed by the Aircraft Research & Development Establishment. For his outstanding ability and professional expertise he was the first to be chosen to undergo the Advance Free­Fall Course at Aviation Research Centre in 1978. During the course, he pioneered freefall descents during night. In the successful integration of advanced high performance strato cloud parachute at PTS, he has played an outstanding role. He has successfully trained the first batch of Army paratroopers on the recently high standard of professional skill, absolute devotion to duty and outstanding courage, have set an example for his junction to follow. His seniors are proud of him for his attributes as a PJI.

For his outstanding achievement in the field of free all parachuting and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Master Warrant Officer Anokh Singh Sandhu.

Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan has been the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Squadron since 14 Apr 86. His Squadron currently forms part of the Indian Peace keeping Force in Sri Lanka.

Wing Commander SC Malhan drew first blood for the Squadron on 25 Oct 87 when be under took the first mission on over a causeway south east o Jaffna against LTTE vehicles and an ammunition dump. He spotted the ammunition dump and dived into attack. With his accurate rocket attacks the ammunition dump was destroyed in a single pass. That was the beginning of a series of offensive air support missions by his unit. On 27 Oct 87 he led a major attack on the LTTE strongholds at Chavakacheri. He displayed remarkable marksmanship while attacking in a built up area, destroying LTTE strongholds that has been holding back the advance of the Army. This attack enabled the Indian Army to take over the township with negligible casualties and link up with a Regiment which had been isolated for seven days.

On 03 Nov 87 a Para Commando Battalion was pinned down by deadly enemy fire in the area of Mulai. This was at a time when there were strict restrictions imposed on the use of rockets and bombs. Not a person to be deterred, he struck the enemy position with front guns. Displaying complete disregard to himself, he made repeated attacks on enemy positions against heavy hostile fire even though his aircraft sustained bulled hits. He withdrew only when the heavy automatic weapons were all silenced.

For his exemplary leadership, undaunting courage and complete disregard of personal safety in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan.

Squadron Leader Raj Singh Kataria has carried out 11 missions in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Batticaloa Sectors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka with unique dedication.

The terrain in these Sectors is full of jungles, small hill features and water islets which cannot be observed from the air. In one of the missions he flew his gunship at the lowest possible height and within the lowest safety limit and destroyed the militant hideous in the built-up area. He thus displayed magnificent professionalism. The commendable completion of mission with his gunship dealt a crushing blow to the militants, crippling them both psychologically and materially. What he achieved facilitated the ground action of the Army speedily to a logical conclusion.

For displaying laudable courage and valour in the face of the militants, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Raj Singh.

Squadron Leader Venkatesa Swaminatha Nagnendra Nath is posted to a Helicopter unit. He has been carrying out helicopter operations in Jaffna from the beginning of the current operations.

On the night of 11/12 Oct 87, he was on co­pilot duties with Wing Commander VKN Sapre in a helicopter wherein three urgent missions had to be conducted for induction of the Indian Army troops in an area known to be surrounded by LTTE elements. During these three night missions the aircraft came under adverse enemy fire and was extensively damaged. He displayed courage and valour and gave full support to his Captain while operating in such environments and made a valuable contribution in retrieving the helicopter safely back to base. He has flown 40 missions in the area.

For displaying extraordinary dedication to duty and commendable professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader N Nath.

For his exceptional dedication to duty and professional competence of a higher order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Sonpar.

Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Balkrishan is posted to a Helicopter unit and has been operation from Jaffna in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force.

Flt Lt. B Ramesh was detailed as Co-Pilot with Sqn Ldr DR Doraiswamy on special helicopter operation in the night of 11/12 Oct 87. This crew was responsible for successfully landing the troops for three missions at the helipad which was under heavy fire. The helicopter received heavy damage. Flt Lt B Ramesh gave valuable support to his Captain and thereby ensured that the helicopter was flown back to base successfully.

For his commendable dedication to duty and professional competence of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt B Ramesh.

Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Bishnoi is posted to a Helicopter Unit and has been operating in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Jaffna.

He was detailed was co­pilot with Sqn Ldr TK Vijay Raj in helicopter on a Special Heliborne Operation on the night of 11/12 Oct 87. He was made responsible for successfully landing the troops for three missions at the helipad which was under heavy fire. The helicopter received heavy damage.

Flt Lt Bishnoi contributed valuables support to his Captain and thereby ensured that the helicopter was flown back to base successfully.

For his exemplary dedication to service and display of professional competence of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt Sanjay Bishnoi.