Wine Commander Cecil Vivian Parker formed an operational training unit in October 1966 and was the Unit's first Commanding Officer. He is responsible for the high level of instructional technique, standardisation and quality of pupils that have passed through the unit. From its inception, the Unit has fulfilled two roles, viz. Training and Operational. Accomplishment of these two roles in the face of various difficulties was due to the high organising ability of Wing Commander Parker. It has been solely due to his efforts that the Unit successfully met all commitments with the highest utilisation rate of the aircraft and the lowest accident rate.

Throughout, Wing Commander Cecil Vivian Parker showed courage and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Ravinder Nath Bhardwaj has been serving at an Operational Training Unit for over two years. During this period, he has flown a total of 3350 hours. By his hard work and professional skill, he improved the flying skill and ground knowledge of the pilots under training. His capacity and willingness for hard work were a source of inspiration to all officers and airmen.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ravinder Nath Bhardwaj displayed professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Ramanathan Sundaresan has been commanding an operational training unit since July, 1969. During the period of his Command, he demonstrated his flying skill under extremely hazardous conditions on several occasions. Under his inspiring leadership, the unit has achieved the remarkable utilisation figure of 100 hours per month per aircraft. In spite of the long working hours involved in achieving this task, Wing Commander Sundaresan maintained the morale of the personnel of his unit at a very high level.

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.

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.

Squadron Leader Chander Shekhar Venkataramany has been on the posted strength of Operational Conversion Unit since 07 May 88. On 23 Jun 89, he was authorized to carry out engine check on a Hunter aircraft. After take off, at a height of 500', the engine flamed out.

The low height made the emergency critical, indicating immediate ejection in the normal course. However, the pilot quickly analysed the situation and decided to delay ejection. As the speed dropped to 160 kts, and he had grabbed the ejection handle, he felt the engine relight and the RPM just starting to build up. At 200' AGL, when he was sure of making the runway, he started throttling back to reduce the RPM but the engine again flamed out. He thereafter handled the aircraft with consummate skill and airmanship, carrying out a perfect, dead stick landing on the runway. He not only saved a precious aircraft but also contributed substantially to Flight Safety, since the cause of flame out could be conclusively determined.

For his sound knowledge of aircraft system and efficient handling of grave emergency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Chander Shekhar Venkataramany.