On 10th October, 1960, Squadron Leader M S Grewal (3481) was detailed as the leader of a formation exercise comprising 5 aircraft. The aircraft was peeling off after completion of the exercise at a height of approximately 1000 feet when the No.2 collided with Sqn Ldr Grewal's aircraft resulting in damage to the elevator of such a nature that the control column could be moved backward with difficulty but not forward at all. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the port drop tank was full due to failure of the fuel transfer system.

This extreme emergency, caused by no fault of his, called for the highest degree of airmanship, and Sqn Ldr Grewal by his coolness, presence of mind and skill, carried out a successful flapless landing thereby preventing what possibly could have been a fatal accident involving the total loss of the aircraft and a valuable life.

During his operational tour in NEFA area as Navigator and later as Navigational Leader, Sqn Ldr M D Mendhekar has flown a thousand operational hours, which is very creditable indeed. He has also been serving in the J and K area where he has completed an additional 650 hours of operational flying. As a Navigator, he has set a very high examples to his juniors by his devotion to duty and superior skill in navigation. He has built up the morale of the Squadron in general and of the junior navigators in particular.

After 1947 Indian Air Force was faced with the ardous task of disposing of stocks of accumulated war surplus explosives. This task was also hazardous since deterioration had already set in and the stocks had become highly sensitive and dangerous to handle.

In 1953, Squadron Leader P K Desikan took over command of an ammunition depot which had large stocks of heavily corroded 20mm High Explosive / Instantaneous Ammunition, deteriorated high explosive bombs, 40mm ammunition , practice bombs and other miscellaneous explosive stores. Infact the deterioration was so much tat even slight friction while handling the round or while lifting the ammunition boxes could cause a serious explosion. Squadron Leader P K Desikan, fully aware of the hazards and risks involved, undertook the disposal task on operational priority and carried out the demolition at a fast rate. As the Commanding Officer of the Depot from 1953 to 1955, Squadron Leader P K Desikan directed and supervised the task of demolition of the unserviceable and dangerous stock of these explosives. He exposed himself to grave danger for a period of two years while engaged in the execution of the task..

In accomplishing the task, Squadron Leader P K Desikan has displayed a very high sense of duty, courage and professional skill.