Squadron Leader A.B. Patil joined the Air Force in the ranks in 1942. He was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch in 1945. He was appointed Squadron Leader in 1956. He has also served as Commanding Officer of a Logistic Air Force Squadron. Under his leadership this Squadron has carried out over 3,000 hours of flying in less than a year despite difficult flying conditions.

Since the arrival of No. 59 Logistics Air Support Squadron in Assam area, they have been putting in consistent efforts. The difficulties connected with flying conditions that obtain in Assam Valley and using Advance landing grounds are factors already well-known. Despite these handicaps, the Squadron has carried out over 3000 hours of flying in less than a year. Faced with shortage of aircrew as well as ground crew and with limited resources that are available, Sqn. Ldr. Patil has led the Squadron into a bunch of willing workers. During this time, he has himself put in 600 hours of flying and by his hard work, enthusiasm and leadership instilled into the younger pilots, keenness and devotion to duty.

During his service, Squadron Leader Patil has shown skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

The achievement of No. 59 L.A.S Squadron is mainly due to an example set up by their Commanding Officer Sqn. Ldr. Patil. His devotion to duty, tenacity and will are of the highest order.

He was entrusted with the task of reclaiming plant and machinery for establishing machining facilities. He showed outstanding technical ability and initiative in successfully carrying out major modifications/overhaul to modernize some of the obsolete and wornout machines from surplus stocks. He thus was instrumental in saving large sums of foreign exchange that would otherwise have been spent to purchase new machinery for the AVRO Project.

Without specialized training or previous experience this S.N.C.O. who was in charge of manufacturing section, undertook some of the most difficult task involved in aircraft manufacturing. His initiative and skill displayed were exemplary.

As a Senior N.C.O. in the Assembly Section of the Project, he has been largely responsible for the structural build up of the AVRO 748 aircraft. His ability in management and capability of hard work has been outstanding and inspiring throughout.

He has shown technical knowledge and displayed outstanding ability in the instrumentation of the aircraft and in establishing and organizing the work in the pre-production aircraft control section.

As the performance of his duties as N.C.O. i/c Technical Control and as Inspector incharge instrumentation he showed considerable technical ability and managerial capacity in discharge of his duties.

As NCO i/c Tool Control and working in a field with no specialized training or previous knowledge he was primarily instrumental in establishing the tool department procedures efficiently. Throughout the period he applied himself diligently and displayed a high degree of initiative and profound sense of duty.

As N.C.O. i/c Jig Erection Section he has shown exceptional technical ability and proficiency of high order, in the work connected with Jig manufacturing his services were outstanding throughout.

In discharging his duties as Inspector, Aircraft Manufacture he has displayed technical ability of a high caliber in various stages of Jig, tools and aircraft inspection. Throughout his ceaseless efforts and considerable planning ability, he made it possible for the inspection to proceed according to schedule.

A Transport Squadron was moved to J&K area in May 1960, at a short notice. As the Squadron Engineering Officer, he had to be left behind at the Base to look after the second line servicing there. Flying Officer Madathankandy Valiyavalappil Rama Chandran was called upon to organize and take charge of the complete first line servicing at the new Base. Flying Officer Madathankandy Valiyavalappil Rama Chandran though not very experienced, with limited resources at his disposal had to organize complete first line servicing at the new Base from scratch. He displayed great professional skill, devotion to duty and organizing ability of a high order brining the daily servicing section to a high standard of efficiency in a short period. In spite of shortage of spares and manpower, he by his ingenuity and proper handling of men produced 80 percent of serviceability. Flying Officer Madath ankandy Valiyavalappil Rama Chandran set such a fine example that his men worked without any holidays from 12 to 14 hours a day under extremely difficult operational conditions. Had it not been for the commendable effort on the part of Flying Officer Madathankandy Valiyavalappil Rama Chandran such high serviceability of aircraft would not have been possible, which, in turn would have resulted in the airlift falling behind schedule. Such distinguished service and devotion to duty of a high order is in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Sergeant Gurbachan Singh was employed as N.C.O. in-charge of the aircraft servicing section of an operational squadron from 21st January 1960 to 17th March 1962 which was engaged in logistic air support in NEFA and NHTA. The Squadron at its operational base had hardly any facilities to set up its various technical and administrative sections. No engineering officer was posted to this Squadron.

With the limited resources of manpower and equipment available, Sergeant Gurbachan Singh displayed great skill and organizing ability in bringing the servicing section to a high state of efficiency in a short time.

His professional ability, man-management and above all a dedicated sense of duty has been a source of great inspiration to all.

Had it not been for keenness and ability displayed by Sergeant Gurbachan Singh the operational efficiency of the squadron would have been greatly affected. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Sergeant Sundram Iyer Kandaswamy was the N.C.O. in-charge of the servicing section of the Vampire aircraft based at Jamnagar during operation "Vijay". Prior to the operation, there was an acute shortage of spares and the serviceability of the aircraft was far below the required standard. Flight Sergeant Sundram Iyer Kandaswamy was assigned the task of improving the serviceability of the aircraft. He worked zealously and through determination, high standard of professional skill and tactful handling of his men succeeded in achieving nearly 80 percent rate of serviceability. In fact, during the last three days of operation "Vijay" he did not leave his post of duty as he literally worked and slept on the job.

Hard work over a sustained period caused great amount of physical and mental fatigue to this senior N.C.O. as he kept at his job with complete disregard to his personal comforts. On 19th December, 1961, Flight Sergeant Sundram Iyer Kandaswamy while marshalling an approaching aircraft was involved in taxying accident. He received fatal injuries on his skull by the impact of the aircraft mainplane. The accident would not have happened had Flight Sergeant Sundram Iyer Kandaswamy, who by his exemplary leadership and devotion to duty had contributed greatly to successful operation of the Vampire aircraft, thus met his end on duty. The fine example of Flight Sergeant Sundram Iyer Kandaswamy is in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Sergeant Digambar Eknath Manurkar was the NCO-in-charge of the technical team in the Canberra Detachment during air operations in Katnaga in December, 1961. Kamina air base, where the contingent was operating, had no servicing facilities and no workshops or other ancillary services existed. A field servicing section for the aircraft had to be started in unfamiliar surroundings. Everything had to be improvised under most unfavourable conditions. The success of operation depended mainly on the individual ingenuity and initiative. The operation involved continuous movement of men and material at very short notice. Flight Sergeant Digambar Eknath Manurkar in the face of such heavy odds was able to set up servicing organization with considerable skill and a high degree of efficiency. In accomplishing this task, he and his team had to work very long hours, more often late in the night, for maintaining a high rate of operational serviceability of the aircraft. Had this high rate of serviceability not been maintained, it would not have been possible to meet all the operational commitments.

Sergeant Vidya Sagar was in-charge maintenance of aero-engine and aircraft refueling during air operations against Katangese in December, 1961. At Kamina base, where the contingent was located, there was no servicing facility and the refueling equipment was outdated and often went out of commission retarding the operational efficiency of the contingent. During such emergencies, Sergeant Vidya Sagar faced the situation with confidence and improvised the refueling system with maximum efficiency possible under those trying circumstances. Many a time to overcome the crisis, he and his refueling team had to decant the fuel from the barrels and feed the aircraft entirely by manual operations. On the side of maintenance of aero-engine, Sergeant Vidya Sagar always personally supervised the work, checking and making adjustments in the engines, repairing and changing parts where necessary. Through untiring work, he completed all his task and endured that his part of the work did not hold up the operational schedule of the contingent.

Sergeant Vidya Sagar by his personal example and high degree of professional skill set a high standard for other to follow and rendered distinguished service of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Sergeant Amar Nath Verma was in-charge of Airframe servicing section of the I.A.F. Canberra contingent at Kamina air base operating against Katangese during the month of December, 1961. During those operations there was heavy opposition from the enemy ground forces and frequently the aircraft were fired upon causing damage. These aircraft needed immediate repairs to continue the operations. The spares were hard to come by and repair facilities in existence at Kamina were far from satisfactory. Sergeant Amar Nath Verma, at this critical stage, rose to the occasion, displayed high technical and organizing ability and carried out extensive repairs to the damaged aircraft in exceptionally short time. He worked ceaselessly without respite and had it not been for his untiring efforts the operational efficiency of the contingent would have a severe set back.

Sergeant Amar Nath Verma displayed a high sense of duty by his professional ability and organizing skill rendered service of high order, which is in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Corporal Krishan Deo Sinha was in-charge of Armament team of I.A.F Canberra detachment, operating from Kamina base against Katanganese in December, 1961. He was responsible for re-arming of the aircraft and maintenance of the entire armament equipment. This task involved movement and handling of large quantity of ammunition, servicing the guns and loading them. After each operational sorties, the aircraft had to be thoroughly checked for stoppages, cleaned and reloaded. This dangerous and onerous task called for extra caution, precision, skill and speed. Corporal Krishan Deo Sinha in undertaking this task successfully has shown a very high degree of professional ability and leadership and carried out the vital task of re-arming the aircraft with utmost speed and efficiency and has rendered service of a high order which is in the best traditions of the IAF.

Corporal Manomhan Singh Sodhi was associated with the Airframe servicing section of the Canberra detachment, engaged in the air operations against the Katatangese in December, 1961. During these operations, there was heavy opposition from the hostile ground fire which resulted in serious damage to the aircraft due to bullet hits. Servicing facilities were meager at Kamina air base, where the contingent was located and the acute supply position of spares aggravated the situation further. At this critical stage, much depended upon the individual skill and the ingenuity of the workmen and a high degree of efficiency. In accomplishing this task, he and his team had to work heavy long hours, more often late in the night, for maintaining a high rate of serviceability of the aircraft. Had this high rate of serviceability not been maintained, it would not have been possible to meet all the operational commitments. Corporal Manomhan Singh Sodhi by resourcefully applying his superior technical knowledge played an important part in the repair work undertaken. He worked with a speed and efficiency for long hours and contributed to a large measure to the success of operation.

Corporal Manomhan Singh Sodhi, by his untiring efforts and superior professional knowledge has thus rendered service of a high order, true to the best traditions of the I.A.F.

The services of Wing Commander Subramanyan Chenna Keshu were loaned from the I.A.F. to H.A.L in May, 1960, as Prototype Production Engineer. When the programme for building H.F.-24 prototype production began, this officer was given the task to study the best method of production based on an examination of the drawings of this indigenous supersonic fighter. He was also to study the latest method of manufacture and to produce the parts in the shortest possible time. This officer contributed in a significant manner to the flying of the first Prototype in June 1961 and brought to bear on his task technical and organizational ability of a high order. In addition, in the past 2 ½ years of his service with the H.A.L., the officer has built up a team of engineers and technicians, which is now engaged in the preparation of quantity production of H.F.-24.

Wing Commander Chandrakant Sridhar Naik was appointed, on deputation from I.A.F. as Officer-in-Charge, Flight Test Group HF-24 Project on 1st June, 1960. The officer's task was to create facilities for flight development of the HF-24 Prototype. Such facilities did not exist in the country as this was the first time flight development of a high performance aircraft was undertaken in India. The task involved planning of flight test, working our the most optimum flight test techniques, design and installation of automatic recording equipment in the prototypes, working out the methods of analysis of results, training of raw personnel, etc. Being a completely new field of technical activity no trained personnel were readily available. The time available for creation of facilities was barely nine months. Starting with these severe handicaps, this officer executed his task in a commendable manner and managed to undertaken flight development of Supersonic aircraft. The voluminous data obtained and analysed during the flights of the prototypes have proved to be very accurate and extremely valuable. In the absence of such data the development of the HF-24 aircraft would have been a difficult task. Wing Commander Naik, in executing these tasks, has shown very high engineering skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader M.S. Dandekar was operating in the Walong Sector of NEFA when the Chinese hostilities started in October, 1962. During the battle of Walong contact was lost with the forward troops. It was vital to collect the news about the battle situation and to provide the necessary assistance to our forward troops. Sqn. Ldr. Dandekar volunteered to be dropped at the forward base by the helicopter. He made contact with the Brigade Commander and brought the requisite information and essential directions for the evacuation of casualties. After this trip he kept shuttling between the forward troop and rear guard and this helped in evacuation of casualties and in supplying the urgently required supplies. In those days the forward bases were changing so quickly that it was very hazardous to land at some place. With complete disregard to his personal safety and with selfless devotion to duty, he made possible the evacuation of a large number of casualties which did not hamper the planned withdrawal of the troops. He earned both the gratitude and praise of the troops.

Squadron Leader Meghashyama Sadanand Dandekar has therefore rendered devoted and distinguished service of high order.

Squadron Leader Jagjit Singh Sandhawalia has been the Squadron Engineering Officer of one of our heavy transport squadron in J&K area since April, 1961. In spite of the shortage of manpower and limited resources this officer successfully organized the maintenance facilities for the newly acquired aircraft within a very short time. By his professional skill, devotion to duty and organizing ability he succeeded in achieving and maintaining a high rate of serviceability.

On a number of occasions when the aircraft were stranded at forward airfields, away form base and required engine changes or repairs of Airframe component, he through his leadership and determination got the aircraft airworthy in the shortest possible time. Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 1962, this officer through his untiring efforts brought the serviceability rate of aircraft to a new high figure of 90 percent. But for the commendable effort on the part of Squadron Leader Sandhawalia, it might not have been possible to keep up the schedule of all the vital airlift commitments assigned to them

Throughout the period, this officer has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Achengaden John Chacko is a qualified Navigation Instructor and was employed on navigational duties with of the Air Forces Training Institution for a period of six years without a break. Though the instructional task is monotonous and arduous he carried out his duty with zeal and determination and achieved outstanding results. In fact, pupils trained by him bear a distinct imprint of his professional skill. His devotion to hard work not only inspired his colleagues but also the trainees.

Squadron Leader Chacko has rendered distinguished service of a high order which is in keeping with the best traditions of the I.A.F.

Squadron Leader Eruch Shivax Lala has been employed at the Transport Training Wing of the Indian Air Force. He holds the highest Instructor category and the Instrument rating. He has an accident free record of over 4500 hours of flying.

Since the outbreak of emergency this officer had to undertake training of a much larger number of transport pupils. He accepted this difficult task and produced outstanding results.

By his devotion to duty and singlemindedness Sqn. Ldr. Lala set a fine example to his colleagues and motivated other instructors to achieve similar results. He has, therefore, rendered distinguished service of a high order which is in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader NIJRAM SATRAMDAS BHAGWANANI (4509) Medical During the recent operations in the NEFA, No. 5 Air Force Hospital was flooded with the battle casualties which had poured in from Walong sector. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani was the only surgical specialist available in this hospital, and had to bear the major brunt of this large influx. Some of the casualties had suffered serious gun-shot wounds involving thoracic (Chest) and abdominal regions which required skilful surgery. The magnitude and the complexity of the task would have baffled any exper ienced surgeon. However, Squadron Leader Bhagwanani faced the situation with courage and untiring zeal and great devotion. He worked round the clock on his operation table, in complete disregard to his personal comfort and physical requirement. But for his perseverance, organizational ability and devotion, many of our soldiers who were brought to the hospital in a precarious condition would not have survived. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani in performing this praise-worthy task has shown professional skill and devotion of a very high order.

Flight Lieutenant Mangatil Karakad Chandrasekhar is qualified flying instructor employed at one of the Transport Training Wings for the past three years. This young officer has a brilliant record of flying hours in short service career and holds the highest transport category and instrument rating.

During the emergency this officer undertook the additional training commitment and displayed sense of dedication, responsibility and preserved for long hours to achieve outstanding results. In addition, he flew on many missions to ALGs airlifting urgently required troops and material both by day and night to forward area.

Throughout this period, Flt. Lt. Chandrasekhar unmindful of his personal safety and physical strain, rendered valuable service which was in keeping with the best traditions of the Air Force.

Pilot Officer Clement Martin has been operating in J&K since 1952. He has been the Squadron Engineering Officer since 1961. In spite of limited resources and shortage of manpower, this officer successfully organized the maintenance of Packet aircraft. The perseverance and high standard of professional skill he achieved a high rate of serviceability throughout. Recently when 24 Packet aircraft were allotted to the squadron, Plt. Offr Martin with the technicians under his control worked over 14 hours a day with single-minded devotion to bring the aircraft under the I.A.F. schedule servicing with minimum of delay. The speed with the task was completed is a tribute of his able guidance, man-management and inspiring leadership.

Throughout the period, this officer has rendered distinguished service of a high order by his exemplary devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Bhanwar Lal Arora is on his third tenure operational tour in J & K area.

During the outbreak of hostilities in October, 1962, this Warrant Officer was faced with the difficult problem of maintaining high rate of serviceability, without which it would have not been possible for the unit to keep up the heavy schedule of airlift allotted to it. In spite of depleted manpower and shortage of spares, he set about his task with determination and through his untiring efforts, exceptional management and personal example he maintained a high rate of serviceability which enabled the squadron to conduct sustain operations over a critical period.

Master Warrant Officer Arora has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, in the face of heavy odds.

Flight Sergeant Kanai Chandra Ghosh F.II.A. has served in the NEFA and J&K area for the last 8 years. During the recent intensity of the transport operations in J&K area, the senior N.C.O. though responsible for only first line servicing, had to undertake the task of frequent engine changes and replacement of power recovery turbines and carburetors tasks which demanded a high degree of professional skill and supervision. In spite of the fact that he belonged to the trade of Fitter Air-Frames, he skillfully completed the above demands and maintained a high rate of serviceability with a relatively low manning level.

Apart from his hard and arduous daily routine at the base, Flt. Sgt. Ghosh had to keep moving frequently to forward landing grounds such as Chushul and Leh. He skillfully carried out 28 engine changes at the forward airfields where due to intense climate conditions normal working routine is very difficult. Some of these assignments were beyond the call of his normal duty and were cheerfully accepted by this Senior N.C.O. The fact that there was not a single take-off reject at these forward airfields is ample testimony to the high standard of technical efficiency of this Senior N.C.O.

By his devotion to duty in utter disregard to his personal comforts, he set such a fine example to his men that they put in work for 12 to 14 hours a day under extremely difficult conditions. His example was an inspiration to his ground crews. This Senior N.C.O. apart from showing great professional skill has also displayed devotion to duty and work of a very high order.

Flight Sergeant Kuppuswamy Krishnamachari was incharge of servicing section of a Helicopter detachment serving in NEFA area. At the outbreak of the Chinese hostilities the detachment was faced with heavy commitment of evacuation of casualties and reinforcing our forward troops with the urgently required arms and ammunition. To meet this commitment it was essential that a high rate of serviceability of these aircraft is maintained.

Flight Sergeant Krishnamachari worked more than 18 hours a day during that critical period and ensured that all aircraft were kept serviceable. His zeal, determination and single minded devotion to duty were a source of inspiration to other airmen. But for his effort the heavy commitment that the detachment was called upon to undertake would not have been possible.

Wing Commander Chandra has been serving as Senior Training Officer of a Technical Training School since April 1960. After the outbreak of hostilities in October, 1961, the training flow had increased manifold while there was no corresponding increase in training aids and instructors. This called for great resourcefulness, ingenuity on the part of the staff and more so on the shoulders of Senior Training Officers.

Wg. Cdr. Chandra who was given this momentous task of increased training commitment set down his assignment with single minded devotion and formulated a comprehensive training programme to meet the increased commitment. During this period he introduced a number of new training aids which made the imparting of technical training easy and simpler.

Wg. Cdr. Chandra has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Jagmohan Singh Virk is a qualified Flying Instructor and holds the highest transport category and instrument rating. During the past one year, through his persistent efforts he has accelerated the output of transport pupils. In addition to the training commitments, this officer at the peak of emergency, transported troops and equipment to N.E.F.A. area.

His cheerful devotion to this arduous duty under great physical and mental stress was a source of inspiration to his colleagues and pupils and an all round fine example on a flying station. He has, therefore, rendered a distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Tapishwar Dutt Vasisht is a qualified flying instructor and has obtained the highest transport category and instrument rating.

This officer was employed in one of the I.A.F. pilot training institutions where he carried out instructional duties with zeal and determination. His sustained efforts resulted in doubling the training output of pilots during the Emergency. To achieve this distinction Flt. Lt. Vasisht flew over 100 instructional hours per month.

In addition to his training commitment, this officer undertook the work of flying troops and equipment to Assam area during the Chinese aggression; a task which he accomplished with great success. The officer displayed a high sense of duty and sincere devotion to his allotted tasks.

Master Warrant Officer Harbhajan Singh Rattan has been on the posted strength of Heavy Transport Squadron operating in J & K area as Deputy Signals Leader. He is on his 4th operational tour and during the current tenure has flown 1200 hours on operations. On 21st February, 1964, while 3 aircraft were being loaded for supply dropping missions, Master Warrant Officer Rattan noticed smoke emanating from the cockpit of the aircraft parked in the middle. Realizing the danger to the other aircraft in case the fire was not controlled, he immediately with the help of some other airmen pushed one aircraft to safe distance while the other aircraft was taxied away by a pilot. After ensuring the safety of the two aircraft Master Warrant Officer Rattan took charge of the fire fighting operations. With complete disregard to his personal safety he entered the aircraft, located the fire and attempted to smother it, but was nearly overpowered by suffocating smoke. He came out and undeterred entered the aircraft again and found the situation fraught with serious possibilities of the fire spreading to the cargo load which consisted of logs of wood. When his attempts to open the cargo doors were not successful, he on his own initiative, ordered the cargo doors to be hacked open.

Subsequently, he supervised the discharge of cargo from the aircraft and simultaneously directed fire fighting operations and carried on until he fell unconscious due to fumes, suffocation and exhaustion. His correct assessment of the situation and prompt action prevented the possible spread of the fire and saved valuable aircraft.

Throughout these operations, Master Warrant Officer Harbhajan Singh Rattan displayed complete disregard to his personal safety, remarkable courage and selfless devotion to duty, which is in keeping with best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Winfred Samuel is posted to one of the Heavy Transport Squadrons operating in J&K area since March, 1961. From the very inception of the unit he has been incharge of the Daily Servicing Section. Inspite of the low manning level and limited servicing facilities, this officer, through his professional skill, high organizing ability and grim determination inspired his men to work to the maximum capacity and successfully maintained a very high standard of serviceability. But for his sustained efforts and capacity for hard work it may not have been possible to maintain the vital airlift of supplies to the required schedule, particularly during the emergency.

One of the aircraft belonging to his unit was stranded at Leh with a damaged undercarriage. Master Warrant Officer Samuel with a handful of men and spares proceeded to Leh to repair the aircraft. He, along with his men worked round the clock for over 15 hours and made the aircraft serviceable for it to be flown before the setting in of bad weather. Had this aircraft not been retrieved, it would have remained stuck at Leh for a considerable period.

Master Warrant Officer Winfred Samuel, by his leadership, courage and devotion to duty and capacity for hard work has thus rendered distinguished service of a very high order.

Late Warrant Officer Krishna Vittal Rao was incharge of the Photo Section of No 106 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadrons since 6th March, 1961. During his tenure, the Squadron was assigned such important photographic tasks as covering operation VIJAY, vitally important survey of the border areas and tasks in connection with the Chinese aggression in October/November, 1962.

Throughout all these operations, the photographic missions undertaken by this Squadron necessarily demanded a tremendous mental, physical and organizational effort from this Warrant Officer. Though afflicted by coronal insufficiency coupled with diabetes - a disease which would have ordinarily hospitalized any individual for a prolonged period - he kept on performing his duties with a keen sense of dedication to the extent that the strain undergone by him aggravated his disease and was a contributory factor in his early demise. The speed and efficiency with this Warrant Officer carried out the maintenance of the cine cameras can be judged by the fact that there was not a single camera mechanical failure throughout the above operation.

The late Warrant Officer, with his determination, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of such a physical handicap, had set an inspiring example which is in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Flying officer Ved Prakash Mehta has been posted as the Station Adjutant at an Air Force Wing in Punjab since January, 1964. During the recent operations against Pakistan, the administrative work load increased many times owing to rapid influx into this Station of army troops, Punjab Armed Police, Punjab Police, Central Reserve Police and additional

Air Force personnel. Fg. Offr. Mehta, by his excellent organizing ability and high degree of professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty carried out his task most efficiently. Inspired by his personal example, his staff, at times at very odd hours and under the threat of enemy bombing, worked cheerfully as well knit team. Despite heavy influx of troops into the airfield and recurring visits of Very Important Persons and Staff Officers from higher formations, Fg Offr Mehta catered for their requirements adequately.

This officer always stood by the side of the Station Commander and executed his orders smoothly and efficiently. At times this officer, with complete disregard to his personal safety, carried out rescue work also. On the night of 9th September, 1965 during air raids, he, with the assistance of army personnel, removed a number of causalities from the debris and caved-in-trenches caused by enemy bombing and rushed them to the Station Sick Quarters. Again on the night of 13th September, 1965, under a RED WARNING and with enemy aircraft strafing, he with the assistance of airmen, removed a number of casualties from the debris near the Equipment Section and rushed them to the Station Sick quarters. On 14th September, 1965, under orders from the Station Commander, he promptly organised a rescue party and rushed to Daulatpur, a place at a distance of about 50 miles from Adampur, where one of the Air force helicopters had force landed. He reached the spot at 2215 hours and after ensuring that the crew and the aircraft were safe, returned to the base at 0145 hours the same night.

Throughout the operations he displayed praiseworthy qualities of leadership, a high standard of professional knowledge and an untiring zeal for work.

Flying Officer Dara Phiroze Chinoy was pilot in an operational squadron in the Punjab when the hostilities against Pakistan broke out. On 10th September, 1965, while on a low level strike mission against heavily defended targets in the Lahore sector, his aircraft was shot down and after ejecting from the aircraft, he landed in the area held by the enemy. Then started a long chase by the enemy for capturing him. Fg Offr Chinoy walked, crawled and, when required, ran for over five hours to evade capture until he safely crossed the front line and arrived amidst our own friendly forces. The very high sense of duty shown by the officer in successfully evading capture for such a prolonged period against very heavy odds, speaks of the sense of determination and devotion to duty of this officer.

Through this tortuous and dangerous course of action, Fg Offr Chinoy not only successfully foiled the attempts of hordes of Pakistani soldiers and civilians to capture him, but also rejoined his squadron to carry out further operational missions against the enemy.

The officer has completed 10 operational sorties on low level strike missions and armed patrols during the current hostilities and has contributed a large extent towards the achievements of his squadron.

Pilot Officer Alex Puthenveede Mammen has been serving as a technical Engineering officer with a fighter Squadron. When the present hostilities started with Pakistan, this officer was faced with a difficult task of maintaining serviceability of the aircraft of his Squadron to the maximum, in spite of shortage of technical manpower, ground equipment and spare parts. Plt Offr Mammen worked many long hours during the critical period and ensured maximum serviceability. This young officer with his zeal, determination and single-minded devotion to duty was a source of inspiration to all the personnel working under him. But for his efforts, the heavy commitment that the Squadron had to face would not have been possible.

Warrant officer Doraiswamy Iyer Ramakrishnan was warrant officer in charge electrical section of a Bomber Squadron. This Warrant Officer true to the best traditions of the Air Force service kept up the serviceability state of the aircraft of his squadron in spite of very heavy odds against the task. Shortage of trained manpower and equipment did not deter him from achieving his end. During the period of operations he ensured that minimum number of aircraft was available for quick turn around for operational missions by rectifying the defects with minimum delay.

His unflinching devotion to duty and tenacity of purpose provided an inspiration of a very high order to all other tradesmen working under him. His efforts went a long way to make the operations a success.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Warrant Officer Bhaskaran Nair was in charge of armament section of a fighter squadron. Operations carried out by the squadron called for a high degree of armament readiness and this warrant Officer rose to the occasion and readily met the incessant and heavy demand made on his section. Working under difficult conditions, by his personal example and selfless service he instilled in his subordinates a sense of responsibility which merit the highest praise. His single minded devotion to the duty and capacity for hard work is in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Warrant Officer Raghbir Singh was Warrant Officer in charge Daily Service Section, Jet Bomber Conversion Unit during the current hostilities against Pakistan. He was mainly instrumental to a quick switchover of the Canberra aircraft of the unit normally used in a training role to operational use. By his selfless devotion to duty and constant almost round-the-clock supervision he made it possible for four out of the five aircraft of the unit fit for operations all the time. The fact that the unit carried out over 100 hours of intensive operational flying within the short span of a fortnight, was in no small measure, due to the hard work put in by this Warrant Officer. Throughout the period he displayed high sense of duty, professional skill and rendered distinguished service of a very high order.

During the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, the personnel of operational squadrons had to work hard and for much longer periods in order to maintain a high serviceability state of aircraft. Warrant Officer Joshi was the fitter in-charge of the second dispersal area of an operational squadron and was responsible for servicing the aircraft in his charge. He displayed leadership and courage of a high order and inspired the airmen to continue working under very adverse conditions. Because of his presence with the men at all times, day and night, the morale of the men was very high. It was during this period that the airfield was subjected to heavy bombing for several nights continuously. Warrant Officer Joshi's cool and clam nature served to encourage the airmen to stick to their tasks. In spite of the bombing and lack of rest during the nights, Warrant Officer Joshi was seen on duty in the mornings with the aircraft ready for operations.

Flight Sergeant Datla Rambahdra Varma has been incharge of Daily servicing Section of a transport squadron since July, 1963. With very limited resources available at the forward airfield in the Eastern Sector, this SNCO has left no stone unturned to keep the aircraft of his Squadron in the air. During the year 1965, the Squadron carried out 4,000 hours of flying involving various airlift tasks. This effort was in no small measure due to the magnificent efforts put in by Flight Sergeant Varma. At times when the aircraft serviceability of the squadron reached a low ebb, this SNCO in utter disregard to personal comforts pro ceeded to areas in the interior to salvage equipment and spares from crashed aircraft so that the overall aircraft serviceability at base could be improved. His sincere and unflinching devotion to duty and cheerful acceptance of the hazards of working under difficult conditions provided magnificent inspiration to all to other airmen of the Squadron.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Flight Sergeant Kanai Lal Mukerjee was employed in armament section of the Wing headquarters. He was very often called upon to defuse and render bombs and other missile safe. On each such occasion, fully aware of the dangers involved in fusing and de-fusing of armament stores, he cheerfully carried out the tasks assigned to him. In spite of continuous pressure of various commitments at the Wing, he displayed a rare sense of duty and organizing ability and ensured that the turn round time of all aircraft for re-arming was kept to its minimum.

During the present hostilities against Pakistan in September, 1965, Flight Sergeant Amolak Singh was in charge of the Armament Section of bomber squadron. In spite of great handicaps like shortage of trained personnel and equipment, this senior non-commissioned officer displayed great devotion to duty and unique determination in very rapid re-arming and turn-round of his squadron aircraft after every operational mission. Called upon to meet heavy and urgent commitments he always rose to the occasion and successfully met the demands made upon his section for bombing up the aircraft at very short notice. Very often this senior N.C.O worked in utter disregard to personal safety and comfort. His contribution to the operational success of the bomber squadron was of an exceptionally high order. His achievement during the period has been a source inspiration to all other tradesmen working under him.

Flight Sergeant Narayanan Chandrashekharan was the senior non-commissioned officer in charge Armament section of Jet Bomber Conversion Unit during the recent hostilities against Pakistan. On receipt of orders to prepare the bomber aircraft of the unit for operational tasks, this SNCO, by his constant supervision and devotion to duty, carried out the bombing up and re-arming of aircraft at all hours of day and night and very short notice. Such rapid re-arming of aircraft under heavy strain had its attendant dangers. However, by his ceaseless efforts and untiring zeal, he inspired all the airmen working under him and kept up the armament backing for the offensive sorties to be flown by the bomber aircraft of his unit.

During the period of recent operations against Pakistan Flight Sergeant Pritam Singh Majhail was in charge of daily servicing section of fighter squadron in a forward base. By his professional skill and untiring devotion to duty, this senior non-commissioned officer was able to maintain the servicing schedule of the aircraft of the squadron in a high pitch. Unmindful of dangers and personal comfort he was always ready to shoulder fresh responsibility so that a maximum number of aircraft could be made available for combat. Success of the operational sorties carried out by the Squadron was in no small measure due to this SNCO's sense of responsibility and capacity for hard work.

Sergeant Brahmi Govindaram was serving with a bomber squadron when the present hostilities started against Pakistan. During the operational period when the workload for the squadron aircraft increased, it became essential to ensure the highest rate of serviceability of aircraft so that no mission was handicapped due to lack of aircraft. To ensure this operational commitment Sgt. Govindaram worked round the clock in spite of the unfavorable conditions prevailing at the forward dispersals. A total of 460 hours were flown by this squadron on operations during this period without engine trouble in any aircraft. This is a great tribute to the efficiency, high sense of duty and responsibility exhibited by this S.N.C.O in maintaining all the ground equipment in perfect working order.

Throughout the operational period Sgt. Govindaram has shown devotion to duty unlimited capacity for hard work and great professional skill.