On 7th September 1965, Sqn Ldr Devayya was a part of a formation of aircraft on a strike mission to Sargodha Airfield in Pakistan. He was the last aircraft of the mission to finish the attack and as he was turning away he was intercepted by an enemy F-104 Starfighter aircraft. After Sqn Ldr Devayya successfully evaded the missiles launched by the enemy aircraft, his attacker , flying a faster aircraft caught up with him and fired his guns damaging Sqn Ldr Devayya's aircraft.

Sqn Ldr Devayya, displaying true fighting spirit opted for aircombat with the superior enemy aircraft and shot down the attacker. In the process, he made the supreme sacrifice as he probably crashed or was killed.

For showing conspicuous gallantry in putting the safety of his colleagues before his own, and In electing to get into an aerial combat with the F-104 even while his own aircraft was damaged, Squadron Leader Devayya displayed Valour of the highest order. Sqn Ldr Devayya was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra Posthumously. Till date the only instance of a Posthumous MVC to the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Upkar Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 16th January, 1954. He has served in several fighter and fighter bomber squadrons. He is a qualified flying instructor and has seen service in this capacity in two flying training units, and on the training staff at Air Headquarters. At present, Wing Commander Upkar Singh is the Commanding Officer of a supersonic fighter squadron. Under his guidance the Squadron was brought to a high state of operational preparedness. During the recent operations against Pakistan, the Squadron under the inspiring leadership, of Wing Commander Upkar Singh flew 376 operational missions in a 10 day period, on fighter escort duties, sweeps and air patrols, without loss, of any aircraft. He personally led a number of missions.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Upkar Singh rendered distinguish service of an exceptional order.

At 0945 hours on the 7th September 1965, a formation of four Mystere aircraft led by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa took off for an operational mission and flying at a height of only 50 to 100 feet above ground level penetrated into Pakistan territory.

Squadron Leader Handa led the formation accurately to their objective and the formation went into the attack. He dropped his bombs on the Bulk Patrol Installation and opened up with his guns at three Sabre Jets parked at the Operational Readiness Platform, one of which burst into flames. He then signaled to the remaining members of the formation to attack an enemy F-104 Star Fighter which was also on the Operational Readiness Platform. By this time the enemy antiaircraft guns had opened a heavy barrage of fire against all the four aircraft of the formation. After the successful attack Squadron Leader Handa led the formation back to base safely, all our aircraft landed with only marginal fuel.

The cool courage, devotion to duty and determination displayed by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa throughout the operation, were in the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the operations against Pakistan, Wing Commander Om Parkash Taneja showed inspiring leadership and set a fine example as a Squadron Commander by leading nine strike missions over enemy territory. On 6th September 1965, he led his Squadron for the first mission into enemy territory and destroyed fuel wagons in the Gujranwala sector. On 7th September 1965 he led a formation of 12 aircraft of the Squadron on a dawn strike over Sargodha Airfield. He started up during an air raid warning, when our anti-aircraft guns were firing. Shortly after the air raid he took off from a damaged runway having no runway lights. Through it was still dark, he led his Squadron successfully at low level to the target. On subsequent days he led a number of strike sorties in the Lahore and Sialkot sectors, attacking and destroying enemy tanks, vehicle concentrations and gun and mortar positions in these sectors. By his example he inspired confidence and courage amongst the junior pilots and won the admiration of all serving under him.

Flight Lieutenant Dil Mohan Singh Kahai was the deputy leader of a Mystere formation, which carried out a daring daylight raid on the very heavily defended Sargodha airfield on 7th September 1965. Despite the intense anti-aircraft fire, he dropped his bombs on four parked aircraft (one F-104 and three F-86) on the Operational Readiness Platform. Then he straffed two more F-86 aircraft and one more F-104 parked on the other Operational Readiness Platform.

On 11th September 1965, he flew as No. 2 in a two-aircraft bombing mission over artillery bunkers in the Lahore sector. The bombs dropped by him exploded directly over the bunkers and they were destroyed.

On 18th September 1965, flying again as the deputy leader in a four aircraft formation, Flight Lieutenant Kahai scored a direct hit on a gun position near Lahore airfield with rockets and knocked it out. On 19th September, 1965, he led a two aircraft formation and destroyed a Railway Bridge over the Ichhogil canal.

The officer also flew a number of strike support missions in which he inflicted damage to enemy equipment and casualties on enemy troops. He also carried out armed patrol sorties near the airfield.

The calmness and resolute courage displayed by Flight Lieutenant Dil Mohan Singh Kahai during all these operational missions were a source of inspiration to other pilots and were in the best traditions of the Air Force.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sindhaghatta Subbaramu was attached to a Fighter Squadron. He flew a total of thirtytwo missions in the form of Combat Air Patrol, escort and interception. He flew these sorties in adverse weather conditions and in pitch-dark night in the vicinity of hilly areas. During every escort mission, he ensured that the strike force was never threatened in any way by enemy aircraft, which enabled the strike force to attack the targets fearlessly. He always brought the strike forces back to base safely.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Sindhaghatta Subbaramu displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

Wing Commander Sunderraman Neelakantan (15184) F (P) is in command of 1 Squadron AF and was operating from 7 Wing, AF wef 26 May 99 for 'Op Safed Sagar'.

The officer is a true professional, who works hard and runs his Sqn effectively. This professionalism is evident in the manner in which the unit goes about doing its allotted tasks. The Sqn was inducted and relocated at short notice on deployment. This task was accomplished smoothly, and since then, the Sqn. has been able to meet all operational tasks given to it. This involved rapid and frequent role changes, and launching of missions at extremely short notices.

The officer displays total dedication and devotion to duty, and takes pride in whatever he does. He is a bold and dynamic Commanding Officer, who leads from the front. He managed his manpower and resources effectively in order to conduct round the clock operations. His courage is evident from the fact that within six weeks, he had already flown 47 operational missions. The missions involved provided day/ night fighter escort to our strike formations during 'Op Safed Sager'. Many of these missions were flown in extremely poor/marginal weather conditions, where he also displayed personal flying skills of a high order.

For his professionalism, leadership and courage displayed in the face of the enemy, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Sunderraman Neelakantan.

On 10th September, 1965, a formation of Mystere aircraft took off for an operational mission on the western border. When the formation reached the target area, a large numbers of enemy tanks were spotted and intensive barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Despite a concentrated barrage and against heavy odds, Squadron Leader Patrick Russel Earle led the formation to engage the enemy. When two aircraft of the formation had to abandon the attack because they were too close to turn in, Squadron Leader Earle and his No. 2 orbited at low height to provide cover for the second attack. While doing so, Squadron Leader Earle's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and there was a hole of about 4 in diameter in the center of the fuselage. The aircraft caught fire and the hole enlarged to about 12 in diameter. Despite this, Squadron Leader Earle did not bale out but brought back the aircraft to base safely, with the fire warning light on all the time.

Squadron Leader Patrick Russel Earle displayed courage and professional skill.

On 10th September, 1965, a formation of Mystere aircraft took off for an operational mission on the western border. When the formation reached the target area, a larger number of enemy tanks were spotted and intensive anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Despite a concentrated barrage and against heavy odds, attacks were carried out. No. 1's aircraft was severely hit during an attack and Nos. 1 and 2 returned to base. Nos. 3 and 4 went in for a second attack.

Although his aircraft was hit, Flight Lieutenant Verma continued the attack, along with No.3. The emergency and auxillary Servo system of Flight Lieutenant Verma's aircraft were damaged and both system pressure dropped to zero. He brought the damaged aircraft back to base with the main system pressure dropping even this went to zero just before touch down. Flight Lieutenant Vinod Kumar Verma showed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order.

Wing Commander Bhupendera Nath Misra has been in command of a Fighter Squadron in the Indian Air Force for the last 18 months. During this period, the Squadron has carried out extensive training and has participated creditably in all the exercises held by Headquarters, Western Air Command. The Squadron was assessed as the best of its type in the Command for the year 1968-69. The enthusiasm and the sense of purpose created by this officer amongst the personnel of his Squadron helped him to set up a record in getting the entire Squadron instrument rated for the first time. The present high state of operational readiness of the Squadron is due to the personal example set by the officer.

Throughout. Wing Commander Bhupendera Nath Misra displayed courage and professional skill.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar was serving with a Fighter Squadron. He was responsible for bringing the Squadron to a high state of operational readiness. He flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of combat air patrol, escort and interception. It was because of his personal example that the Squadron flew 55 to 60 sorties every day irrespective of weather conditions, in pitch dark nights and at low altitude in the vicinity of hilly areas without any mishap.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar displayed courage, professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva was serving as a senior pilot in a fighter Squadron. He flew twenty eight operational missions in the form of combat air patrol escort and interception irrespective of weather limitations, in pitch dark nights and at low altitudes in the vicinity of hilly areas.

During his escort missions, he always ensured that the strike force was not threatened by enemy aircraft. On one occasion, while leading an escort mission of four aircraft, he spotted two enemy Mirage aircraft closing in on the formation from a very advantageous position. He immediately ordered his No. 2 to the correct position and manoeuvred his own aircraft in such a way that in one turn he started closing behind the enemy aircraft which surprised the enemy. The enemy aircraft, however, escaped after diving to the ground level. Instead of pursuing the enemy, he stayed with our strike force as otherwise our force would have been left without protection.Throughout, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

Flight Lieutenant Pratipaul Singh Parihar was detailed to fly on a practice interception mission on the night of the 15th December, 1970. During the flight, the main hydraulic system of his aircraft failed which resulted in severe limitations on his engine power. He carried out the difficult manoeuvre of a descending circuit pattern with skill. When he was on the final stage of approach, the runway lights went off due to power failure. In spite of these difficulties, he landed the aircraft safely.

Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller has been a member of a front-line jet fighter squadron since September, 1973. During this period, he has flown 464 hours. Being an experienced QFI, he was largely responsible for the training of young pilots with the result that the squadron now has a high proportion of operationally prepared pilots and the entire squadron holds current instrument ratings. During the tenure of Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller, the squadron operated five detachments and, every time, planned tasks were completed without untoward incident. Squadron Leader Khuller has so far flown 4000 hours on single­engined aircraft of which 1636 hours have been devoted to the training of ab­initio pilots.

Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 02 Jun 68. After his short tenure of operating on high performance aircraft, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was selected to undergo the Flying Instructors' Course. He excelled as a flying instructor and was awarded Category A-2 in recognition of his superior professional knowledge and instructional ability.

In 1976, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was sent on an instructional tenure abroad. During this tenure, he successfully executed a forced landing of an L-29 aircraft. For his cool and competent handling of such a grave emergency and saving the aircraft and also the life of his pupil, he was specially commended by the Commander­in­Chief of the Air Force to which he was attached for instructional duties. He then did a tenure as Assistant Director Operations at Air Headquarters.

In 1984, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was specially selected to undergo training in France for converting onto the Vajra aircraft. As Senior Flight Commander of the new raising, with his characteristic enthusiasm and total devotion to duty, he undertook the lion's share of the difficult process of starting the new squadron.

In recognition of the past performance in service, he was given the prestigious and onerous task of re-equipping the oldest squadron of the Air Force with the latest and most sophisticated weapon system (Vajra). Although he had just completed the trying process of setting up the previous squadron, he took on the new responsibility without any regard to his own comfort or leisure.

For his hard work, loyalty to service, devotion to duty, exemplary qualities of leadership and intelligent management techniques, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia.

Squadron Leader Anil Chopra (13368) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a fighter Squadron.

The officer was on amongst the initial batch of pilots to be trained in France on Vajara aircraft in the Squadron he has been a senior supervisor initially and later a Flight Commander. His vast experience and knowledge as a Qualified flying instructor, Test Pilot and an Instrument Rating Examiner was utilized in formulating operating procedures, tactics and aircraft utilization doctrines. He was specifically assigned the task of carrying out in-depth study of aircraft avionics and to formulate Air Defence Standard Operating procedures.

The Officer was selected to undergo Electronic Warfare Operational Course aboard. On return he was assigned the task of flight Commander Electronic Warfare. As the Flight Commander he was assigned the task of inducting and carrying out efficiency trials of the most sophisticated and High Tech Electronic Warfare Equipment in to Electronics Warfare were formulated. He imparted efficient training to other pilots in the Squadron.

For his professional ability, exceptional leadership qualities, managerial skills and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Anil Chopra.

Squadron Leader Sunderraman Neelakantan was posted to Tactics Development Establishment on 19 Dec 88 to undergo Flight Combat Leader Course.

On 14 Feb 1989, Sqn Ldr Neelakantan took off in a MiG-21 aircraft for a training sortie. After 18 minutes of uneventful flying, when the speed was 850 Kph and height 4.5 Km, he felt the aircraft rock violently out of control. He noted that the main hydraulic system has also failed. Determined to recover the aircraft, he applied himself to the task and was able to maintain control of the aircraft only below 3 Km with significant left rudder pressure only at speeds below 500 Kph. Together with the loss of power, he was also denied the use of flaps and air brakes due to hydraulic failure. Despite the multiple emergencies, Sqn Ldr Neelakantan displaying exceptional skill, executed a flawless descending circuit terminating in a direct flapless approach and landing.

For displaying exceptional flying outstanding professionalism, judgment and confidence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Sunderraman Neelakantan.

Wing Commander Noel Amiyakumar Moitra has been in command of a fighter squadron since 22 Apr 90. He has over 3100 hours of accident-free flying to his credit. He was one of the three pilots to cross 1000 hours on T-75 and also the first in all courses he has undergone. He has also attended the Air Staff Course at RAF Staff College, UK.

He was trained abroad on Mirage-2000. He took over as Flight Commander of the first Mirage-2000 Squadron on return. He was required to tackle monumental task of inducting the aircraft into Indian Air Force. With his vast knowledge of the aircraft, he developed cockpit interfaces and displays in the air and spelled out pilot's requirements for various missions. His efforts were commended by the Director ADA.

In April 1990, Wg Cdr Moitra took over the command of a Mirage-2000 Squadron. On assuming command, he set about integrating all the systems for optimal utilization. Realising that future conflicts would depend heavily on electronics, he converted the approach to EW laying great emphasis on increased EW awareness and its dissemination.

The only IAF pilot to have fired S-530D BVR Missile, he pioneered a series of trials on the optimum integration of this potent weapon with the improved aircraft radar. The operational status of the Squadron was brought upto 100% of fully Ops pilots. It was no surprise that the Squadron was nominated the best Squadron of the Air Force for 1990-91.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, dedicated hard work and consistent outstanding achievements, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr NA Moitra.

Wg Cdr Sharad Uddhavrao Apte was commissioned on 13 Jan 70 and has been on the posted strength of Directorate of Operations (Air Defence), Air Headquarters since 23 Apr 90.

Wg Cdr Apte is a highly qualified and experienced Mirage-2000 pilot. He commanded one of the premier fighter squadrons for two years and both the years, the squadron was adjudged the 'Best Fighter Squadron of IAF'. It was also awarded the Best Flight Safety (CAC), Best Squadron on CAC (1990) and the IAF Instrument Rating Trophies.

During May 89, eight fully serviceable aircraft were damaged in a hangar collapse. Within a matter of three months all these aircrafts were repaired and flown, with Wg Cdr Apte flying the first air test sortie on each of these aircraft. He, thus, displayed high professional competence and extraordinary airmanship.

As Deputy Director Air Defence at Air Headquarters, Wg Cdr Apte, with his professional knowledge and planning abilities was able to resolve the long outstanding problems of War Wastage Reserve of Mirage fleet including specialist weapons in relatively short period.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr SU Apte.

Wing Commander Daljit Singh (14553) F (P) was commissioned on 16 Jun 76 in the flying Branch of the IAF. He was amongst the first batch of officers selected to undergo Electronic Warfare (EW) course in France and was instrumental in smooth induction and formulation of operational guidelines on the use of EW equipment on Mirage 2000 aircraft. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1993 for devotion to duty.

With his in-depth knowledge and ingenuity, Wg Cdr Daljit Singh was able to resolve major electromagnetic problem that existed in operation of Mirage-2000 and Jaguar aircraft. Without this solution, the operational potential of both types of aircraft would have been severely constrained. He reviewed operational procedures and carried out in depth review of the functioning of the electronic warfare organization. His ideas and innovations have resulted in optimum operational capability of Mirage-2000 aircraft. Wing Commander Daljit Singh has flown 1460 accident free hours, on Mirage-2000, the maximum by any Mirage-2000 pilot in the IAF. Under his leadership the sqn has done 3200 hrs of accident free flying. With his professionalism, planning and perserverance the sqn operated detachments from several different locations and met the operational tasks allotted without any incident.

For his exceptional professional acumen and sincere devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award "Vayu Seva Medal" to Wing Commander Daljit Singh.

Wing Commander Raghunath Nambiar (16378) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 11 June 1981 and is presently held on the posted strength of ASTE, AF wef 24 Dec 2001. Prior to this, he was on deputation to NFTC, ADA from 23 Aug 1999 to 24 Dec 2001 as a Test Pilot. He participated in "Ops Vijay" and was awarded VM (G) for exceptional bravery, skill and courage.

He was standby pilot to undertake the first flight of the Light Combat Aircraft Technology Demonstrater-1 (LCA TD1). He carried out a number of engine ground runs, low and high speed taxi runs as preparation to fly the prototype. He along with the main pilot completed extensive simulator flying on the Real Time Simulator (RTS) and evaluated the control laws of the Quadruplex Digital Fly-by-Wire system. He followed this phase with in-depth evaluation of the redundancy management algorithms and avionics interface at the hardware­in­loop simulation facility known as the "Iron Bird". By the time the pilot in loop simulation ended on the Iron Bird Wg Cdr Nambiar and his teammates had uncovered 11 software deficiencies. These were rectified and fly-by-wire system was cleared for flight. He flew six flights on LCA TD1 from flight Nos. 6-12. Prior to the engine ground run phase Wg Cdr Nambiar played a leading role in the evolution and evaluation of the cockpit warning philosophy. Man machine interface aspects received the benefit of his vast flying experience on the Mirage 2000.

He flew the chase Mirage 2000 for the first six flights of LCA TD1. His presence in chase aircraft considerably boosted the confidence of the test pilot flying the LCA and enhanced flight safety.

From the fourth prototype onwards a new avionics standard cockpit is planned to be flown. Wg Cdr Nambiar has contributed in large measure to the evolution of this avionics standard. Cockpit Display symbologies, Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) for the HUD and ergonomics were the areas in which he worked assiduously for two years.

For this remarkable dedication, sincerity and enormous professional contribution to the crucial early phase of the flight test programme of the LCA, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Bar to Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Raghunath Nambiar, VM.

Wing Commander Neeraj Yadav (16399) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 11 Jun 1981 and presently posted to a Sqn of AF as a Commanding Officer since 06 Mar 2000.

Wg Cdr Yadav is an outstanding professional who has proved his mettle in various challenging assignments time and again. This was manifested in him being selected to command the premier Sqn of the IAF which had a specialist role of EW apart from AD role. It was recently given the additional role of Ground Attack including highly demanding Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) role. On assuming command, Wg Cdr Yadav deeply involved himself in the task and soon the Sqn achieved the high level of proficiency in Ground Attack (GA), which has come to be associated with this fleet. Under his command, the Sqn can proudly claim to have achieved the unique distinction of being Ops in three varied specialist roles.

An able administrator and keen sportsman, the leadership abilities of Wg Cdr Yadav were amply tested when Sqn was nominated to compete the Best Fighter Sqn Trophy during Vayuspardha 2000-2001. Leading from the front and inspiring his men at all levels, the Sqn outperformed all competitors in a wide array of activities to bag this prestigious award.

Administratively, he has displayed simple yet effective techniques of management to motivate the people. Empathizing with those in need and being firm when the situation warranted has resulted in his deriving the best from the men under his command at all times. His leadership vision has made the Sqn an epitome of hard work and harmony. His emphasis on clean environment has instilled a sense of belonging in the men and voluntary involvement in upkeep of the Sqn environment. This has led to the creation of healthy atmosphere and drastic reduction in acts of indiscipline.

For his dedication and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Neeraj Yadav.

Wing Commander Narmdeshwar Tiwari (18270) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 07 Jun 86. In the past he had held important appointments which include Directing Staff at DSSC, Test Pilot's School and Flt Cdr of Fighter Sqn. Presently he is the Commanding Officer of a Mirage-2000 Squadron since 13 Dec 04.

The officer has ensured a high degree of supervision in flying activities that has significantly contributed to an improvement in the quality of training. His hands on management style has been responsible for a perceptible improvement in the morale of the Sqn. A record number of upgradations of operational status of aircrew have been achieved in his tenure. The Sqn has also flown a record 4650 h, a perceptible increase over the past years thus resulting in 11 pilots achieving fully ops status during his tenure. More importantly, the task was achieved without a single accident. During his tenure, he also led numerous important detachments, involving foreign air forces like the USAF for Cope-India 05. The Sqn was one of the very few units that took part in all the three phases of the Air Force exercise where they performed very well in a variety of roles by both day and night. The task was achieved in a very professional manner.

On the maintenance side, he has used his expertise as a test pilot to study complex snags and suggest methods for effective technical management. This has resulted in a positive change that is visible on the tarmac as well as the maintenance line. He has taken active interest in pursuing administrative requirement for the Sqn, which has resulted in a vast improvement on the working environment of all the sections. The overall command and control exercised by him has produced a well knit and professionally potent unit.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Narmdeshwar Tiwari.