On the 25th November 1980, Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur was authorised to air test a Marut aircraft. On getting airborne, he experienced excessive skid to the right. Flt Lt Mathur initiated corrective action which failed to stabilise the aircraft. He also observed that the temperature of the right engine had significantly dropped following the engine failure and the position of the tail plane setting was abnormal.

When Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur decided to execute an immediate landing, he experienced a total hydraulic failure which made the controls and other systems inoperative. Consequently, on lowering the undercarriage, he found it very difficult to maintain level flight as trimmer was inoperative and on the lowering of the flaps for landing, he had to use his full physical strength to control the aircraft. Subsequently, he succeeded in landing the aircraft safely and made it available for fault investigation.

Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur thus exemplary courage, presence of mind and professional competence of a high order.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965. During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non-directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations. In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high, Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965.

During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non­directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations.

In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high,

Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Bakshi was a senior pilot in one of the Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 6th December, 1971, he was leading a mission over Naya Chor and Dhoran area. While proceeding to the target his Number two spotted a formation of four enemy Sabre aircraft. Though outnumbered he turned towards the enemy aircraft and engaged them in aerial battle and in the ensuring dogfight he shot down one Sabre. In addition he also led a number of offensive air strike missions causing extensive destruction to enemy ground defended positions, Vehicles and troops in the face of heavy ground fire.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Bakshi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron. On 4th December 1971, he was detailed as Number Two on a tactical reconnaissance mission in Naya ChorUmarkot-Dhornaro area. Near Chor he observed enemy vehicle convoys moving towards Dhornaro Railway Station. He immediately went in for a front gun attack and scored direct hits on the vehicles. This mission then flew directly over Dhornaro Railway Station and once again he spotted a goods train being unloaded. He attacked the train despite concentrated ground fire and caused considerable damage. He pressed on with his third attack, but while pulling up his aircraft was hit and damaged by ground fire. He brought the damaged aircraft under control and headed for base, which was about 100 miles. Under compelling circumstances, he abandoned the aircraft. In this operation, he made the supreme sacrifice.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Vinayak Apte displayed gallantry and determination of a high order.

In September, 1965, Flight Lieutenant Wishnu Mitter Sondhi was sub-section leader in the second formation of Vampires that struck the enemy in the armour in Chhamb Sector. Fully aware that the first section was jumped by an enemy F-86 formation, he kept a sharp look out for the enemy aircraft even when attacking the enemy armour with rockets. Undaunted by the presence of the enemy aircraft of superior performance, he delivered his rockets against the enemy tanks. He sighted a formation of F-86 and registered several hits on it. Meanwhile his wingman warned him of other F-86s closing in astern and Flight Lieutenant Wishnu Mitter Sondhi had to break off to avoid being hit. His wingman was shot down and he alone of his section fought his way back to base. His cool courage and flying skills were in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On 1st September 1965, Flight Lieutenant Shrikrishna Vishnu Phatak was a Wingman in a four aircraft formation. As the formation was entering the enemy area in the Chhamb sector, he saw several enemy aircraft. He reported their position and stuck to his own formation to guard his leader's rear. The formation was ordered to take evasive action and to turn hard starboard. In the process, his aircraft was fired upon by the enemy and was partially out of control; yet he stayed in his aircraft and continued to try to control it till he saw that it was in flames and the fire was spreading fast. Even then he did not lose his nerve, and tried to gain height from a very low altitude. Having failed to do so, he was forced to abandon the burning aircraft. Soon after landing he saw some troops around him and since he was not sure of his location he evaded them till he was overpowered by a posse of armed personnel and bayonetted. The bayonet narrowly missed going through his lungs.

Throughout this encounter, Flight Lieutenant Shrikrishna Vishnu Phatak displayed presence of mind, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar was attached to a Fighter Bomber Squadron. He carried out a large number of operational missions deep into enemy territory despite heavy ground fire and air opposition. On the 4th December, 1971, when his No. 2 was hit by ground fire and ejected deep inside enemy territory. He, unmindful of his safety, remained in the area till he could confirm the safe ejection of his No. 2. On the 9th December, 1971, while attacking an airfield beyond hundred nautical miles in enemy territory, he ran short of fuel. Undeterred, he pressed home two attacks and brought the aircraft back to base with practically no fuel. On the 10th December, 1971, while on a close support mission, the left engine of his aircraft was crippled by enemy ground fire. Despite this handicap, he completed his mission and returned to base safely.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. Since then he has been on active flying duties continuously serving with distinction in different fighter Squadrons. During this period he also underwent flying Instructors and Fighter combat leader courses.

In June 81, Sqn Ldr V K Bhatia was posted to a Fighter Squadron, the second Squadron to re­equip with advanced aircraft. The first Squadron which was re­equipped some months earlier had not stablised till this date; so Squadron Leader Bhatia had very few guidelines to go by. In some areas concerning induction of the new aircraft, and training of aircrew and ground crew there were no precedences. It is to the credit of Squadron Leader Bhatia that the Squadron's re­equipment programme went through smoothly and as planned. Thereafter, his primary objective was to get his aircrew operational, a task which he undertook and achieved with a great deal of enthusiasm and efficiency.

Throughout Sqn Ldr Bhatia has displayed extra ordinary ability to inspire and motivate his subordinates to achieve allotted tasks. His own professional competence is highly commendable. Despite severe constraints inherent in any re-equipment programme, Sqn Ldr Bhatia by skillfully managing the material and personnel resources at his disposal achieved remarkable results.

For his devotion to duty, professional ability of a high order and outstanding managerial skills, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia.

Wing Commander Paramjit Singh Bhangu has been commanding one of Air force Squadrons since 26 Jun 89.

Wg Cdr PS Bhangu took over the command of the Sqn at a stage when its overall performance with special reference to air-to-ground armament was at a low ebb. He identified the Key Result Areas and reviewed planning of the Squadron training. His immediate priority was to motivate and train his subordinates to perform as wellknit professional team. He achieved this by his dedicated approach and putting in long hours of hard work in personally training his subordinates.

Positive signs of improvement were indicated when the Squadron was tasked to plan and launch 12 to 15 aircraft missions during 'Ex Gumrah'. His personal involvement and eye for the smallest detail ensured safe execution of the task. The Squadron performed exceedingly well during 'Eklavya 89'. The Squadron won the night bombing team event and Wg Cdr Bhangu personally won the individual day bombing event. There has been as sea change in the quality of flying carried out the unit. He was co-opted staff member for Supervisors Combat Orientation Course (SCOC) from 08 to 18 Aug 89.

Wg Cdr Bhangu has been very closely associated with the modification and trial of SPO-10 on MiG-23 BN aircraft. He is also involved in the modification of radio altimeter. He has followed up his suggested modification of cine camera fitment on MiG-23 aircraft which he initiated as Flt Cdr in Nov 87.

Under his custodianship, the squadron during the last DASI inspection of 08-12 Apr 91, managed an all time of high of 74.25% in operational capability. Backed by sound a soundly administered unit, a well disciplined body of Squadron personnel, Wg Cdr Bhangu has led his unit from strength to strength in the best traditions of the IAF.

For his inspiring leadership, professional competence and dedication to improve and maintain his Squadron's op efficiency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr PS Bhangu.

Wing Commander Perumpillabil Narayanan Radha Govind (15019) Flying (Pilot) has been the Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron since 25 Mar 97. He is an A-2 QFI who has served as an instructor both at Air Force Academy and Flying Instructor School. He has over 4000 h of accident free flying to his credit, having been fully Ops on the SU-7, MiG-23 BN and MiG-27. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, and the College of Defence Management.

Wg Cdr Govind, the Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron has distinguished himself in many ways. He relocated his Squadron at a new station in a short span without compromising in its operational efficiency. The Squadron was relocated at a place that had been disused for a long time. With his leadership and motivation he set about cleaning up and operationalising the area which now stands out for its cleanliness and operational efficiency. He also implemented an innovative concept of providing spatial identity by providing each aircrew with distinctive work area.

In terms of training, he achieved and maintained near 100% operational status of all his aircrew. In spite of shortage of aircrew he ensured a high percentage of night strike qualified pilots while consistently meeting the allotted flying task.

In the area of maintenance, in spite of constraints of limited technical infrastructure, his unit achieved and maintained a high aircraft and specialist vehicles serviceability. He motivated his unit to achieve the best Ops turn around service timing for two years in a row during Ex-Trishuls 98 and 99. His Unit has also designed and fabricated innovative test rigs, which were highly appreciated by AOC-in-C, HQ WAC during his visit to the Unit.

For his significant contribution is managing a front line Fighter Squadron with his effective leadership, tireless devotion to duty and thirst for excellence, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Perumpillabil Narayanan Radha Govind.

Wg Cdr D Singh was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 13 Dec 75. He has 4100 hours of flying experience to his credit and is A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor. The Officer has completed two tenures as a Flying Instructor at Flying Instructor's School and is an Instrument Rating Examiner on Kiran and fighter aircraft. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he was appointed Commanding Officer of a fighter Squadron in May 95.

Immediately after taking over the command, Wg Cdr D Singh organised all available resources to ensure that his squadron became an efficient combat squadron capable of inflicting serious damage to enemy war capability. Despite the constraint of task of flying within shortest possible time. Under his exceptionally high degree of leadership, the squadron achieved repeated laurels in all spheres.

During the Colour/Standard Presentation ceremony held at the Air Force Station Jodhpur in Oct 95, Wg Cdr D Singh was entrusted with organising the functions for the President. With his meticulous planning and high devotion to duty, the Officer organised these prestigious events in a manner that earned praise and adulation from all participants. Wg Cdr D Singh is an example which is worthy of emulation by his subordinates.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Devinder Singh.