During the hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Arya Bhushan Lamba was the Flight Commander of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he led sorties on Risalwala and Chander airfields blasting the dispersals. On the 5th December, 1971, he destroyed a tank and a tank transporter. On the 6th December, 1971, he destroyed enemy positions near Narowal. On the 7th December, 1971, he struck twice; once on a troop concentration and later on guns and tank concentration. On the 9th December, 1971, he blew up a bridge over Ichogil canal with a direct hit. By maintaining close liaison with technical staff, he ensured a high rate of serviceability of aircraft in the Squadron.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader Arya Bhushan Lamba displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Kariyadil Cheriyan Kuruvilla served with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 4th December, 1971, he carried out a strike mission over Chander airfield and successfully attacked enemy aircraft on ground and airfield installations. On 5th December, 1971, he flew another strike mission over Chistian Mandi, scored a direct hit on the engine of a train and inflicted heavy damages to the train despite intensive Antiaircraft fire. Again, on 6th December, 1971, he undertook another strike mission over Dera Baba Nanak area and attacked enemy tank concentrations. During this attack, while making a second pass over the target, his aircraft was hit by the enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed.

Flying Officer Kariyadil Cheriyan Kuruvilla displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Surinder Kumar Mitroo as a senior pilot of a Fighter Bomber Squadron was detailed to lead an Interdiction mission. He located a target at Raiwind which was heavily defended. While attacking the target, his aircraft was hit by the enemy ground fire. The Rudder was jammed, partially offset to the right and the Hydraulic system suffered extensive damage. Besides, there was a two feet long tear in the rear fuselage which was badly distorted. Though experiencing partial loss of control, he skillfully brought the aircraft back to base using the emergency system to obtain landing configuration and thus saved a valuable aircraft.

In. this action, Flight Lieutenant Surinder Kumar Mitroo displayed courage and professional skill.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Sergeant Sohan Lal Pal was serving with an operational Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 3rd December, 1971, at 2330 hours, he was supervising the loading of the Squadron aircraft in the dispersal area. There was a bombing raid at that time and several bombs were dropped near the dispersal area. He encouraged his men and continued to work on the aircraft. During this period, a bomb exploded very near the dispersal area. He continued working calmly and the men, seeing his example carried on undisturbed. He thus ensured that the full complement of the aircraft was available for the operational missions.

In this action Sergeant Sohan Lai Pal displayed courage, leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Allan Albert D'Costa took over command of a Fighter Squadron, which was being equipped with a new type of aircraft. He organised the squadron on sound lines, ensuring that the administrative and maintenance echelons were geared up to meet the heavy training commitments necessary for achieving combat preparedness at an early date. While he himself flew more than 400 sorties, involving over 300 hours on the new type of aircraft, he ensured that all the pilots in the Squadron were also adequately trained and made ready for combat.

Squadron Leader Bipinchandra Shantaram Raje has been serving as a Flight Commander in a fighter squadron. He was assigned responsibilities for the Squadron Daily Serviceability State and flying training. By his hard work, initiative and drive he raised the operational efficiency of his Squadron to a very high standard. During the Operations in December, 1971, he volunteered to fly some of the most arduous and dangerous missions deep into enemy territory. On his very first mission his section was attacked by enemy aircraft and his No. 2 was shot down. Despite this he continued to lead missions with great success. In the interdiction and close support roles, he did exceptionally well, revealing in uncanny ability to detect well concealed targets.

His personal ability in flying, capable leadership, operational successes, and his contribution to the Squadron, both in operations and otherwise, are of special significance to the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Inderpal Singh Walia (19518) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 11 Jun 88. He is the CO of a MiG-27 ML Sqn since 25 Apr 05.

He has more than justified the faith placed in him by his superiors by exhibiting exemplary competence, professionalism and dedication. The officer has worked tirelessly and volunteered to accept any additional jobs and is highly motivated for upholding the standards of service. He underwent the prestigious Fighter Strike Leader course. His subsequent absorption as a Directing Staff in Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) is a testimony of his industriousness and ability. At TACDE as OIC Training, he was not only responsible for the conduct of various courses, but also to develop combat and strike concepts and tactics for the IAF with the ever changing threat scenario. Further, he was chosen to undergo the staff course at UK in Aug 02. With his determination and perseverance, he achieved a very high grading in the course thereby projecting the high standard of IAF's professionalism abroad.

He took over the command of the Sqn and achieved exceptional standards with his display of professionalism through personal example. Under his leadership, he guided the Sqn in achieving better operational and rating status. He ensured timely completion of jobs entrusted to him by thorough planning and excellent coordination with very high standards in quality output. Wg Cdr Walia, with conscientious, painstaking and thorough hard work, has contributed immensely to the IAF. During the DASI visit, his unit was graded Average Plus under his able guidance.

In Oct 06, he was entrusted with the planning and directing a bilateral defence exercise Sindex 06/2 at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, involving fighter Sqns from both the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the IAF. His knowledge, coupled with professionalism and active participation at each stage, resulted in the safe and fruitful conduct of the exercise from which both the Air Forces gained the maximum.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Inderpal Singh Walia.