During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh commanded No. 5 "Tuskers" Squadron, stationed at Agra. The unit equipped with the Canberra bomber, was assigned the triple task of tactical bombing, close support and armed patrolling. Under his able guidance the squadron carried out tactical bombing of various targets to destroy the Pakistan Air Force on the ground. Led by Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh himself, Pak army camp east of Gujarat and airfields at Chaklala, Dab, Murid, Akwal, Risalwala, Wagowal, Sargodha and Peshawar were successfully attacked by his bombers.

The squadron gave close support to the army in Kasur, Khem Karan, Pasrur, Chawinda and Sialkot sectors. Bombs were dropped on the enemy concentrations at all these places. During the period of war the squadron undertook 39 sorties of armed patrolling over Agra, Palam, Ambala, Halwara and Adampur. Most of the operational missions over the enemy territory were carried out during the hours of darkness. The targets were identified in the moon-light. These dangerous operational sorties were undertaken in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire with exceptional courage and determination.

Wing Commander Prem Pal was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for displaying a high sense of duty and gallantry.

Wing Commander Suares was the Commanding Officer of the Canberra Unit operating with UN Forces in the Congo. On 6th December 1961, he and his navigator Squadron Leader (then Flight Lieutenant) Takle were on an air-to-ground operational strafing sortie against an enemy airfield and other installations in Katanga. These officers carried out the attack despite intense enemy fire from the ground and destroyed the target thus enabling the ground forces to achieve their objective. A number of bullets hit the aircraft. One of them hit the navigator in the thigh and he began to bleed profusely. Disregarding his own safety, Wing Commander Suares set the aircraft on auto-pilot and rendered first aid to the navigator and thus helped save his life.

In doing this Wing Commander Suares showed courage in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader (then Flight Lieutenant) Takle was the navigator of a Canberra aircraft which was on an air-to-ground strafing sortie against an enemy airfield and other installations in Katanga. The aircraft was hit at several places by enemy fire. One of the bullets wounded Squadron Leader Takle and he was bleeding profusely. Despite this he continued to direct the aircraft into attacks until the target was effectively destroyed and did not inform the pilot of his condition until he had calculated and set the course for home. In doing so, Squadron Leader Takle displayed devotion to duty and gallantry of a high order.

During the recent operations against Pakistan, Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat, a Navigator in an Operational Bomber Squadron, successfully navigated by day and night a number of leader and marker aircraft on hazardous offensive and tactical close support missions deep into enemy territory. Despite intense enemy fire and grave danger to his personal safety, he struck to his post with cool courage and firm determination and accurately navigated the aircraft to their targets to carry out their vital missions.

Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

On 13th and 14th September, 1965, a massive bomber raid was mounted against Peshawar airfield, Squadron Leader Satish Nandan Bansal was selected to lead and mark the target. The target was so deep in the heart of enemy territory that the aircraft had to operate from a forward base and to follow a direct route so as to ensure enough fuel for return to base.

Though clouds obscure the moon, Squadron Leader Bansal decided to navigate at low level among the hills in order not to disclose the position of the bomber stream.

His navigation was so accurate that it needed only one alteration of course to take the aircraft to the centre of the airfield. When he dropped a flare to light up the area, the enemy put up a very heavy curtain of anti-aircraft fire. With courage and determination, he directed the aircraft through the hail of shells and tracers and placed the target-indicating bomb most accurately. In order to compute the bombing index it was necessary to fly over the airfield again. There was no time to climb above the range of guns. Giving no thought to his own safety, Squadron Leader Bansal directed the pilot to fly through the inferno of shells and tracers again and found out the bombing index. This he passed to the bomber leader along with adequate warning to step up the bombing height. But for this some of the bombers might have been shot down.

During the operations against Pakistan, Squadron Leader Satish Nandan Bansal was a lead navigator in many bomber attacks. In all his missions, he showed courage and single-mindedness of purpose in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On 14th September 1965, Squadron Leader Chitranjan Mehta was detailed to attack and destroy enemy aircraft and installations at Bhagtanwala. He took off on the night of 14th September, 1965, but half way to the target, all his navigation aids failed. The visibility dropped down to less than one mile and the enemy blackout was so effective that it became impossible to navigate visually. Squadron Leader Mehta immediately took a new route along the river Jhelum. He had to fly very close to a bridge, which was guarded by the enemy with anti-aircraft guns. He skillfully avoided anti-aircraft fire and reached the target. As soon as he reached the airfield, the anti-aircraft guns from Sargodha airfield opened up a heavy barrage on him. To reconnoiter the airfield and to attack the targets, he had to stay over the target for at least 10 minutes. Needless of the anti-aircraft fire and ignoring the risk of being intercepted by missile carrying fighter aircraft that were patrolling a few miles away, Squadron Leader Chitranjan Mehta carried out the reconnaissance successfully.

Squadron Leader Chitranjan Mehta carried out nine successful missions and in those he penetrated deep into enemy territory fearlessly by day and by night and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

In this mission, Squadron Leader Chitranjan Mehta displayed cool courage, determination and skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Sharadchandra Naresh Deshpande was serving on the instructional staff of the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit as a navigation instructor when hostilities broke out between India and Pakistan. He volunteered for operational duties and carried out seven operational bombing missions over enemy territory.

Flight Lieutenant Deshpande was the navigator/bomb-aimer of the leading aircraft and carried out successful missions in spite of heavy enemy opposition and in total disregard of his own safety. During these bombing operations, he displayed courage, great professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On 15th September 1965, Flight Lieutenant Pradyot Dastidar was detailed as the navigator of a target-marking aircraft to lead a massive attack on Peshawar airfield. This mission was a difficult one and called for the highest skill and accuracy on the part of the navigator.

The route passed very near bridges that were defended by the enemy with antiaircraft guns. There was hardly moonlight and the whole area was full of haze. The visibility was so bad that Flight Lieutenant Dastidar saw the airfield only when he was directly overhead. As soon as he dropped a flare to see the target, the anti-aircraft guns opened up a heavy barrage. Undaunted by the shells and tracers he made a steady run and marked the target for the bombing stream coming behind. Then he turned around to see his bomb, while the anti-aircraft guns were firing and shells were bursting around him. After sighting the target-indicating bomb, he passed the bombing index to the leader of the stream. He left the vicinity of the airfield only after he had confirmed that the leader of the stream had received and understood the bombing index.

In this mission and in seven other missions, Flight Lieutenant Pradyot Dastidar displayed courage and skill of a high order.

During the hostilities with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Kohli was attached to an operational Bomber Squadron. He successfully flew a number of missions deep into enemy territory which involved penetration into enemy radar coverage, against well defended targets. He was a source of inspiration to his colleagues and junior pilots of the Unit.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader Ramesh Chander Kohli displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron leader Dinesh Chandra Bhandary was serving with a Bomber Squadron. As a senior Navigator, he was responsible for leading and planning the raids against various difficult targets. He flew nine missions against deep centred enemy targets, which were well defended with air cover and ground ack-ack. Some of the missions were flown in broad daylight involving great risks. His determination and cool courage in hitting the enemy targets were an ideal example to the junior Navigators. His guidance and advice were mainly responsible for the success of other missions also.

Throughout, Squadron leader Dinesh Chandra Bhandary displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Harbans Perminder Singh was serving with a Bomber Squadron. On the 5th December, 1971, he was detailed on a mission to raid an enemy airfield. The route to target involved deep penetration into enemy territory having adequate radar coverage. The target itself was well defended with enemy fighters and ack-ack. He reached the target and bombed it with accuracy. He also successfully completed six other missions allotted to him.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harbans Perminder Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Gautam was one of the pilots operating with the Canberra Unit in the Congo during 1961. On 6 December 1961, he was ordered to attack Kolwezi airfield in Katanga. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions and heavy enemy opposition, he courageously and successfully carried out several attacks on the airfield and completely destroyed the Fouga aircraft which was harassing UN Ground forces. He also shot up three other Katangese aircraft on the field and neutralized other installations around it. Flight Lieutenant Gautam also carried out several other successful missions over Elizabethville in close support of the ground forces operating against the Katangese.

Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Gautam displayed commendable courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy.

Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria is a UK trained pilot who has been on the posted strength of an operational squadron since 01 Sep 79. When he initially joined the Squadron there were only six UK trained pilots on whom fell the mantle of responsibility to organise and lay the infrastructure of the first Jaguar Squadron. Flt Lt Kumaria proved himself equal to the task. He coped with all demands made of him, volunteered for additional jobs and accomplished these well within specified time frames to the best of his ability.

With his continuous hard work on the ground and in the air, Flt Lt Kumaria soon established himself as a dependable and mature officer. He made rapid strides and was selected to undergo Qualified Weapons Instructor course in UK. With his usual dedication, he commenced studying for the course as soon as his name was recommended. On the course itself, his customary application and methodical approach paid dividends. He stood first and his aggregate marks has set a record that is unlikely to be broken in the near future.

For his dedicated attitude, professional .competence and high standards, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Fight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria.

Wing Commander Jogendra Singh Sisodia has been flying fighter aircraft since 1963. During his service of over 20 years, he has flown Vampire, Mystere, Marut and Jaguar aircraft. He is fully operational on all these types and has been assessed as an above-average pilot. He is an 'A-2' flying instructor with Master Green Instrument Rating on fighters. He has held the post of Flight Commander in Marut and Jaguar Squadrons.

Wg Cdr Sisodia took over command of a newly formed Jaguar Squadron and accomplished the task of not only moving the Squadron to a new location but converting the entire Squadron on to a new generation attack aircraft. He addressed himself to this task with single-minded effort and exceptional devotion to duty with the result that the Squadron was able to achieve 'fully operational' status within a period of just one year. This notable achievement significantly enhanced the operational potential of the IAF. Wg Cdr Sisodia completed his tenure in January, 1984, handing over to his successor not only an exceptionally potent operational unit, but also one without any accidents. Throughout his service, Wg Cdr Sisodia has displayed exceptional devotion to duty, high qualities of leadership and high professional skill both in the air and on the ground during peace and war.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, high professional skill and qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jogendra Singh Sisodia

Wing Commander Avdesh Kumar Singh (11005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 4 June 67. He was one of the six qualified flying instructors of transport aircraft background, who were selected to convert into fighter aircraft in 1980, he was selected to fly Jaguars which where than the latest aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force Later he took over the Command of a Jaguar Squadron in Jul 86. In spite of manpower constraints the Squadron flew a total of 5000 hrs during his tenure and for the first time since the re equipment of the Squadron with the Jaguar aircraft, over 3000 hrs were flown in a single year.

During Sri Lanka Operation he mounted a detachment at Bangalore at a very short notice and personally flew ten operational fighter Reconnaissance missions over Sri Lanka during "OP Pawan". Throughout, he has led the Squadron from the front by his personal example. He has so far flown 1300 hrs on the Jaguar and his total flying is 4800 hrs all of which is tonally accident free.

For his professional competence, sound leadership, devotion to duty, sustained hard work and his contribution towards enhancement of flight safety and operational efficiency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Avdesh Kumar Singh.

Wing Commander Muthumanickam Matheswaran was commissioned on 11 Jul 75 as a Fighter Pilot. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader. He was actively involved in the formulation and dissemination of tactics at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. He has 2800 hours of flying experience with over 2000 hours on MiG-21 and Jaguar aircraft.

Wg Cdr M Matheswaran took over Command of a Jaguar Squadron (Sqn) in Jan 95. At that time the Sqn faced very poor serviceability. The aircrew state and the supervisory status was very low. In the next one year Wg Cdr Matheswaran set out to mould the officers and men of the Sqn into an effective and powerful team. The Sqn flew over 2500 accident free hours during the next one year despite severe constraints of low aircraft availability and large number of under-training pilots. He guided his technical officers and airmen to ensure that effective serviceability was maintained at a very high level and air crew training had the cutting edge of professionalism. Within one year and five months the Sqn achieved 100 per cent operational status and over 90% instrument rating. The Sqn has flown the maximum hours for a fighter Sqn in Western Air Command.

By this sound administration, professional competence, personal example and excellent leadership, he has moulded the Sqn into an effective combat unit.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Muthumanickam Matheswaran.

Wing Commander Tejinder Singh (18806) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 87 in the Fighter Stream of the Flying Branch of the 1AF. He is an A-2 category Flying Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner and is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College. He stood first during Hunter Operational Flying training and was also awarded the trophy for Best in Armament. While undergoing the Qualified Flying Instructors Course, he was awarded the trophy for Best in Flying and while undergoing the Air Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College he was awarded the Scudder Medal for standing first in M Sc Studies. He has over 4300 hours of Accident/Incident free flying, including 2000 hrs on Jaguars and has been awarded a commendation by the CAS. He has been a Directing Staff at the Flying Instructors School, Flight Commander of a fighter squadron and an Air Force Examiner at Aircrew Examining Board.

He was appointed as Commanding Officer of a Jaguar Squadron on 26 May 04 in difficult circumstances, after a tragic Double-Fatal accident and he faced the challenge of raising the morale of the Squadron and re-building the team. During the last 21 months, the Squadron carried out the maximum flying amongst fighter Squadron of Western Air Command and the same was achieved without any accident, while operating vintage Navigation Weapon Aiming Sub System Jaguars. Flying by junior pilots has almost doubled and has led to up-gradations and fast progress of syllabus. Innovations like setting up of a Test Equipment Laboratory and devising simple software at Sqn level are indicative of the high level of involvement of all personnel and have resulted in enhanced efficiency and savings in cost to the exchequer. The squadron put up a commendable performance during inspection by Directorate of Air Staff Inspections and the mission led by him was assessed as Exceptional. The Sqn won the Rocketry trophy in Exercise Ekalavya 04 and during Eklavya 05, the squadron put up a record performance winning four out of five team events and the Overall Championship. He was a member of three winning teams in these exercises. He led the fighter fly past on AF Day 04, 05 and Republic Day 06, putting up an immaculate display every time. He was also the Team Leader for induction of DARIN II Twin-Seater aircraft at base and has made an invaluable contribution to ensure a smooth transition to a new variant.

The officer, with his personal professional example, pro-active approach and leadership has provided the personnel placed below him with a new purpose and direction. This has enabled the squadron to tide over the crisis and attain exceptional standards of professionalism in all facets of its tasking.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Kumar Sharma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jul 77. He has been functioning as the Senior Technical Officer of a front line Squadron of the Air Force since Apr 87.

He has a sharp eye for identifying problem areas in aircraft servicing and maintenance, operating procedures and optimizing use of aircraft support equipment. Sqn Ldr RK Sharma has established a quality control cell and achieved a very high level of quality oriented maintenance in the squadron. He has maintained aircraft availability and serviceability at a very high level.

For his exceptional knowledge and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajinder Kumar Sharma.