During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Arora was attached to a surface to Air Guided Weapons Squadron, for duties as a controller for guiding the Squadron to engage enemy aircraft. He set up the guided weapons Command Post in one day and fully interacted it with the local Air Defense system. He remained at his post throughout and efficiently guided the Squadron to engage any intruding enemy aircraft. His efforts culminated in the successful engagement of and enemy bomber aircraft while it was raiding the airfield. While still on duty he inadvertently stepped on a hidden explosive which had been dropped during an enemy raid and was killed.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Arora displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

(Fitter 1) During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Warrant Officer Gurdas Ram Dixit was serving as Warrant Officer-inCharge Station Workshop at a forward airfield in the Western Sector. He was responsible for the repair, servicing and rectification of various defects of the technical equipment. He ensured quick servicing of all ground equipment for aircraft and the patch repairs of the damaged aircraft.

Throughout Warrant Officer Gurdas Ram Dixit displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Group Captain Devinder Singh (14284) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 13 Dec 75. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor with 4500 hrs of total Flying. A graduate from DSSC who has held important appointments like QFI at Flying Instructors' School, Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron. Presently, he is the Chief Operations Officer of a major flying base.

In the last two years, as the Chief Operations Officer, he set certain major goals for himself and achieved them with distinction. All the Ops commitments given to his station were successfully completed. During his tenure, this base was inspected by the DASI team twice. In both the visits the DASI assessed the operations aspect of the Station as average plus. All this was possible due to his deep involvement and dedication to professional excellence.

Another major achievement of the officer was the computerisation of the air to ground SK Range score data. With his innovative ideas and with the local resources he developed a software programme, which is capable of carrying out a very good analysis of the range scores on various aspects. This programme has been accepted by HQ WAC and is presently in use.

The officer worked very hard during the major exercises i.e. Trishul 98 and Trishul 99. His performance in both the cases was outstanding. During these exercises his base launched the maximum number of sorties, (840 and 909 sorties respectively). All operational aspects were well co-ordinated and well handled.

For the WAC Flight Safety Council Meeting held at his base on 03 May 99, the officer meticulously co-ordinated all the aspects which ensured that the meeting was held in clockwork precision. He put in a lot of effort in beautifying the Base Ops Complex both inside as well as on the outside, which is noteworthy.

For his tireless devotion to duty, professional excellence and innovative ideas Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Devinder Singh.

Sepoy Pritam Singh, a member of the Defence Security Corps was one of those entrusted with ground defence and security of an airfield in Punjab during the hostilities with Pakistan. When news was received about dropping of Pakistani paratroops near his airfield on 7th September, 1965, many a time, he entered maize fields at great personal risk and helped in capturing three Pakistani paratroops near Rajoana. He also recovered considerable quantities of arms and ammunition from the adjoining fields dropped by Pakistani aircraft along with paratroops.

On 8th September, 1965, this unit was under attack by enemy paratroops, he showed exemplary courage and, unmindful of personal risks, moved from one guard post to another in aid of his colleagues and fired light machineguns from security jeeps to keep the paratroopers away from the main perimeter fencing. Because of his night-long vigil, single-minded determination and offensive spirit, the attempts of the enemy to break into the airfield defences, were foiled and our aircraft and airfield installations escaped damage.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1965. In April, 1969, he was serving as Security (Counter-Intelligence) Officer at an Operational Wing, where he organized a very effective counter-intelligence cell which had a deterrent effect on enemy agents. He inculcated a high degree of security consciousness amongst personnel of the wing and established excellent liaison with local civil authorities.

In 1970, Flight Lieutenant Bandopadhyay was posted to the same wing as the Station Adjutant. He immediately dedicated himself to his new task and streamlined the administrative set up by working long hours in complete disregard for his personal comfort. During August/September, 1971, he again showed his mettle and contributed significantly in the coordination and implementation of various operational plans. His professional acumen, leadership and devotion to duty have been an inspiring example of those working with him.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh was commissioned on 1 Dec 61. He was employed as an Engineering Officer at the Pilot Training Establishment/Elementary Flying School from 1965-68, where he was awarded Commendation by AOC-in-C, Training Command in Jan 68.

While employed on a staff appointment at Air Headquarters between1970-75, he worked very hard and made significant contribution to improve aircraft serviceability in fighter squadrons especially during 1971. He was specially selected for training abroad on first and second line servicing of the latest front line supersonic aircraft. During the first five months of 1975, he worked purely as the Squadron Technical Officer of a Squadron on its re-equipment after which he concurrently assumed the responsibilities of Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing. In that capacity he had been responsible for streamlining and optimizing the working of maintenance organization and raising it to a high level of efficiency and performance to the greater advantage of the fighter squadrons. Being extremely methodical, thorough and meticulous in his work and his dynamic drive have combined to make him a pace setter of very high standards of performance.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has displayed an outstanding ability in the supervisory role and a deep personal involvement in all spheres of maintenance activities. He has always worked hard with a result oriented practical approach. It is a tribute to his maturity, professional ability and devotion to service that his subordinates cheerfully obey him, his colleagues willingly follow his guidance and those senior to him listen with respect to his advice.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has been responsible, not only for establishing and functioning an efficient maintenance organization but also for imparting technical knowledge to technical officers and airmen. Due to full personal involvement his Wing had no accident in the year 1977 due to technical mal-practices. During the same year the Wing also had nil MT accident rate. He always placed service before self in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. The Station had undertaken the stupendous task of conducting the Fire Power Demonstration with a large number of personnel and diverse aircraft based on the Station. From the technical aspect the entire exercise was without any accident/incident and for this the credit goes to Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh.

Throughout Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has consistently displayed professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication to duty of the highest order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu (9188) Administrative was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Dec 64. Throughout his career, he has performed the duties assigned to him effectively, with utmost industry and in the best interest of the service. On a number of occasions, he carried out these tasks at considerable personal risk and inconvenience.

As a Station Security Officer and Counter Intelligence Officer at one of the forward AF Stations, Wg Cdr Sidhu established excellent rapport with his counterparts in local army units and civil intelligence agencies. He also maintained close liaison with all the Sarpanches and got regular inputs from them. He had geared up the Station Security staff to meet any unforeseen contingency, particularly during Punjab disturbances and operation Blue Star. He knew the pulse of the villagers all around the Airfield and was thus able to advise the Air Officer Commanding and ensure suitable anticipatory measures well in time.

When Wg Cdr Sidhu was posted in Jun 82 as many as fourteen cases involving this Station were pending in Civil Courts. The cases pertained to Air Force farmland leased out to civilians for cultivation. All these cases were followed vigorously by him and closed without any adverse reflection on the Air Force. He was able to use his experience favourable as a qualified lawyer.

Wg Cdr Sidhu has given an excellent account of himself in the capacities that he has functioned at the Station and is a very fine example of highly motivated and dedicated officer. He is willing, very positive and a very fine field worker. He works tirelessly throughout the day with total disregard to his personal convenience or family needs.

For his professionalism, sense of duty and distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu.

Group Captain AB Pandit was commissioned on 07 Jul 69 in the Engineering Branch. He has held the appointments of Project Coordinator (Aircraft) at Defence Research Development Organisation. He is a graduate of Defence Service Staff College. Gp Capt Pandit was appointed Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Halwara on 26 Apr 93.

On assuming the duties Gp Capt Pandit guided the technical team to ensure that Navigation aids remained fully serviceable and reliable, so that safe flying operations could be undertaken even during adverse weather conditions. He ensured that requisite maintenance facilities were provided to the visiting detachments so as to enable them to undertake their task without hindrance. He employed cost beneficial techniques while undertaking Tranquil and "Identification Friend or Foe" modification on all aircraft. He undertook transfer of 100 tons of aircraft Weapon Reserve stores by road without an incident or accident well within the stipulated target dates. It was due to his personal involvement that an Electronic Data Processing system was set up and made functional in the Western Air Command. Gp Capt Pandit ensured availability of Mechanical Transport (MT) to all units and sections on as required basis. The Station was adjudged the "Best Fighter Wing in Maintenance" in the Command.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain AB Pandit.

Wing Commander JS Boparai was commissioned on 17 Jun 72 in the Logistics Branch. He has been the Senior Logistics Officer (SLO) of a Base Repair Depot and Chief Logistics Officer of an equipment depot before being appointed SLO at Air Force Station, Halwara in Sep 93.

On assuming duties he recognised the pivotal role that Logistics play in the overall scheme of support to the combat units. He ensured that the spares were provided on as required basis. The squadrons were thus able to achieve their tasks and maintain excellent operational preparedness. It was partly due to his efforts that the entire Base was able to produce 100% serviceability and fly all aircraft on 06 Mar 96. In fact in both the years that he was the SLO, all units at this base achieved 100% serviceability on more than a few occasions.

Wg Cdr Boparai designed a cost effective drop tank storage system, which ensured safe storage, saved storage space and provided for easy maintainability. The Logistics section was assessed as highly satisfactory by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in 1995.

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

Group Captain UC Singhal (12867) AE (L) has been the Chief Engineering officer of a premier fighter base since 27 Mar 95. Right from the start the officer displayed his commitment to professional excellence by motivating personal office setup to improve their qualitative output in every field of maintenance, be it aircraft, weapon systems, radio nav aids or transport systems. The overall improvement in maintenance standards thus achieved greatly helped this base in achieving all the targets set by higher formation without additional financial material or manpower resources.

He has been instrumental in achieving a consistently high serviceability state of both the MiG-23 BN Sqns at this base whereby demands for additional flying tasks were fully met. In April 1996 when an additional MiG-23 MF Sqn was permanently moved to this base, the officer took up the challenge and displayed his managerial skill and persistence by not only setting-up second line maintenance facilities for the incoming Sqn in record time, but also significantly improved their aircraft serviceability. He achieved all this with the existing infrastructure without any financial help. This has contributed significantly to the overall operational potential of this base.

During this period, he was given the additional task of carrying out 3rd and 4th line servicing of Magic-1 Missiles for which repair cost quoted by the suppliers abroad was high. This officer, with his determination, put back in use eighteen unserviceable missiles, thus saving considerable foreign exchange.

The quality and extent of work carried out, has been duly recognised by HQ WAC, IAF when the maintenance trophy was awarded to this base. Group Captain Singhal's overall contribution was significant in this achievement.

For his devotion to duty, leadership and innovative skill, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain UC Singhal.

Group Captain Joseph Neri (13711) AE (L) has been the Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) of a premier fighter base since 30 June 97. In a short period of 10 months, the officer's dynamism and dedication to professional excellence has left an indelible mark on every field of maintenance at this Wing.

In terms of aircraft maintenance, he assumed charge as CEO under the most trying circumstances. He had to de-induct a fighter squadron, simultaneously inducting another squadron. He used his managerial and professional skills in motivating his maintenance team to carry out a record 13 engine changes in a short span of one month so that the Squadron could move on time to its new locations. Simultaneously he planned for smooth induction of the new fighter squadron. Throughout all this, he ensured that the serviceability of the other two fighter squadrons at base remained high. His involvement and dedication right from the start resulted in peaking of maintenance efficiency, as reflected by availability of 12 or more fighter aircraft with each Squadron for the entire duration of Ex-Trishul.

In recognition of his abilities, he was tasked by the AOC-in-C to set up a major Local Area Network encompassing all major sections and the squadrons. He ensured computer based functioning in a record time of 15 days and further consolidated the process by developing indigenous software for the management of flying and maintenance operations. Ceaselessly innovating, he motivated his maintenance team to produce an indigenously designed and fabricated Radio Remote Control for the Arrester Barrier and a Hydraulic Test Rig.

For his tireless devotion to duty and dedication to profession, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain J Neri.