Group Captain George Kanisht Kumar John has been in command of an operational wing since October, 1962. He has shown commendable initiative and ability in inspiring his Squadron personnel to a high degree of combat effectiveness.

During the fighting with Pakistan his Wing, which is one of the front line units in the Punjab, was called upon to undertake offensive operations against the enemy. These comprised fighter sweeps, armed reconnaissance, close support and escort for bomber besides combat air patrols over the airfield itself, all of which were successfully carried out by his units located at his Wing.

On 7th September, 1965, Pakistan Air Force planes raided the airfield for the first time and they continued without any let up during the period of hostilities. Although the number of bombers that came over on each raid was small, the airfield had more than one raid alerts on most of the nights. Added to the nuisance of the air raids, which imposed numerous interruptions on the servicing activity, was the harassment of the Pakistani snipers who had been para dropped near the airfield on the nights of 7th and 9th September with the specific aim of breaking into and carrying out sabotage to our aircraft and installations. His ground defence measures foiled the enemy plans. Work on the unit went on with undiminished vigour, enemy interference notwithstanding. Unserviceable and damaged aircraft were serviced during the night and aircraft flown on offensive missions the next morning. Credit for the unceasing activity in the Station in spite of continued air raids in a large measure, due to the personal example of a very high sense of duty, steadfastness of purpose and leadership set by Group Captain John.

Squadron Leader Shri Krishna Singh was in charge of ground defence and security arrangements of an airfield when hostilities started with Pakistan. On 6th September 1965, over 60 Pakistani paratroopers, equipped with modern weapons and equipment, were air-dropped in the vicinity of the unit to carry out sabotage to our aircraft and installations. Squadron Leader Singh organised a mobile patrol and under his intelligent and able direction, the patrol foiled the enemy’s plan. Finding the airfield defences formidable, the paratroopers finally withdrew from the airfield and were captured by civil and army authorities.

On 7th September, 1965, when information was received that some paratroopers had been hiding near a village, Squadron Leader Shri Krishna Singh volunteered to lead a mobile armed patrol to apprehend them. During this operation, he was able to apprehend three paratroopers, including the officer in charge of the Pakistani Para contingent. On an extensive search made under his supervision, 70 parachutes and a considerable quantity of automatic weapons and other equipment were captured. This bold action on the part of Squadron Leader Shri Krishna Singh made the paratroopers attack on the airfields ineffective.