Group Captain VK Verma, VM (11638) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 02 Jun 68. He is a Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, having over 3000 hours of flying on fighter aircraft. During his career, he has commanded a frontline high performance Fighter Sqn and was the Chief Operations Officer of a major base in Assam. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1983 while serving in a fighter squadron.

The officer took over the command of an important flying station in Punjab in Dec 94. His professionalism, wide experience, guidance and leadership by example had an all pervasive effect on all the units at base, as each took a quantum jump in its operational preparedness.

Due to high density of vegetation on the Station, bird strike incidents were resulting in substantial damage to fighter aircraft. He planned and supervised a massive vegetation clearance drive on the station. Group Captain Verma set a fine example by finding time from his multifarious duties to regularly fly fighters with the local fighter Sqn. During one of these sorties in Feb 96, at a critical juncture just after take off, his aircraft had a control failure. With his vast flying experience and presence of mind, he correctly recognised the criticality of the situation and abandoned the aircraft in the most difficult conditions bravely escaping with grievous injuries.

The quality of his leadership was reflected in the assessments by DASI and Command HQs. His station was adjudged 'Runners Up in Operations' during 95-96, while the FAC Flt and the Tropo Unit based at his station came first. The Missile Sqn was also adjudged Runners Up.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain V K Verma.