Group Captain Parimal Banerjee (11159) AE (L) has been posted to Interim Test Range, Chandipur since April 1987, when the test range was in the formative stage. At this stage, the range was essentially in need of an officer/scientist who could meticulously plan, organise, guide and lead the scientific personnel in establishing of required facilities and test procedures. The task was time bound and related with readiness of indigenously developed missiles for test and evaluation trials. Group Capt Banerjee met this requirement exceedingly well and was awarded Commendation by the Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri in July 1989 in recognition of his significant contribution.

In the year 1993 a challenge was posed to this test range to create and establish facilities for 'Bomb Drop Trial' of Air Force aircraft, for which the government was spending millions of rupees every year in foreign exchange. Group Capt Banerjee, with his initiative and ingenuity, established full fledged facilities at the test range in coordination with the IAF and scientists, thus saving the country an infructuous and recurring expenditure.

For a Missile Test Range carrying out flight trials, giving the valuable data on the behaviour of missiles is of vital importance. This requires meticulous range safety & flight safety planning. Gp Capt Banerjee developed the competence of Interim Test Range for simulation runs of flight trajectory by detailed and meticulous planning of ground safety checks and control. Due to Gp Capt Banerjee's in depth preflight analysis of flight vehicle, constant vigil and meticulous operation planning and range safety measures, this test range has achieved an unparalleled, enviable record of "Nil Accident" till date, though more than two hundred fifty test and evaluation missions of indigenously developed weapon system have been carried out from this range.

Gp Capt Banerjee's constant pursuit for excellence and his relentless efforts have not only been a constant motivating factor for the range scientists but has also earned the test range its coveted reputation.

For his selfless and significant contribution made towards the formation, development and upgradation of this Test Range capability, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt P Banerjee.