Again, on 17th May 1978, during a live airto-air sortie, a 23 mm High Explosive shell burst as it left the gun muzzle. Shrapnel damaged the aircraft and caused total failure and a serious throttle restriction. The cone extended fully and the associated engine rumbling and surge gave every indication of engine bearing failure. Without electric instruments and Radio Telephony, Group Captain Keelor had no way of either knowing what had happened or of asking for assistance. Assuming that the engine bearing had failed, he decided to attempt am emergency recovery. With his flying skill and experience, he returned to the airfield, set up a flame out pattern and executed a safe landing. The throttle was stuck at 60% revolutions per minute, and in spite of this he was able to stop the aircraft without damage.

Group Captain Denzil Keelor thus displayed conspicuous courage, exemplary professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Gp. Capt. Keelor who had rich and wide combat experience and the destruction of a Sabre aircraft to his credit, was flying a MiG-21 FL on 27 Mar 78, when due to structural failure the canopy of the aircraft detached and flew off. Gp Capt Keelor felt sudden decompression and loss of control, but managed to fly back to base and execute a safe emergency landing without the canopy. Later on 17 May 78, during firing trials one of the 23 mm Cannon Shells exploded causing extensive damage and total electrical failure to his aircraft. He sucessfully executed another safe landing back at his airbase.

During the recent hostilities with Pakistan, Wing Commander Arun Kant Mukherjee was commanding a Tactical Flying Unit. He undertook a number of operational sorties and attacked heavily defended enemy air bases. Due to his sound planning, all tasks allotted to his unit were accomplished in an exemplary manner. The unit carried out deep penetration sorties at night with single engine aircraft in the face of heavy enemy defences. The unit did valuable work in keeping the enemy force harassed at night.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Arun Kant Mukherjee displayed gallantry, leadership and flying skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Sergeant Pacheeri Sivasankaran was serving as the Senior NonCommissioned Officer in charge of servicing party in a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On the 6th December, 1971, at about 1700 hours, when one of the aircraft had landed and switched off at the entrance of a blast pen, the airfield was attacked by enemy aircraft. Unmindful of his safety, he, with the help of some airmen, pushed the aircraft into the blast pen and thus saved a valuable aircraft. On the 7th December, 1971, when a pilot was strapped in the cockpit ready to take off, the air raid siren was sounded. In complete disregard to his safety, Sergeant Pacheeri Sivasankaran ensured that the aircraft started and taxied out.

In these actions, Sergeant Pacheeri Sivasankaran displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Srinivaspuram Krishna swamy served in Tactical and Air Combat Development Establishment for one year. During this period, he performed the duties of a Flight Commander and a staff pilot and conducted Fighter Combat Leaders' course. As Flight Commander, he carried out the difficult tusk of running the Daily Servicing Section, often working round the clock with a view to ensuring a high standard of performance. He used his professional knowledge as a test pilot to guide airmen/ technicians working under him and motivate them, by personal example, to work hard. It was because of his deep involvement with the maintenance activities of the Daily Servicing Section and also the Repair and Servicing Section, that the establishment was able to meet its commitments. In the air also, he was able to assist in the wide range of complicated operational flying tasks of the establishment. His contribution has not been confined to this establishment alone, he has often been called upon to carry out special test flights on such aircraft as had developed peculiar snags and were unsafe for flying even by experienced Squadron Pilots. Despite the hazards involved in such flights and considering that he is not employed on test flying duties, he has always accepted these commitments willingly and executed the flights ensuring maximum safe by both to the pilot and the aircraft. Because of his deep knowledge, he was asked to give special lectures on aerodynamics to all pilots, even at other bases and thus promoted among them a higher consciousness of flight safety.

Wing Commander Srinivaspuram Krishnaswamy has thus displayed high professional skill, competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Michael McMohan was posted to tactics and Combat Development Training Establishment again in September, 1977. He had served in this establishment earlier during February 1973 to June, J975. In the later tenure, he was initially appointed as the Officer-in-charge Training where he implemented modifications in the Fighter Combat Leader training pattern with commendable results. In addition to the above charge, he took over as Officer-in-charge Development from January, 1978. The Establishment finalised Air Combat Tactics during that period and ensured completion of other development tasks allotted to the Establishment. Squadron Leader Michael McMohan was appointed as the Signal Unit Flight Commander in July 1978. During this tenure, he has ensured that despite the high risk exercises in the Establishment, the Flight Safety is maintained at its peak level.

Squadron Leader Michel McMohan has thus displayed professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana (7672) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of Tactics & Combat Development & Training Establishment, AF since 24 Oct 83. This is the second tenure of this Officer in this Establishment where he had spent over 2 years earlier. During this tenure he has held the portfolios of officer i/c Operations, Officer i/c Development and is currently the Deputy Commandant of the Establishment.

During his tenure as the Officer i/c Development he has been the guiding spirit behind the sudden surge of development activity that this Establishment has undertaken since mid 1984. This was indeed a very sorely needed fillip to the Establishment which had got so involved with training flying that Development work had virtually ground to a halt. The Air Force felt the need for new ideas and concepts from this Premier Establishment, and in Wg Cdr TM Asthana we found the man to match this need. His untiring efforts, long hours of hard work and total dedication to the job at hand lifted this Establishment out of the doldrums. He has an absolutely professional approach and the patience born of knowledge which is so vital towards development work. During his tenure as O i/c Development this Establishment has completed trials on a number of Air Combat and Ground Attack aspects of operations which have changed out basic ideas of Combat and applied them to real time situations. His attention to detail and thoroughness has ensured that all these ideas have gone out to the Air Force in clear unequivocal terms.

There is no doubt that Wg Cdr TM Asthana is the guiding spirit behind the sudden renaissance of development work in this Establishment. For his professionalism, keenness, dedication and sheer hard work, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana.

Wg Cdr Nitin Madhukar Gupte has been on the posted strength of TACDE, AF with effect from 24 Feb 88.

During his tenure at TACDE, he has worked with an extremely high sense of devotion and dedication to his assignment. The recent changes in the air environment with the induction of lethal air-to-air missiles of the BVR and all aspect category, have led to a complete revolution in concepts of air combat. The task of developing new tactics therefore called for revision of the basic theories of combat, which have existed since the early days of aerial warfare. This task was undertaken by Wg Cdr Gupte in a very highly professional manner. A very comprehensive and meticulous report for manoeuvring in the air, encompassing the entire gamut of air combat operations was prepared by Wg Cdr Gupte.

During his tenure at TACDE, Wg Cdr Gupte has worked with a very keen sense of devotion towards the tasks assigned to him. His quality of placing service interests always ahead of personal interests have been a shining example to all.

For his devotion, dedication and professional ability of the highest order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr NM Gupte.

Wing Commander Amulaya Chandra Bharali (15049) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of TACDE, AF wef 16 June 97.

On the evening of 22 June 98, at about 1900 hrs, the AOC, 33 Wing Air Force received SOS message from Reliance Petroleum Limited stating that they had a casualty on board at one of their barges at sea, who if not evacuated immediately was likely to succumb. The gentleman had a heart attack, which needed immediate attention. Wing Commander Amulaya Chandra Bharali of TACDE was alerted by the AOC 33 Wing Air Force because only a few days earlier he had carried out evacuation from another barge in day time in the wake of cyclone at Jamnagar. Although Wing Commander Bharali did not have experience on deck landing at night yet he immediately volunteered to undertake the task. Realising the gravity of the situation and the urgency of mission, Wing Commander Bharali quickly gathered his crew and got airborne for the mission in the shortest possible time. The sortie was undertaken in dark night condition with winds gusting to 25 Kts and more. The barge helipad was illuminated but the surrounding areas were enveloped in absolute darkness with no reference or depth perception possible. Harnessing his vast experience and professional expertise, Wing Commander Bharali executed a successful landing on the barge and evacuated the casualty thus saving his life.

For his valour and professionalism in executing a hazardous task to perfection, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Amulaya Chandra Bharali.

Wing Commander Shiv Ratan Singh (18083) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 06 Dec 85. He is the Deputy Commandant of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) since 09 Aug 04.

He is a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) and a graduate of DSSC, Wellington. For his outstanding performance during the FCL course, he was awarded the Jam Satanic Sword of Honour and soon after the course, he was posted as Directing Staff at the Establishment from Aug 95 to Jun 2000. He was also awarded the CAS commendation in Aug 94 for his avidity and allegiance towards his duty. He has commanded a frontline fighter Squadron and under his leadership, the Squadron undertook four MOF training courses before re-equipping with Bison aircraft. He ensured incident free conversion in the shortest possible time. Under his guidance the Squadron performed exceptionally well in DASI and AEB inspections.

The officer became the Deputy Commandant at a crucial juncture where a lot of operational, developmental and training activity was being undertaken at TACDE. However, with his initiative, involvement and dedication all the assigned tasks were achieved well and in time. He undertook the induction of Bison aircraft at TACDE as a personal crusade. This involved extensive liaison with external agencies as there were many teething problems since the aircraft and allied equipment were not planned for the Establishment at that stage. He has been instrumental in the planning and conduct of the first major BVR vs BVR tactics development exercise, Ex Javelin-II. The lessons accrued from this exercise have caused a paradigm shift in the tactical doctrine of the IAF and in shaping the future of air warfare in the Air Force. He has displayed professional acumen of a very high order in the planning and conduct of international Air Force Exercise (Ex Cope India-05) with the USAF. His effort in steering the exercise towards the desired objectives has greatly enhanced the image of the IAF.

He is a perfectionist who has never allowed personal comfort to impede his work and has willingly worked beyond the normal call of duty. He has always led from the front and served as a role model to his subordinates with his tireless zeal, knowledge and maturity.

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

Squadron Leader Sabhapathy Damodran (7108) AE (L) has been on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since April 1974. During 78-79 Air HQ had requirement of fitment of IFF Mk X equipment on type 69 aircraft for which neither the mod kit nor engineering data was available. The task was proposed to be assigned to HAL (New Delhi) who declined to undertake development and fitment of mod in the absence of electrical and structural drawings of the aircraft which were not available from USSR.

The task was quite difficult due to nonavailability of proper materials, manufacturing facilities for various structural components, design drawings, load distribution data and other details. The most difficult problem was to accommodate the control panel of the equipment in the cockpit lay out. However the standard central panel was fitted by the team with ingenuity and certain adjustments.

The officer succeeded in the fitment of IFF Mk X and Collins V/UHF communication equipment and evolved mod leaflets for both modifications in MiG trainer aircraft. The flight trials of IFF Mk X were successfully completed in April, 1981. The officer had put in dedicated work to make available installation materials locally, fabricated structural fitments and looms and completed the task in record time of six months. It is commendable on the part of the officer that these two modifications were carried out expeditiously within Air Force resources to meet the operational requirements.

Squadron Leader Damodran has thus displayed sound professional knowledge, exceptional efficiency and high degree of technical competence, initiative and drive with untiring efforts in carrying out the modification. The Rashtrapti is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Sabhapathy Damodran.

Sqn Ldr Satish Kumar Midha is on the posted strength of one of the Signal Units of Air Force and is attached to TACDE since May 89. During his tenure at TACDE, Sqn Ldr Midha worked as the staff in charge of training of Master Fighter Controllers (MFC). New concept of operational combat training for fighter controllers of the IAF was initiated in Aug 89 and the task assigned to TACDE. The officer performed his task with the highest degree of dedication and professionalism.

The task called for formalising training patterns and SOPs for operational control of interceptor aircraft. Trials were conducted to arrive at the optimum format of operational training. The curriculum was finalised after extensive deliberations. The sincerity of purpose, meticulous planning and determined approach, displayed by Squadron Leader Midha, led to the successful completion of the task.

He was also instrumental in disseminating operational solutions to the operators in the field through the conduct of capsules and orientation courses. This task was carried out with the highest degree of zeal and enthusiasm.

For having worked with selfless devotion and dedication during his stay at TACDE, and for displaying professional skill of the highest order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr SK Midha.

Sqn Ldr Azeez Javeed has been on the strength of TACDE, Air Force wef 06 May 91.

During his tenure at TACDE, Sqn Ldr A Javeed has worked as the officer-in-charge of training of Master Fighter Controller (MFC). He was tasked to formalise the latest intercept techniques and briefing guides for operational control of intercept ac. This involved extensive discussions, deliberations and compilation. He carried out this task in record time with the highest degree of dedication and professional skill and the relevant information has now been ratified by Air Headquarters in the from of IAP 3448.

The task of dissemination of the information to the operators in the field was planned by conducting orientation capsules in the field for junior controllers and at TACDE for senior controllers. He lead a team of MFC staff and visited all major SUs and WAC, CAC and SWAC, IAF between 24 Feb 92 to 11 Mar 92. In addition, two capsules were conducted at TACDE, AF. This task was exceptionally well planned and executed with the highest degree of zeal and enthusiasm. His deep sense of involvement has directly contributed to the overall improvement of the operational potential of the IAF.

For his professionalism of a very high order, devotion to duty and distinguished services of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Azzez Javeed.

Squadron Leader UK Choudhary was commissioned on 02 Jul 79 and has been on the posted strength of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) since 29 Jun 92. He has been working as officer in charge Central Repairs and Servicing Section (CR&SS). The tasks and commitments of CR&SS at AF Station Jamnagar are very high. Sqn Ldr Choudhary displayed very high degree of professional competence, resourcefulness and ingenuity in meeting the task. He also embarked on an ambitious plan of building up of long unserviceable aircraft (ac) and a total of 10 ac were made serviceable in the last one year. Realising the shortage of testers he also undertook the task of designing and fabricating testers. Three testers were fabricated by the CR&SS during the last one year under his guidance.

In Nov 94 a MIG-21 ac on ferry from Chandigarh to Ojhar crash landed at a civil air field in Bhavnagar approximately 300 km from Jamnagar. Sqn Ldr UK Choudhary was selected to recover the ac. After one trip to Bhavnagar Sqn Ldr Choudhary had all the information needed by HQ South Western Air Command to take a decision. He also suggested two solutions to the problem. Once the Command decided on the course of action, Sqn Ldr Choudhary set about the job systematically and completed it in three days at an expense of Rs 16,000 against Rs 40,000 sanctioned for the task.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader UK Choudhary.

Wing Commander AK Srivastava was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 29 Dec 76. He qualified as a Fighter Controller in 1977 and is a category 'A' controller. He was adjudged the Best Fighter Controller in 1987 and passed the Master Fighter Controller Course with directing staff grading. He was posted to Tactics & Air Combat Development Establishment in May 95.

During 'Operation Brass Tacks' he set up a Radar unit in only three days with 16 untrained personnel. At another Air Defence Unit, he maintained and operated proto-type Automatic Data Handling System to peak efficiency without any outside help or formal training on the system. During Mar 95 Wg Cdr Srivastava was tasked to form a Control and Reporting Centre for an exercise. He made excellent use of PCs to overcome limitations of manual system of telling and plotting which normally lead to delayed reactions. The work was appreciated at the highest level in Command and the officer was tasked to develop and demonstrate a functional PC aided CRC within a month. Wg Cdr Srivastava completed the task within the time frame by developing and modifying the available software and hardware. The CRC was manned by only eight personnel as against twenty required for manual system. The same low cost, maintenance free system was used in an Air Force Exercise providing a user friendly environment, thus enhancing operational capability of the IAF.

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

Wing Commander Dhananjai Vishnu Wani (18568) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF in 1986. Since Apr 2001 he has been a directing staff at Tactical & Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and has been holding the appointment of officer incharge Development. A Fighter Combat Leader Course Instructor, he is an outstanding professional who has proved his mettle in various challenging assignments time and again. He flew more than 45 sorties during 'Op Safed Sagar' and was awarded 'Mention in Dispatches' for his role in the operations. He has over 2900 hrs of accident free flying, which includes 2800 sorties on various MiG-21 variants and over 1200 sorties on the Mirage 2000. He has an in-depth professional knowledge on Air Interception Radars, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles and other associated avionics of modern day Air Superiority Fighters. He has played a key role in finding operational solutions to various development tasks undertaken at TACDE.

He has been involved in the development of 'BVR' combat tactics and night combat trials for 'special Task' during his tenure at TACDE. He was in charge of developing tactics and their employment during Ex Cope India and was instrumental in the spectacular results achieved during the exercise. He was the Exercise Coordinator, responsible for all aspects of Sindex 04, the first ever IndoSingapore Fighter exercise. His innovation in efficiently utilising the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) station reduced the debrief time by one third at the same time improving the quality of debriefs during Sindex 04. He has contributed immensely towards both the international exercises, which has enhanced our prestige internationally. His positive attitude, mature approach and analytical ability have been instrumental in bringing about far-reaching changes in TACDE and have been a source of inspiration to others.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Dhananjai Vishnu Wani.

Wing Commander Dhananjai Vishnu Wani (18568) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF in 1986. Since Apr 2001 he has been a directing staff at Tactical & Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and has been holding the appointment of officer incharge Development. A Fighter Combat Leader Course Instructor, he is an outstanding professional who has proved his mettle in various challenging assignments time and again. He flew more than 45 sorties during 'Op Safed Sagar' and was awarded 'Mention in Dispatches' for his role in the operations. He has over 2900 hrs of accident free flying, which includes 2800 sorties on various MiG-21 variants and over 1200 sorties on the Mirage 2000. He has an in-depth professional knowledge on Air Interception Radars, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles and other associated avionics of modern day Air Superiority Fighters. He has played a key role in finding operational solutions to various development tasks undertaken at TACDE.

He has been involved in the development of 'BVR' combat tactics and night combat trials for 'special Task' during his tenure at TACDE. He was in charge of developing tactics and their employment during Ex Cope India and was instrumental in the spectacular results achieved during the exercise. He was the Exercise Coordinator, responsible for all aspects of Sindex 04, the first ever IndoSingapore Fighter exercise. His innovation in efficiently utilising the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) station reduced the debrief time by one third at the same time improving the quality of debriefs during Sindex 04. He has contributed immensely towards both the international exercises, which has enhanced our prestige internationally. His positive attitude, mature approach and analytical ability have been instrumental in bringing about far-reaching changes in TACDE and have been a source of inspiration to others.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Dhananjai Vishnu Wani.