Group Captain Chandra Kant Vishwanath Gole was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in September 1949. He has held several staff and command appointments with distinction. He attended the Elementary Flying Training School Course in 1948, the Conversion Training Course in 1949, Basic Fighter Controller Course in 1952, Junior Commander Course in 1953, Armament Training Course at Armament Training Wing in 1955, the 17th Course at Empire Test Pilots School, U.K. in 1958 and Defence Services' Staff College Course in 1962-63. He has done significant work in a Fighter Squadron of the Indian Air Force and the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit. Since May 1969, he has been in command of a flying station and has rendered creditable service.

Wing Commander Ramesh Sakhram Benegal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1952. He attended the All Purposes Flying Instructors Course at Flying Instructors School in 1953-54, the 124 Canberra Course in the U.K. in 1957-58 and the Instrument Pilots Instructors Course in the USA in 1965. After serving in operational Squadrons, he was trained as a flying instructor and was employed on instructional duties for several years. He has held with distinction many important appointments, including those of flight commander in an operational Squadron and in the Aircrew Examining Board. He was Mentioned­in­Despatches for his performance during the India­Pakistan conflict, 1965. On successful completion of is tenure as Officer-in-Charge of flying at an Air Force base, he took over command of an operational Squadron in 1968. In this appointment, he has displayed a high degree of professional skill and has undertaken a large number of flights over difficult mountainous terrain in adverse weather conditions both by day and by night.

Wing Commander Gandharva Sen was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1953. He attended the Pilots Conversion Course in 1953 and Flying Instructors Course in 1958. In 1967, he was appointed to command an operational Squadron. His squadron has been re­equipped with a new type of aircraft. He has rendered valuable service towards the training of the air and ground crew of the Squadron. He has successfully developed new standard operating procedures and operational tactics for the aircraft. He has also made valuable suggestions to improve the operational capability and flight safety of the aircraft.

Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1954. Initially, he served in fighter and fighter bomber squadrons, and then, after successfully completing a course at the Flying Instructors School, he served as a flying instructor at the erstwhile Air Force Flying College. In 1964, he converted on to jet bombers, and thereafter served in a Canberra bomber squadron. He also served in a ground appointment at a major bomber base. At present, he is the Commander of a Canberra bomber squadron. He reorganised the work of the ground staff so that they could give effective support to the flying crew. Simultaneously, he implemented a rigorous training schedule for his aircrew, for bringing them to the highest peak of efficiency. During the recent operations against Pakistan the bombers of his squadron carried out devastating raids against the enemy's war potential. He took part in every one of the operational missions entrusted to his squadron. Throughout, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Madhusudan Sripad Tatke was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1950. He attended the Technical and Administration Course in 1951, the Draft Engine Course in U.K. in 1955 and the Specialist Course at the College of Aeronautics, U.K. in 1958. He has held many important appointments with distinction, including those of Senior Resident Technical Officer (Aircraft) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Bangalore, and Deputy Director of Technical Services at Air Headquarters. During his tenure as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an Operational Command, he successfully solved a number of technical problems. He has been responsible to a large extent for introducing methods and systems which have improved the serviceability state of the Squadron aircraft within the Command.

Air Commodore Gian Dev Sharma (1742) was commissioned in Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in November 1941. During his long service, he has held a variety of important flying and staff appointments. In all these appointments, he has left a mark of his personal efficiency and devotion to service. At present, he is holding the appointment of Director of Operations (Transport and Maritime) at Air Headquarters.

In his present appointment, Air Commodore Sharma is responsible for planning and executing the transport and maritime operations in the IAF. In the recent conflict with Pakistan, he was called upon to plan the entire transport operations including the historic airborne operations in the Eastern Sector. Maritime operational plans had also been drawn up for the efficient conduct of the war. All this had to be done with speed and determination. Air Commodore Sharma worked with zeal and selfless devotion to duty, with complete disregard for personal comforts, and organized the transport and maritime operations so effectively that the true strength and the power of the Indian Air Force could be felt in battle.

Air Commodore Gian Dev Sharma has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Commodore Bawa Sampuran Singh Bedi was commissioned in the erstwhile Technical Armament Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1942. He served with a­number of operational wings, stations and explosives storage units before being taken on to the staff of a Command Headquarters and at Air Headquarters. He has served as the Deputy Director of Studies (Air) at the Institute of Armament Studies and with the Department of Defence production. He also served as the Chief Inspector of Maintenance and Director of Engineering at Air Headquarters. He is at present working as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Central Air Command. He had to face numerous problems arising out of the re­organisation of the Command. As the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer he was responsible for bringing about the technical co­ordination necessary for the maintenance of the formations and units in the Command. He accomplished the task of improving the serviceability of all the aircraft types in the Command, thereby enabling the achievement of squadron tasks. The successes achieved by fighter, bomber, transport and maritime reconnaissance squadrons of the Command are, in no small measure, due to his careful planning and provisioning of technical and logistic support to them. Throughout his career, and especially in the recent conflict with Pakistan, Air Commodore Bawa Sampuran Singh Bedi ably handled all the assignments given to him. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Arjan Singh Mangharam Bhawnani (1868) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April 1942. He served with distinction as Chief of Fighter Operations in the Congo from August 1961 to August 1962 and subsequently commanded an operational station in the Eastern Sector. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff for his work during the Chinese aggression. Later, Air Commodore Bhawnani commanded a Tactical Air Centre, a Jet Training Wing and an Air Defence Area Headquarters.

Air Commodore Bhawnani is at present the Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer at a Command Headquarters. During his tenure, a major reorganization of the Command took place which necessitated the closing down of a number of units and the forming of new units. Stock transfers of considerable magnitude had to be completed without disrupting supply. The Command was faced with many administrative, accounting and personnel problems. These problems were further accentuated by the geographical vastness of the Command with units located in all parts of the country. With painstaking effort, initiative and exceptional devotion to duty, Air Commodore Bhawnani has successfully tackled these complex tasks.

Air Commodore Arjan Singh Mangharam Bhawnani has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Solomon Purshotham was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in June, 1942. During his long service, he has held a variety of important flying and staff appointments.

Air Commodore Purshotham was responzsible for the peace time training of forces under his command. In December, 1971, at the time of Indo-Pakistan conflict, he was the Air Officer Commanding Eastern Air Command Advanced Headquarters, which operates alongside the Headquarters Eastern Army Command. He was this responsible for joint planning and execution of ArmyAir operations in the Eastern Sector. Under his leadership, good rapport was established between the Army and the Air Force. The support provided by the Air Force effectively disrupted the enemy's lines of communications, isolating his forward troops. Enemy ammunition and fuel dumps were also blown up and many of his Headquarters locations were destroyed.

Air Commodore Solomon Purshotham made a significant contribution toward the final victory of our forces in Bangla Desh.

Air Commodore Harcharan Singh Bakshi was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force in October, 1942. He saw active service during the Second World War in Ceylon and Burma and has held with distinction many Staff appointments connected with personnel as well as general administration. During the recent conflict with Pakistan he was Director of Air Force Works at Air Headquarters in which capacity he was responsible for providing adequate defence works for protection of aircraft and vital installations, for ensuring uninterrupted power supply for operational installations and for setting up of emergency repair organisations at forward airfields. A number of second tier airfields had also to be developed for operational use at short notice, which necessitated provision of works services such as power supply, blast pens and bulk petrol installations. By his timely rearrangement of priorities in the Works Plan, it was possible for all these operational tasks to be accomplished in time. The organisation set up for the emergency repair of airfields functioned smoothly at all forward Wings and the airfields remained operational throughput the hostilities despite persistent attacks on them by the enemy. He kept himself informed of the damage done by enemy attacks to airfields and ensured timely augmentation of resources, wherever necessary.

Throughout the operations, Air Commodore Harcharan Singh Bakshi rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Corindra Kumar Singha was commissioned in the Indian Air Force. He has served in several operational units and at Command and Air Headquarters. He was the Director of Armament and Safety Equipment at Air Headquarters for a long period before he retired from the Air Force in July 71. He was subsequently recalled to active duty.

As Director of Armament and Safety Equipment he undertook the task of developing and modifying the available weapons systems in aircraft of diverse origins in order to improve their striking power and made significant contribution in this sphere.

After being recalled, Air Commodore Corindra Kumar Singha was assigned certain special duties to which he applied himself with untiring zeal. He made a significant contribution to further increasing the offensive potential of the Air Force. With his high professional skill, zeal and devotion to duty, Air Commodore Corindra Kumar Singha has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kanvar Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on the 20th December, 1943. He has served in five fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Indian Air Force, of which he has been the commander of two. He is also a qualified flying instructor and has carried out a tenure of duty in this role at an Air Force Flying Training Institution. Air Commodore Kanvar Singh has also commanded an operational wing of the Air Force and has served on the staff of Air Headquarters in various capacities. At present Air Commodore Kanvar Singh is the Air Officer Commanding of an Air Wing in the Rajasthan sector. He was incharge of all Air Force operations in this during the recent operations against Pakistan. He provided all the air support required by the Army. In addition to his own base, he exercised administrative and functional control over two forward bases. By hard work and sound planning, he brought these forward bases to a high degree of operational preparedness.

Throughout the operations, Air Commodore Kanvar Singh successfully completed all the tasks allotted to him and rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Trilochan Singh Brar was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in April, 1944. He has held a variety of important flying and staff appointments. Since November, 1970, he has been holding the appointment of Air­I of Headquarters Western Air Command. The Command was required to prepare plans to meet the threat from Pakistan. The preparation of the plan required careful study and prolonged hours of work to ensure that the resources of the Command were utilised in an economical and effective manner.

Air Commodore Trilochan Singh Brar made significant contribution towards the success of Western Air Command's plans during the recent conflict with Pakistan. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain John Jasper Bouche (2938) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1943, in the General Duties (Pilot) Branch. During the Second World War, he served in a fighter Squadron, trained as a Pilot Attack Instructor, completed a full tenure at the Armament Training Wing, Air Force, as its Chief Instructor and was responsible for the operational training, standardization and enhancement of combat efficiency of all operational squadrons of the Air Force during that period.

Although an officer of the General Duties Branch, he was specially selected to undergo a full term Technical Course at the Air Force Technical College, on completion of which he took over Command of the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit. In this capacity Group Captain Bouche was personally responsible for the development of the Gnat aircraft which was adopted by the Air Force as its main interceptor element. Once he was faced with a grave emergency when the Gnat aircraft that he was flying had a hydraulic failure and went out of control. Having no other alternative the officer had to reluctantly eject. However, the aircraft's seat did not detach itself from his body and after a prolonged and dreadful free fall without an opened parachute, he managed to extricate himself from the seat and just managed to open his parachute in time before he landed on the ground.

Group Captain John Jasper Bouche has been in command of an operational wing in the eastern sector which was used as the base for both fighters as well as logistic air support squadrons. Through his personal supervision, zeal and excellent operational knowledge he brought up the operational efficiency of the squadron under his control.

On relinquishing his command of the operational wing in the eastern sector he was posted as an Air Staff Officer in Headquarters Eastern Air Command. During this tenure, the Mizo Hill operations started. Although posted as a staff officer in Command Headquarters, this officer personally took control of the operations and remained at the base from where both offensive and transport support operations were being conducted. He set up a new Air Force Station for better co­ordination and operational performance of the Air Force elements deployed against the Mizo hostiles. The results obtained were highly satisfactory.

Group Captain John Jasper Bouche has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Surinder Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in September, 1944. He has served in a number of fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Air Force and is a qualified Flying Instructor. Later, he converted on to Jet Bombers and served in two Canberra Squadrons, having also commanded one of them. He has also held various Staff and Command appointments. He is one of the few officers who has commanded more than one operational wing. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January 1966. After attending the Imperial Defence College Course abroad, he came back to India to command an Air Defence Control Centre. He worked with great devotion and determination to improve the Air Defence Organisation in his sector. He visited all the Air Defence units and instilled in them the urgency of getting the entire air defence organisation up to the highest peak of efficiency. He planned and introduced a special low level reporting system in his sector; he trained all the personnel necessary for that organisation and also personally visited every site selected by him for these success of his work both in peace time and during hostilities can be gauged by the with which intruding Pakistani aircraft were intercepted. Air Commodore Surinder Singh has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in April, 1945. During his long service, he held a variety of important flying and staff appointment. Since August 1971 he is holding the appointment of Air-I at Headquarters, Eastern Air Command. In this assignment, he was responsible for drawing up the operational plans for the fighter squadrons to meet the Pakistan Air Force threat in Bangla Desh. Simultaneously, he organised intensive training of aircrew in simulated operational conditions to suit the Air Command operational plans. Both these tasks were achieved in a very short period because of his perseverance and hard work.

During operations, Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram supervised the running of the operations room and assisted in the conduct of the minute to minute operation. He worked tirelessly, for very long hours, displaying excellent administrative skill and professional competence in taking decisions and ordering air strikes in support of the Army and against enemy targets. Amongst his other outstanding achievements during this period were the briefing of the fighter aircrew for pinpoint strike on selected targets as well as the briefing of the bomber aircrew who were assigned tasks in support of the Army. The success of these missions, was to a great extent due to the effective briefing given by Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram to the aircrew. Throughout the operation, Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram worked without any regard to his personal comforts. His contribution to the success of the operations in the Eastern Sector was significant. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jafar Zaheer was commissioned in the Air Force in March 1944, in the Flying Branch. He has served with a number of fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Air Force and has commanded one of them. In addition, he has been a staff officer at Command and Air Headquarters, the Commander of a Tactical Air Centre and the Air Officer Commanding of an Air Defence Area. At present he is the Air Officer Commanding a major bomber base, and concurrently is the air defence commander of the area within which his base is situated. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, the bombers at his Base carried out a large number of strikes on important targets in enemy territory. Their attacks were kept up throughout the hostilities despite repeated raids by the enemy designed to put the base out of action. The servicing and repair of aircraft and their preparation for operational missions was maintained at a high tempo due largely to the personal example of Air Commodore Jafar Zaheer. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Chandrakant Shridhar Naik was commissioned as an Aircraft Engineer on 16th September, 1947. He has served at a number of operational and training bases as an Engineering Officer and as the Chief Technical Officer of a major Air Force Wing. He has also served in a number of appointments on the maintenance staff of Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters. Recently, he commanded a major Base Repair Depot of the Air Force. At present, Air Commodore Chandrakant Shridhar Naik is the Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station, Kanpur. He has been responsible for improving the functioning of Air Force Station, Kanpur. He has personally supervised the production of aircraft, aeroengines and rotables at two Base Repair Depots. It was largely due to his efforts that both these Depots have shown significant increase in production. In addition to production of aircraft and ancillaries, both these Depots were entrusted with urgent operational tasks which involved development and manufacture of modification sets. These tasks were accomplished in record time.

Throughout, Air Commodore Chandrakant Shridhar Naik has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Amrit Lal Saigal, was commissioned in the erstwhile Technical Armament Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1949. After serving in a number of units as an Armament Officer, he held appointments on the staff of two Command Headquarters and in an Explosives Storage Unit. He also served as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command and more recently at Air Headquarters. On his appointment as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command, Air Commodore Amrit Lal Saigal made a thorough study of the maintenance support required to meet the operational plans of his Command. He identified areas of shortfalls and weaknesses and then devoted himself with untiring energy to make good the shortfalls and remove the weaknesses. He tapped all sources of supply, both within and outside the Air Force and thus enabled the operational units in the Command to achieve and maintain a very high degree of aircraft and equipment serviceability. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, he provided full logistic support to all the operational units even when they were re­deployed at short notice. It was due to his foresight and sound planning and execution, that at the end of hostilities, the operational units in his Command had substantially the same degree of aircraft and equipment serviceability as they had at the beginning of hostilities in spite of battle casualties.

Throughout, Air Commodore Amrit Lal Saigal has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Vivek Yeshwant Nehru (3488) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in April, 1948. In the earlier part of his career he served as a navigator in operational squadrons. After successfully completing an Advanced Navigation Course in Australia he was employed as a Navigation Instructor in a training squadron. Subsequently he served as a staff officer in an operational Command. In all these assignments he acquitted himself in an admirable manner.

In 1963, Group Captain Vivek Yeshwant Nehru was selected for deputation as an Instructor to the UAR. By his hard work and selfless devotion to duty he earned the gratitude of the UAR Air Force and contributed towards the effectiveness of the IAF Team in that country.

In his present assignment as President of an Air Force Selection Board, Group Captain Nehru has brought about a marked improvement in the functioning of the Board as well as in the administration of its various wings. With his dynamic personality and able stewardship it has been possible for the Board to deal with a record number of candidates during 1970.

Group Captain Vivek Yeshwant Nehru has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kenneth Hubert Larkins (3511) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in September, 1948. During his long and distinguished career he has held a variety of important appointments, including the Command of a Flying Training Unit and a Base Repair Depot. He has also held staff appointments at Air Headquarters. Recently he has completed a tenure as the Staff Officerin charge Administration at an Operational Command Headquarters. In all these appointments, Group Captain Larkins has displayed outstanding ability as an organizer and leader.

As the Staff Officer in-charge Administration he geared up the administration of the Command to keep pace with operational requirements. He contributed greatly towards the completion of a number of major works and prompt finalization of pension cases. He showed great acumen and maturity in handling cases of discipline and personnel matters, and in raising the morale of the personnel of the Command.

Throughout his career Group Captain Kenneth Hubert Larkins has worked with determination and untiring energy, with tact and understanding, and has achieved outstanding success in the discharge of heavy responsibilities. Group Captain Kenneth Hubert Larkins has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Karan Dev Singh (2808) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1944. During his long career, he has held a variety of important appointments, including that of Command Education Officer at an Operational Command Headquarters.

After graduating from the Defence Services Staff College and serving at an operational unit, he was posted as Assistant Director, Flight Safety at Air Headquarters. In this capacity, he was responsible for starting the publication of two very popular and instructive Flight Safety periodicals, namely “Flight Guardian" and “Flight Safety Officers' News Letter". These publications have made a significant contribution towards Flight Safety in the IAF.

In 1963, Group Captain Singh was selected for appointment as the Principal of the Sainik School, Bijapur (Mysore State). He held this appointment with distinction for six year, bringing credit to the Indian Air Force. He toiled ceaselessly with dedication and initiative to set the school on a sound footing and earned the appreciation of the Mysore State Administration.

Group Captain Karan Dev Singh has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Dukkaa Venketa Jagan Mohan Rao (5231) was commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in July 1942. He was the first Dental officer to qualify as a paratrooper and served with the Second Airborne Division. He headed the Para Dental team from 1946 to 1952, and served with the Indian Parachute Field Ambulance both in J&K and Korea.

In March 1956, when the Air Force Dental Branch was formed, Group Captain JM Rao was the first Dental Officer to be seconded to the Air Force and he was given the command of the first Air Force Dental Centre. Since then he has rendered outstanding service to the Dental Brach of the Air Force.

Group Captain JM Rao has been working on dental problems peculiar to the Air Force, much as Aerodentalgia, early recognition of tempro­mendibular disorders amongst the aircrew of high performance aircraft, air evacuation of maxio-facial cases, fitment of special dentures in relation to accelerative forces and higher incidence of periodontal disturbances among flying personnel. He has published papers on such dental problems in Aero­Medical Journals and has kept abreast of Aviation Dentistry.

He has been mainly responsible for the modernization of the Air Force Dental equipment, ensuring economy in its purchase and maintenance and in setting up the training facilities for dental technicians, dental assistants and dental hygienists.

In recognition of his conspicuous services rendered in the Art and Science of Dentistry, the International College of Dentists of the USA has conferred on him the Fellowship of the International College of Dentists.

Group Captain Dukkaa Venketa Jagan Mohan Rao has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Group Captain Gurdial Singh Punia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force December, 1942, and joined the Administrative Branch on 17th February, 1943. In 29 years in the service, his main role was that of a Link Trainer Instructor. In this c he laid the foundation for the present skill in instrument flying of many of the senior officers in Service today. Later, he served in many units and formations on Air Traffic Control and ending this phase of his career as the Deputy Director Air Traffic Control at Air Headquarters. In this post, he was responsible, inter alia, for arranging safe and effective air itineraries of various dignitaries. Subsequently, he served as the Officer-in-charge Administration at an important Air Force Base.

Since October, 1969, Group Captain Gurdial Singh Punia has been the Provost Marshal of the Air Force. This appointment, in addition to carrying the responsibility of ensuring discipline in the Air Force, and allied tasks, also has operational responsibilities to the defence of Air Force Bases and installations against sabotage or attack by intruders and to the Passive Air Defence Scheme for the whole Air Force, together with the physical security of Air Force property and personnel. Group Captain Gurdial Singh has bent all his energies towards fulfilling these responsibilities. He has ensured that it in the forward and sensitive areas were provided with the resources they needed to improve their ground defence and passive air defence plans.

The success of his work can be judged from the fact that, in the recent conflict with Pakistan no enemy agent could enter any Air Force base and sabotage Aircraft. He has ensured that Air Force Police personnel received forensic training, and this will greatly improve the methods of crime detection and investigation in relation to the Air Force.

Group Captain Gurdial Singh Punia has rendered distinguished service

Group Captain Aubrey Leslie Michael was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1946. After serving in active flying squadrons for years, he was selected to attend the Pilot Attack Instructors Course in the United Kingdom which he completed successfully. In 1962, he was selected to attend the Staff College at Wellington. He has commanded two squadron-one fighter bomber squadron in the rank of Squadron Leader and an Air Defence squadron in the rank of Wing Commander. He has been Joint Director of Tactical Operations and, more recently Director Offensive Opera-tions. In these two appointments, his main objectives were study and analysis of the employment of fighter bomber aircraft. He has worked out the utilisation of different types of aircraft in the ground attack, fighter recce and offensive support roles. These studies proved to be of considerable value in working out detailed tactical plans. He was also of great help in planning bomber operations.

Throughout, Group Captain Aubrey Leslie Michael has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Ramesh Chander Jain was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Signals) Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1948. He took over command of a Signals Unit in November 1969. Certain special tasks in specialized and sophisticated electronics field were entrusted to his unit. Not only did he develop sophisticated electronic equipment, which were urgently required, he undertook and successfully completed production of sufficient quantity of these items within a very short period even though the resources of the unit in equipment, spears and personnel were extremely limited. He guided his unit urgent operational requirements. His efforts built up and established a sophisticated electronic field which helped the Air Force in the recent operations against Pakistan. Group Captain Ramesh Chander Jain thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Emanuel Fernandes was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1949. He has held a variety of flying and staff appointments. In all these appointments, he has displayed professional skill of a high order and organising ability. Shortly before the outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan in December 1971, Group Captain Fernandes had been appointed the commander of a forward Station. Prior to his taking over, the station was functioning as a care and maintenance party. Against heavy odds, Group Captain Fernandes reorganised his unit with the limited resources at his disposal, and brought it to a high degree of operational preparedness. During the hostilities, his base was subjected to repeated enemy air attacks, and yet he was able to meet the commitment of close support to the army and counter air operations. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Amrit Dev Datt has been in command of a Base Repair Depot since January, 1971. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, apart from its normal programme of work, the depot was allotted a number of tasks designed to meet and augment the operational readiness of the Squadrons. The tasks were urgent and had to be completed within a fixed schedule. Group Captain Amrit Dev Datt by personal supervision and control ensured that the schedule was adhered to.

Throughout the operation, Group Captain Amrit Dev Datt rendered distinguished Service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sivaramannair Kesavan Nair was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has successfully held a variety of important technical appointments. Since August, 1971, he has been in command of a Base Repair Depot. The Depot under the inspiring leadership of Sivaramannair Kesavan Nair considerably increased its production rate of a particular type of aircraft engine. Several other urgent tasks allotted to this Depot were successfully completed. This Depot also provided engineering support for the repair of specialist equipment urgently required for operational aircraft.

Throughout, Group Captain Sivaramannair Kesavan Nair has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He has held several key appointments with distinction. At present, he is the Commander of a Tactical Air Centre. During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, when the enemy launched a massive attack in the Chhamb­Jaurian Sector, he, working in close cooperation with the Army, planned and executed the maximum possible number of sorties out of the resources available with him. The air support to the Army not only blunted enemy attacks but contributed considerably to the destruction of his ground forces and the virtual elimination of enemy air opposition in the theatre. When the enemy tried to misguide our missions by R/T, he devised a simple authentication system which thwarted the enemy's attempts.

Throughout, Captain Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 15th April, 1950. Initially, he was a transport pilot and served in a number of transport and communication units. Later, he converted on to jet bomber aircraft, and has since served in all the Canberra bomber units of the Air Force, and commanded one of them.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh is at present the Staff Officer incharge of operations at a Command Headquarters. He planned the bomber operations during the recent conflict with Pakistan. Taking into account the enemy anti-aircraft dispositions, fighter defences, navigational problems and other relevant factors, he drew up elaborate and detailed plans. He visited all the bomber bases and personally briefed the Squadron Commanders on the tasks allotted to their units. His efforts were to a large extent responsible for the success of our bomber aircraft during the operations. He has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Mohan Badami was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force on 1st June, 1950. He has served in several transport and maritime squadrons, and on the staff of a Command Headquarters. He was also the Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff. He took over as Joint Director (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters in December, 1970. He successfully completed all the tasks allotted to him. He ensured that all security policy directives were disseminated to all units well in time. The Security Inspection team visits to most of the units were completed during the emergency period. This helped in inculcating a high degree of security consciousness amongst the personnel of the Units.

Throughout, Group Captain Mohan Badami has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Vishwanathan Krishnamurthy was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. He has served in a number of fighter and fight bomber squadrons of the IAF. He has held command of a squadron, from 1962 to 1969. He is a qualified flying instructor holding the highest category. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy was in command of an airfield. He transformed this airfield into a major Air Force base inspite of numerous administrative and logistic problems. The enemy tried persistently to cripple the base, but due to effective air defence arrangements, the airfield remained operational throughout. Aircraft operating from this base shot down a number of enemy aircraft, including three F­104s. Numerous missions were also launched in close support of the Army, knocking out many enemy tanks, strong points, guns and warlike equipment. Also enemy lines of communication in the sector were very badly disrupted.

Throughout, Wing Commander Vishwanathan Krishnamurthy has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Inder Mohan Chopra was commissioned in Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1951. After serving in several squadrons he was given training as a Flying Instructor, and served in that capacity at a flying training unit. He has also commanded an operational Squadron. After receiving training as a Test Pilot he served with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as a Test Pilot from January, 1961 to June, 1966 and again from July, 1970 to July, 1971. He was also on deputation to Egyptian General Aero Organisation, United Arab Republic from June, 1966 to September, 1969.

During his tenure with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited he was actively engaged in the development and flight testing of HF­24 and Kiran aircraft in different phases of production. His personal contribution towards the development of these aircraft is of an outstanding nature. He undertook 452 flights comprising 352 hours of prototype testing of these aircraft. He has volunteered and successfully completed most difficult and challenging assignments and set an inspiring example to aviators engaged on test flights.

Wing Commander Inder Mohan Chopra has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Prior to his present appointment as Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, Wing Commander Navin Chandra Bharma had served on the personal staff of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. The operational appreciations and plans of the Air Force have passed through his hands. In dealing with them, he has displayed a high degree of intelligence. His execution of important tasks has contributed greatly to effective planning and operational control of the Air Force. He has worked long hours under considerable pressure without any regard for his personal comforts.

Throughout, Wing Commander Navin Chandra Bharma has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. .

Wing Commander Moreshwar Waman Tilak was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1952. After serving with a number of Squadrons, he was given training as a Flying Instructor and Test Pilot. He has been serving as a Test Pilot on deputation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited since October, 1962.

He has been actively associated with the development and flight testing of Marut and Kiran aircraft in different phases of production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. His personal contribution towards development of these aircraft is of an outstanding nature. Out of a total of 1970 hours of test flying done by him, 857 flights comprising 538 hours was on prototype testing. Often working beyond the call of duty, he has displayed exemplary courage and outstanding professional skill.

Wing Commander Moreshwar Waman Tilak has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Shiv Prakash Sabharwal was commissioned in the flying Branch of the Air Force in January, 1953. He has served in several transport squadrons of the Air Force, and is a qualified flying instructor. He has been the Commander of a Radar Unit and is at present commanding a transport squadron. He has consistently maintained a very high standard of operational efficiency in the personnel of his squadron, and has set a very high example by his own professional knowledge. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, he was the commander of a force of Packet aircraft. He quickly moulded this force into an effective entity. He personally led two missions over Bangladesh. In these two operations, he went without rest for 34 hours.

Throughout, Wing Commander Shiv Prakash Sabharwal has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in April, 1953. He has served in a number of fighter and fighter bomber squadrons and has commanded one of them. He is a qualified flying instructor and served as such in the Air Force Flying College. At present, he is the Chief Instructor of Armament Training Wing. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa was in command of an airfield. He transformed the airfield into a major base, capable of sustaining intensive operations by a number of aircraft. The enemy made persistent attempts to neutralise this base, but due to effective air defence arrangements these attempts failed, and the base remained operational throughout. Aircraft operating from this base mounted large scale operations in close support of the Army, knocking many enemy tanks and vehicles. Several attacks were launched against enemy airfields in the sector, leading to the destruction of a number of aircraft and curtailment of enemy air activity; the enemy's road and rail communications in the area were also severely disrupted. All this was achieved largely because of the support given by the base under inspiring leadership of Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Bawa, He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Narayanaswamy Raghunath was commissioned in the Technical Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1952. After holding a wide variety of appointments at units, a Repair Dept and Headquarters of an operational Command, he has been on deputation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited since July, 1969.

At Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he has been appointed in turn, as Production Engineer (Scheduling), Senior Tech Engineer and head of Production Development Group. With his high professional skill, creative mind and sound organizing ability he has accomplished the tasks assigned to him. He has made a significant contribution towards production of HF­24 aircraft by developing new techniques and procedures for tooling. He has also been responsible for organizing training courses for officer of Aircraft Factory and has been serving as faculty member on the Hindustan Aeronautical Limited Staff College.

Wing Commander Narayanaswamy Raghunath has rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965. During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non-directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations. In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high, Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Jagat Kishore Mohlah (4576) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as a Test Pilot on deputation in November, 1964. During his tenure with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he was actively engaged in the development and testing of prototype and production aircraft. His personal contribution towards development of HJT­16 - Kiran aircraft is of an outstanding nature. He undertook 349 flights comprising of 260 hours of prototype testing on this aircraft. He volunteered, and successfully completed, most difficult and challenging assignments through his stay with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

In the discharge of his onerous duties, he set an example which was in keeping with the highest traditions expected of individual engaged in such work and worthy of emulation by aviators in any environments. Wing Commander Mohlah made the supreme sacrifice when testing a Marut (HF24) aircraft on 27th July, 1971. His distinguished services to the cause of Indian aviation and Indian Air Force for which he lived and died, are of the most exceptional order.

Wing Commander Vishwanath Balakrishna Swardekar was commissioned in Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 14th October, 1953. He has served with serval fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Air Force. He is a qualified flying instructor and has rendered service in several flying tanning units. Wing Commander Swardekar is presently in command of supersonic fighter squadron. During the Indo-Pak conflict of December, 1971, he had wide responsibilities as his squadron was operating in detachments at three separate locations. He ensured that all the task, including fighter escorts and sweep missions were undertaken successfully. The aircraft of his squadron shot down no fewer than three enemy F-104 Starfighters and one MiG­19. He, himself, though heavily burdened with supervision of his three detachments, was always at the forefront of operational missions undertaken by his aircraft. On 16th December, 1971, he was on a mission to escort other aircraft which was to strike at the enemy. One of the aircraft being escorted was hit by enemy ground fire, and the canopy was shattered, the pilot being severely injured. Wing Commander Swardekar joined the crippled aircraft and escorted it for a distance of 70 nautical miles, much of it over enemy territory, back to its base, keeping up the morale of the injured pilot and guiding him back home. He thus saved the pilot and a valuable aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Vishwanath Balakrishna Swardekar has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Upkar Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 16th January, 1954. He has served in several fighter and fighter bomber squadrons. He is a qualified flying instructor and has seen service in this capacity in two flying training units, and on the training staff at Air Headquarters. At present, Wing Commander Upkar Singh is the Commanding Officer of a supersonic fighter squadron. Under his guidance the Squadron was brought to a high state of operational preparedness. During the recent operations against Pakistan, the Squadron under the inspiring leadership, of Wing Commander Upkar Singh flew 376 operational missions in a 10 day period, on fighter escort duties, sweeps and air patrols, without loss, of any aircraft. He personally led a number of missions.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Upkar Singh rendered distinguish service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1954. Initially, he served in fighter and fighter bomber squadrons, and then, after successfully completing a course at the Flying Instructors School, he served as a flying instructor at the erstwhile Air Force Flying College. In 1964, he converted on to jet bombers, and thereafter served in a Canberra bomber squadron. He also served in a ground appointment at a major bomber base. At present, he is the Commander of a Canberra bomber squadron. He reorganised the work of the ground staff so that they could give effective support to the flying crew. Simultaneously, he implemented a rigorous training schedule for his aircrew, for bringing them to the highest peak of efficiency. During the recent operations against Pakistan the bombers of his squadron carried out devastating raids against the enemy's war potential. He took part in every one of the operational missions entrusted to his squadron.

Throughout, Wing Commander Krishan Kumar Badhwar rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest was commissioned in the Flying of the India Air Force in January 1954. He has served in fighter bomber squadrons, also been a member of the staff at the National Defence Academy, and has served in a radar unit. After completing a course at the Armament Training Wing, he was retained at the Wing as a member of the instructional flying staff. At present, he is the Commander and Instructor at an operational training unit. He implemented a rigorous training for his aircrew, to bring them to the highest peak of efficiency. During the recent conflict against Pakistan, the Unit under the inspiring leadership of Wing Commander Melvyn Conquest, acquitted itself creditably.

In his career, Wing Commander Donald Melvyn Conquest has fulfilled all assigned to him. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Kailash Chandra Khanna was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 17th July 1954. He has served in a number of fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Air Force and is a qualified pilot attack instructor. He has also served in a Command Headquarters as a Command Flight Safety Officer. Since November, 1970, Wing Commander Kailash Chandra Khanna has been serving in a fighter bomber squadron, and has been the Commander of the Squadron for most of the period. He took a series of measures and brought the squadron to a high state of operational preparedness. The Squadron under the inspiring leadership of Wing Commander Kailash Chandra Khanna, played a major part in providing air support to the Army in the Chhamb Sector. His personal example and detailed briefing of his pilots on the tactics they were to adopt were largely responsible for their successes. He led 13 offensive missions himself, resulting in the destruction of a number of tanks, gun positions, enemy strong points and warlike stores.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kailash Chandra Khanna has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Kasi Gopala Radhakrishnan was commissioned in April, 1953 in the erstwhile Technical Armament Branch of the Indian Air Force. After serving in a number of training units, operational wings and squadrons, he was taken on the staff of an Operational Command, and later at Air Headquarters. During recent Operation against Pakistan, Wing Commander Kasi Gopala Radhakrishnan was the Chief Technical Officer of an Air Force Base. It was because of his personal supervision, hard work and unremitting effort, as well as his professional skill, that the aircraft of the Base were maintained in a high state of operational readiness. During the hostilities, a number of damaged aircraft were repaired in record time, frequently overnight, so that they were available for operations the next day.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kasi Gopala Radhakrishnan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Keshavamurthy Ramachandra Rao (3793) was commissioned in the Technical Signals Branch of the Indian Air Force of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has attended a number of specialist and staff course in Indian and abroad, in which his performance has been of the highest order. He was awarded the Woods of Colchester Prize in 1962 for standing first in his course at the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield (UK) thus bringing credit to the Air Force and the nation.

After holding a wide variety of appointments at units, Repair Depots and Air Headquarters, Wing Commander Rao has been on deputation to the Indian Space Research Organisation since May 1965. Till recently, he was Director of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station, Ahmedabad. In addition to his responsibilities as Director ESCES, he was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the Arvi Satellite Communication Earth Station for the Department of Communication. Wing Commander Ra has a flair for tackling projects involving new technology and the challenging task of setting up of the Arvi Station provided him an opportunity to utilize his technical knowledge, professional skill, creative mind and sound and thorough organizing ability. In setting up the Arvi Station, Wing Commander Rao accomplished a very important task. The most important single unit made for the first time in India, namely a large 97 ft. steerable antenna involving sophisticated engineering, has been completed in record time and has met and, in some particulars, exceeded all technical performance requirements. His pioneering work has put Indian on the space communication map.

Wing Commander Keshavamurthy Ramachandra Rao has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore John Dunbar Aquino (1777) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1941. In 1945, he was commended for his valuable services in the Air Force and later Mentioned­in­Despatches for his gallantry during the Indo- Pakistan conflict of 1947.

During his long and distinguished career he had the distinction of commanding five stations in addition to having served as Senior Officer-in-charge Administration of an Operational Command. In March, 1970, Air Commodore Aquino took over as the first Commandant of the Air Force Academy which was then in its early stages of formation. He displayed great perseverance and determination in ensuring the successful launching of this prestigious project despite heavy odds. It was because of his indefatigable efforts and tenacity of purpose that the Academy was able to start Flying Training In January, 1971.

Throughout his career, Air Commodore John Dunbar Aquino has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Virendra Mohan Bhatnagar (3067) wag commissioned as a Pilot in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1945. He has attended a number of important courses abroad and at the Defence Services Staff College, where he has also completed a tenure as the Chief Instructor. During his career he has hold a variety of important administrative and instructional appointments.

For the last two years, he has held the important assignment of Director of Plans a and Programmes, He has always applied himself with extraordinary energy and determination to all tasks entrusted to him. He displayed initiative of the highest order, in formulating AVSM 1972-73 the Long Term Re­equipment Plans of the Air Force as also the Roll­on Plans. The procedures and systems evolved by him have been of great assistance in implementing this new concept in planning.

Throughout, Air Commodore Virendra Mohan Bhatnagar has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.