Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Mehta was on the posted strength of a transport Squadron for two years and was employed in the capacity of Flight Commander. Unmindful of his personal comfort, he ceaselessly worked for long hours in coordinating and supervising the air maintenance task given to the squadron and completed it ahead of schedule. He himself flew a total of over 900 hours, out of which 550 hours were flown on operational missions in Nagaland and Mizoram. He has to his credit, a total of 4,784 hours of flying out of which 2,010 hours have been flown on operational missions over mountainous terrain and under adverse weather condition. He is an 'A' category transport pilot with Master Green instrument rating. With his professional competence and organisining ability, he has brought about all round improvement in the categorisation state of pilots in the squadron. He accompanied them on such flights, trained them and brought them up for categorization. His personal involvement has motivated his subordinates to give their best to the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Mehta has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon has been commanding a Helicopter Flight since 5th December, 1975. During his tenure, the unit has undertaken ever-increasing commitments in connection with the Oil and Natural Gas Commission's off-shore tasks, the successful completion of which have brought laurels to the Air Force. Undeterred by the shortage of pilots, Squadron Leader Dhillon himself took the heavy flying commitments and carried out 600 hours of flying on support mission in connection with the drilling operations of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission.

As Unit Commander, Squadron Leader Dhillon ensured all personnel under him worked as a team and completed all tasks assigned to them to the complete satisfaction of the higher authorities. He has flown over 150 sorties on duties connected with the transportation of dignitaries in far-flung areas of the country as well as abroad. He has to his credit a total of 5,200 hours of flying on jets and helicopters.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

On 21st May, 1977, while on an instruc tional sortie in local flying area on an aircraft, Squadron Leader Swaran Singh Banga experienced a flame out at a height of 2500 meters as a result of technical failure. Relighting efforts were not successful. There was sufficient height for safe ejection by both occupants of the aircraft. But in older to save the valuable aircraft, Squadron Leader Banga decided to force land on a runway under construction at a critical distance. He remained fully composed throughout the emergency and executed a well judged forcedlanding against heavy odds which included manoeuvering skillfully to avoid bulldozers playing on the runway just seconds before touchdown.

In this action, Squadron Leader Swaran Singh Banga displayed outstanding courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Thakur Ramanuj Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October. 1966. He has to his credit a total of 2,740 hours of accident-free flying. On 14th October, 1977, Flight Lieutenant Singh was ordered to evacuate Sir Edmund Hillary, the Everest Hero and the leader of the "Ocean to Sky Expedition", who was reportedly lying critically ill near Manna helipad. Flight Lieutenant Singh immediately got airborne and, using his professional skill and immaculate planning, reached the helipad in a record time. On arrival at the helipad, be was told that Sir Edmund Hillary was lying at the base camp, located at approximately 17,5000 feet above mean sea level on Nar Parbat. The weather was extremely turbulent and the whole area between 11,500 and 19,000 feet was covered with clouds. In utter disregard to his own safety, he got airborne and made an attempt to reach the base camp. He exhibited exceptional skill in this search but his efforts were thwarted due to clouds near the base camp. He continued to make efforts to rescue Sir Edmund Hillary till the last light when he was forced to return.

On 15th October, 1977, Flight Lieutenant Singh was detailed to fly as a co-pilot for the same mission. The helicopter got airborne at first light. Weather condition by now had slightly improved and the crew reconnoitered the area. After 15 minutes of flying, it was Flight Lieutenant Singh, who first located Sir Edmund Hillary at a height of 17,500 feet above mean sea level. With a continuous commentary, he assisted the captain in bringing the helicopter to hover close to the casualty. The terrain did not permit a landing or winching. Disregarding his personal safety, Flight Lieutenant Singh jumped out of the hovering aircraft and assisted Sir Edmund Hillary to board the hovering aircraft and got in after him. Thereafter, he made Sir Edmund Hillary comfortable and also helped the Captain in flying the aircraft back to base.

Flight Lieutenant Thakur Ramanuj Singh displayed high standard of flying skill, exemplary courage and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Mirza Murtuza Ali is posted as Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit since 5th January, 1975. He has been responsible for execution of all flying task of the unit as well as training or aircrew. This being a type conversion unit of the Air Force, it fell on Flight Lieutenant Ali, to organise and execute conversion of the pilots. Besides supervision, this entailed a tremendous amount of instructional work, both in the air and on the ground. He devoted himself, whole-heartedly to the task and with his professional skill, perseverance and sustained hard work was able to train 25 pilots on type, which is an exceptionally high number by any standards. He involved himself closely with all aspects of flying activities in the unit. With his effective supervision, he contributed significantly towards the unit's performance of 2214 hours of accident free flying in 1976. He set an example to his colleagues and juniors by flying 631 hours himself during the same period. He holds a current B/ Master Green category.

Flight Lieutenant Mirza Murtuza Ali has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Master Warrant Officer Jagdish Chandra Munjal has been working as a Flight Signaller in a transport squadron of the Air Force since June, 1973. He has a total of 9800 hours of flying to his credit, out of which 2320 hours are on operational flying. He has always been in forefront in carrying out all arduous and difficult missions and has set a very high standard of airmanship. It is mainly due to his relentless efforts and untiring zeal that he achieved the rare distinction of flying a total of over 720 hours in one year and of' over 2100 hours on transport aircraft in three years.

Waster Warrant Officer Jagdish Chandra Munjal has thus displayed professional competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Manjit Singh, Dhillon was commissioned in the Air Force in 1963. He has undergone advanced Helicopter courses in foreign countries and is in command of a Helicopter Base at present. He has over 4500 hours helicopter flying to his credit. He has taken part in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts. He was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971.

The Bhagirathi river experienced unprecedented floods during August, 1978. Wing Commander Manjit Singh Dhillon conducted the relief operations and under his guidance, 35 tons of food and other supplies were airlifted to stranded pilgrims within a short period. He also directed the evacuation of 362 old and infirm pilgrims and parties of school and college students.

Immediately after the floods in the Bhagirathi river, on the night of 3rd September, 1978, All India Radio broadcast a warning of expected floods in the areas adjoining Sharanpur, Kamal and Delhi. Wing Commander Manjit Singh Dhillon anticipated that there would be a requirement of relief operations in the Western UP area. He, therefore, immediately mounted Helicopter Flights to monitor the flow of water in the river Yamuna and, thereafter, directed relief and supply dropping missions in the Western UP and the Haryana sectors till the floods in the Yamuna receded. Throughout the period of relief operations commencing from the middle of August, 1978, till their completion in mid September, 1978, Wing Commander Dhillon worked tirelessly and it was by his singular determination and dauntless efforts tint relief was provided in the shortest possible time to the affected areas.

Throughout these operations, Wing Commander Manjit Singh Dhillon has displayed initiative, professional competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Venkataraman Shankar has been the Officer Commanding of a Packet Squadron since 29th April, 1976. Ever since he took over Command of the Squadron, he realised the need to activate his team into a wellknit and cohesive force. As a result, the Squadron has been able to meet all operational and training Commitments that were entrusted to it and has achieved an excellent state of operational status. A man with strong love for flying and decisive and poised in handling emergencies, he was successful in maintaining the morale of the officers and men of his Squadron very high. As a pilot, he has to his credit a total of 6800 hours of accident/incident free flying and 3900 hours of purely operational flying in both Eastern and Northern Sectors. He stands fully qualified for operations in J&K, Ladakh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh where flying calls for the most stringent standards of professional competence and acumen. By his keen insight into the working of men and material and capability to quickly anlayse situations, he has been able to bring the aircraft serviceability state of his Squadron to an all time high. It is during his stewardship that the Squadron has been adjudged the best Squadron for Flight Safety and has been awarded the Flight Safety Trophy for the year 1977. He has achieved the highest 'A' /Master Green on three different aircraft and has maintained this status for the past 14 years.

Wing Commander Venkataraman Shankar has thus displayed leadership, high professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Kamal Khanna was detailed on the 12th August, 1977, to carry out engine check on a Gnat aircraft. While carrying out aerobatics, he noticed that Jet Pipe Temperature was high. He decided to return to base. While returning, he experienced buffeting of the nose, revolutions per minute unwinding and JPT going up against the stop. This engine failure was coupled with hydraulic failure and oil pressure dolls eye turning white. Despite so many emergencies, Wing Commander Kamal Khanna kept cool and decided to force land the aircraft on the airfield instead of ejecting. He handled this serious emergency with utmost competence and landed the aircraft safely.

In this action Wing Commander Kamal Khanna displayed exemplary courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Perepu Sreerama Murthy joined the Air Force in 1962. In November, 1975, he took over as Chief Engineering Officer of a Transport Wing. By his managerial capability and sound professional knowledge, he made a creditable contribution towards a high rate of serviceability and flight operation of ageing Dakota aircraft.

On learning about the loss of contact with the aircraft with Prime Minister on 4th November, 1977, Squadron Leader Murthy mobilised, with commendable speed, specialist and other vehicles with adequate manpower and equipment to proceed to the crash site for rescue work. On arrival at the crash site, he set forth to secure safety of the aircraft systems to prevent any explosion or outbreak of fire. Without any loss of time, he got the area, soaked with spilled fuel around the aircraft, cleared of all rescue and security personnel approaching with naked flames and kerosene lamps. Undeterred by the risk involved, he manoeuvred through the narrow passages, surrounded by sharp and twisted structures, inside the crashed aircraft and isolated the sources of electrical power and also ensured that no risk of explosion existed from the charged bottles. Despite unsafe access to the fuel tanks, due to the aircraft resting on its belly and the darkness, he managed to plug damaged fuel lines.

A crash tender and an ambulance struck in the slushy and damaged track had blocked the narrow approach to the crash site. This blockage affected the rescue operation to the extent that even the car carrying the Prime Minister was held up for nearly half an hour. Squadron Leader Murthy arranged for the recovery vehicles, equipment and manpower and got the blockage cleared to enable movement of all rescue vehicles and thus ensured speedy execution of the rescue operations.

In this action, Squadron Leader Perepu Sreerama Murthy displayed courage, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Harbinder Singh Sidhu has been on the posted strength of a Packet Aircraft Squadron since January, 1974. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and has been instructing on Packet aircraft since March, 1973. He has amassed an enviable total of 4168 flying hours to his credit, out of which 1100 hours are on instructional flights. He has considerably improved the operational and categorization state of the Squadron. As a result, the Squadron not only cleared the back log in training of pilots caused due to grounding of Packet aircraft but also achieved the distinction of second best categoriscd squadron amongst all the transport squadrons in the Air Force for the year 1977.

On the 6th April, 1978, during a night dual check sortie, he encountered a rare emergency not known in the history of Packet flying. While going round at 300 feet Advanced Ground Landing, when the flaps were raised to take off position, the starboard outboard flap linkage gave way shifting the starboard outboard flap to the right which lifted the starboard aileron and acted as a lock to the aileron controls. The aircraft viciously rolled to the starboard. Undeterred by the seriousness of the situation, he maintained his presence of mind, decided to reduce power on port engine, landed on the runway with the help of rudders alone and saved the aircraft and the precious lives of the crews from an impending disaster. In an earlier accident, he gave a similar account of his high professional skill and cool headedness by crash landing on the runway at night when his aircraft was not able to maintain height due to runway propeller soon after take off'.

Squadron Leader Harbinder Singh Sidhu thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Ashok Anand Thosar has been in an operational Helicopter Unit in Western Sector since May, 1976. He has to his credit 3600 hours of living, out of which 2500 accident free hours have been on helicopters mainly over inhospitable terrain. Under his leadership, his unit, accomplished all operational tasks with great success and achieved the distinction of winning Flight Safety Trophy for the year 1977 for the Accident Free Flying record.

He has successfully undertaken innumerable operational missions, which included VIP commitments, logistic support, relief operations and casualty evacuations. During August, 1977, he gave an excellent account of his professional skill as a Chetak Helicopter Team Leader while conducting Flood Relief Operations in Delhi Area. Again, on 4th September, 1977, he evacuated a dangerously ill Army Jawan from an unprepared and restricted helipad at a height of 13,500 feet and saved a valuable life.

Squadron Leader Ashok Anand Thosar has thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Goplasamudram Mahadevan Viswanathan was commissioned in the Air Force in December, 1964. He has been performing the duties of a flight commander in a front line supersonic fighter Squadron since July, 1976.

He has to his credit 1980 hours of flying on various types of aircraft, of these 1625 hours are on jet fighters. He has maintained an accident-free flying record and it is for this unblemished performance that the he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff on the 26th January, 1975.

On the 16th March, 1978, at about 1100 hours while Squadron Leader Viswanathan was performing the duties of Senior Flying Supervisor in the Air Traffic at a Station, a fighter pilot was coming in for a landing after his training sortie. A bird hit the aircraft at a very low height just a few second before landing. The young pilot decided to eject and transmitted his intentions on the Radio telephone. Squadron Leader Viswanathan, who was fully attentive, realised that the aircraft was at too low a height to permit a safe ejection. Without loosing even a fraction of a second, he advised the pilot to force land straight ahead and thereafter guided him on Radio telephone about the forced landing. His alertness on duty and sound judgment helped in saving the valuable life of a young pilot as well as a valuable aircraft.

Squadron Leader Gopalasamudram Maha devan Viswanathan thus displayed exemplary professional competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Shailendra Pratap Singh has been on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since November 1976. He has a record of nearly 1800 accident-free flying hours. He has flown nearly 400 hours during 1978, a major portion of which was on operational role.

During the flood relief operations in August-September, 1979, Flight Lieutenant Shailendra flew nearly 100 hours on flood relief sorties in Kanpur, Lucknow and Varanasi. As an independent detachment commander, he ensured maximum possible flying sorties to make the relief work more effective. In utter disregard to his personal comforts, he carried out his task in a purposeful manner. He also worked hard for long hours to complete his assignment.

Flight Lieutenant Shailendra Pratap Singh has thus displayed high determination, professional competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Bijender Singh Siwach was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1970. He has served, with credit, in various Helicopter units ever since his commission. At present he is performing the duties of a Flight Adjutant in an Air OP Squadron. The officer has been an asset to the Squadron and on more than one occasion, he has performed flying tasks out-side the call of his normal duties.

On the 7th July, 1977, Flight Lieutenant Siwach was called upon to rescue five casualties of an Army Mountaineering Expedition from Mun Kun peak area in Shafat Glaciers. The pilot had no previous knowledge of the terrain and used his professional skill to locate and evacuate casualties from an altitude of 17,000 feet. This hazardous task was performed in the face of adverse climatic conditions and he had to carry out three sorties to evacuate the five serious casualties. This flying operation took over six hours.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Bijender Singh Siwach displayed high professional competence, determination, courage, and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Junior Warrant Officer Khaman Singh Subba was posted as the JWO in-charge of the Helicopter Detachment. On the 2nd September, 1979, there was only one helicopter with the Detachment and it was utilised to carry out flood relief operations in and around Midnapore town in West Bengal between 1430 hours and 1800 hours. Servicing and float fitment were carried out on this helicopter till early morning on 3rd September, 1978, and the relief operations were further intensified with the arrival of 5 more Chetaks that day. The Detachment, with its fleet of 6 helicopters, actively participated in the flood relief operations till 9th September, 1978 and earned appreciation from all concerned.

All this achievement was possible because of the untiring efforts put in by Junior Warrant Officer Subba in maintaining these aircraft. By his tact and professional skill, he effectively utilised the meagre resources and limited manpower available to him. He kept up the morale of his men high by personal example. He remained with them for long hours and guided and supervised their activities which resulted in quick and systematic turn-round of the helicopters.

Junior Warrant Officer Khaman Singh Subba thus displayed determination, leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Inder Puri was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1962. Right from his initiation in service, his immaculate performance as a transport pilot became evident and it was recognised by the award of Vayu Sena Medal during the Kutch operation in 1965. Upto 1966, he had logged over a thousand operational hours to his credit.

He successfully completed the flying Instructor's course in 1967 and did valuable instructional tenures at Elementary Flying School, Air Force Flying College and Transport Training Wing, logging over a thousand instructional hours till 1971. For his outstanding contribution in training, he was awarded the commendation by the Air Officer Commanding­in­Chief, Training Com mand, in August, 1971.

As Officer Commanding of the Air Delivery Flight during Indo-Pak conflict, 1971, he maintained a continuous life line for logistic and maintenance support to the front line Squadrons in the Eastern and the Western Sectors. For this act of outstanding devotion to duty, the officer was mentioned in 'Despatches'. In 1972, he was specially selected as a Captain and deputed to Air Wing of the Border Security Force. He was instrumental in organising the Air Wing of the Para-Military force and carried out difficult and, at times, onerous assignments satisfactorily. In recognition of his meritorious services, the Border security Force granted him an unpaid rank of Commandant during his tenure.

In 1975 Wing Commander Puri graduated from Staff College. In January, 1977, while at Headquarters Central Air Command, he was awarded n commendation by Air Officer Commanding­in­Chief for his outstanding performance and professional ability for over 1800 hours of accident free flying since 1970. During the unprecedented floods in river Indus in August, 1978, by meticulous planning and, by inspiring his men in-spite of the vagaries of nature, difficult terrain and bad weather, he organised 270 relief sorties in one fortnight. He not only won the platitude of over 100 people evacuated from the jaws of death but of service. This performance proved that Leh was no longer a dreaded Station.

Wing Commander Inder Puri's contribution towards sports has also been outstanding. He captained the National Defence Academy Team (1960), represented Air Force for nearly a decade and represented service in the Ranji Trophy.

Wing Commander Inder Puri has thus displayed exceptional professional skill and ability, undaunted determination and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Anil Tipnis took over the command of an Air Force Squadron in July, 1977, when it was decided to phase out the Gnat and re­equip the Squadron with MiG-BIS aircraft. He was also required to move his Squadron to its new location. At the new location, while sorting out the numerous administrative problems relating to re-settlement he, simultaneously, undertook the task of equipping his unit with new aircraft. He formulated every detail concerning the collection of aircraft and the ground and test equipment, and organised his Squadron into an efficient unit for training of aircrew and technicians. It was due to his dedication and inspiring leadership that his fledgling Squadron accomplished the significant achievement of accident-free flying in the first year of its re-equipment and turned out five pilots fully operational and seven other pilots operational by day. Within a short period of nine months of its change over to MiG BIS aircraft, it was required to take part in the Western Air Command Armament Meet 'Arjuna 78'. Despite the limited experience of its personnel on the new aircraft, the Squadron displayed commendable performance at the Armament meet. The planning, organisational and man­management capabilities of Wing Commander Tipnis have been above average. The commendable contribution of his professional competence is that he has maintained an accident free record right from the beginning. His unit has also achieved 100 % serviceability twice during this year.

Wing Commander Anil Tipnis has thus displayed high professional skill 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.

Squadron Leader Sivaramakrishnan Kalyanaraman was posted to Helicopter Training School in April, 1971. Within a period of ten months, he has flown 310 hours and has conducted two conversion courses and two ad-hoc conversion courses, without any suspensions. His excellent leadership has enabled the Helicopter Training School to complete a total of 3844:50 hours of accident/ incident free flying during 1977 as a result of which the school won the Headquarters Training Command Flight Safety Trophy. In November, 1978, the unit was called upon to send a detachment of two helicopters for Cyclone relief operation to Sri Lanka. The detachment, which was led by Squadron Leader Kalyanaraman, flew 163 missions and dropped over 1,00,000 pounds of food and medicine packets to the cyclone affected people. He himself flew 85 missions. During the relief operation, he had to put in nearly 18 hours every day for over a period of thirteen days.

Squadron Leader Sivaramakrishnan Kalayanaraman has thus displayed professional skill, high qualifies of leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Surjit Singh has flown over 2500 hours during his 15 year of service. He has been a Flight Commander and Fighter Combat Leader for over four years and during that period he trained a large number of pilots to operational status. Since January, 1970, he has flown over 1600 hours in 2325 sorties on MiG aircraft. Throughout this period, he had an accident free record.

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

Squadron Leader Kenneth Oswell John, who was on the posted strength of an Air Force Squadron from February, 1976, to November, 1978, was employed on operational flying duties in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland areas. He was a keen flier and undertook arduous flying commitments at odd hours even at the cost of his personal comforts. He had flown 1,060 hours during such a short tenure in the unit. This is an achievement of this competence as a Flying (Pilot). He has to his credit a total of 3917 hours of flying, out of which 1340 hours were flown in operational areas. His zeal, hard work and high sense of devotion to duty, which had attained for him an above average professional standard, had been a source of inspiration for others.

He was assigned the responsibilities of Flight Commander, Squadron Detachment Com mander and Training Officer with a view to utilising his high flying abilities and experience. As Flight Commander, he introduced systematic working in the Flight Office which increased the efficiency of the aircrew and reduced their fatigue. As detachment Commander, he ably tackled all administrative and welfare problems of his men and prompted them by his personal example, to achieve high competence in flying. As Training officer, he raised the professional status of his pilots by his able guidance and intensive training schedule which improved the overall operational status of the unit.

Besides his contribution towards raising the flying standard, Squadron Leader Oswell John was also closely associated with the extra curricular activities of his Squadron. A keen sportsman himself, he always took active part in the sports activities and, consequently, his Squadron earned good name on the Station. His strong attachment to sports is evident from the fact that the officer collapsed on the field during the annual sports events from which he could not recover.

Squadron Lender Kenneth Oswell John thus displayed high professional still, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Sergeant Raj Narain Choubey was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in April. 1965. He has been serving at an Air Force Wing since October, 1977.

A Ten Ton Coles Crane had been lying at the Air Force Station for the last five years for want of repairs. With its rotten wiring and its unserviceable electrical components, it was not possible to put it back on load without proper know-how and wiring diagram. Local market is of no help. Realising that M/s Tractor India Ltd., the only firm dealing with this type of crane, had quoted Rs. 360/- per day, over and above the air fare from Calcutta and back as charge for their Engineer to survey the crane, it was decided to back-load the crane as beyond economical repairs.

It was at this stage that Sergeant Choubey volunteered to repair the machine. It was a remarkable achievement of his ingenuity that, single handedly, he completed all the wiring and repaired all the unserviceable electrical components of the crane. He, thereby, not only made available a reliable crane, an essential equipment for an Air Force Station, but also effected considerable saving in Government expenditure.

There was a high rate of unserviceability of MT Vehicles on the Station and most of the vehicles suffered from frequent breakdowns because of short circuiting and other electrical snags. In August, 1978, Sgt. Choubey undertook this uphill task. He set up an electrical bay in the Mechanical Transport Repair and Servicing and rigged up facilities, within local resources, for testing, fault finding and repair of almost all ranges of assorted type of Generator, Dynamos, Starters and Voltage Regulators. During his tenure not a single Voltage Regulator, Starter and Generator was sent for local repairs except for rewinding. Apart from saving considerable sum of public money, the delays normally caused due to repairs in the local market were avoided. Prompt and quick rectification helped in sustaining cent per cent serviceability of the electrical systems in the vehicles.

Sergeant Raj Narain Choubey has thus displayed very high professional skill, determination and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar has been in Command of an operational supersonic fighter squadron since May, 1979. He was commissioned in December, 1960 and has since held a number of important appointments.

During his active squadron service, he acquired a fully operational status on jet fighters which included Vampire, Hunter, Gnat and MiG-21. He has to his credit 2000 accident free flying hours on these aircraft. By dint of hard work, he has completed the Pilot Attack Instructor, the Fighter Combat Leader, and the Defence Services Staff College Courses. His performance during Indo-Pak Conflicts, 1965 and 1971 was commendable. He was appointed founder member of Tactics and Development Establishment and served as flying inspector at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. During this period he endeavoured for and achieved high standards of combat training. As inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, he raised the operational readiness and effectiveness of our fighter squadrons through his personal supervision and guidance.

On his return from a tenure abroad, he was put in Command of an operational MiG21 Squadron where he worked hard to build up the combat potential of his Squadron. As a result, his Squadron achieved the distinction of being as the second­best Squadron for Instrument Rating Trophy.

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar thus displayed professional skill, qualities of able leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu was serving as a Flight Commander in a fighter Squadron before he took over as Commding Officer of another fighter Squadron from 18th October 1979. During his tenure as a senior Flight Commander, he smoothly accomplished the re-equipment of his Squadron by a more sophisticated aircraft. Through his organizing ability and dedicated efforts, the Sqaudron achieved operational status within a few months and successfully completed its Air Defence duties on deployment under an operational group for over two months from February to April 1979.

Subsequently as Squadron Commander he ensured for his Squadon a very high standard of operational efficiency and an accident free record. Earlier, during the period 1967 to 1969, he was commended thrice by the Chief of the Air Staff and once each by AOCin­C Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarters 1 Ops Group, for high performance and dedication.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill, a pilot with many accomplishments, has to his credit over 9000 accident free hours. He was commissioned in 1962 and was one of the few young pilots in 1963 to be selected for conversion training in a foreign country. He attained the status of a fully operational pilot with a 'B' 'Green' category with a year. He consolidated his flying experience and flew over 2000 hours as Captain mostly in the operational areas of J & K. This valuable experience gained by him helped in formulating the Standard Operating Procedures which are at present in use for safe flying in these areas.

In 1967, Squadron Leader Gill became a qualified flying instructor. During this tenure he flew a total of 3000 instructional hours. During Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he participated in several bombing missions on the front. Due to shortage of Qualified Flying Instructors in the Squaron, he was entrusted with additional tas of training new pilots, which he carried out competently.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill has thus displayed professional competence and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has to his credit a total of 3900 hours of accident free flying sicne January 1970 of which 500 hours were flown in the Eastern Sector alone. During 1971 operations, while posted as the Adjutant of an Air Observation Post Flight, he voluntarily undertook seventeen operational sorties in Krishak Aircraft.

Within a short period of 5 years as a flying instructor, Squdron Leader Naidu flew 1620 instructional hours on the Kiran and HS-748 Aircraft. In his present tenure of three years at Transport Training Wing, he has flown over 2000 hours while simultaneously carrying out supervisory duties as Flight Commander and, at time, as Chief Flying Instructor. He has displayed a missionary zeal in training his pupil and put in devoted and concerted effort to improve their professional standard, both on the ground and in the air. His achievements besides his large numbers of flying hours include Routine Transport Role category "A/ Master Green", Instructional Category 'A-2' and Command Examiner on HS-748 aircraft.

As a supervisor and Command Examiner, Squadron Leader Naidu discharged his duties most effectively. Within the short span of his tenure, he enabled his trainees, staff pilots and instructors in the Unit to achieve a high standard of operational status. He has also contributed to a great extent in updating the standard Operational Procedures, Training Notes and in Standardised Flying Procedures, which have greatly enhanced the efficiency of the unit.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilties and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon was serving with a Transport Squadron since January 1975 before he took over as Flight Engineer Leader on 1st January 1980. He qualified as a Flight Engineer in October 1955 and has since been employed in various operational units and types of transport aircraft. He has flown a total of over 8,300 hours on different types of aircraft including over 2000 hours on operational missions.

Master Warrant Officer Menon has been holding 'A' category on Super Constellation aircraft since 1977. As a Flight Engineer, he displayed a very high degree of professional skill and devotion to duty. His professional knowledge and presence of mind enbled him to tae timely action during inflight emergencies, contributed greatly to the high Flight Safety record of the Squadron and was appreciated by the Air Headquarters. On several occasions, he provided able guidance to ground technicians in rectifying snags especially at out stations. His high professional competence has enabled the Squadron to meet various commitments in time.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon has thus displayed profesioanl competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay was commissioned on the 31st May, 1961. Since then he has been in various fighter Squadrons. On assuming command of a supersonic squadron in July 1979, Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay took stock of his resources and with single mindedness, meticulous planning and optimum utilization of each resource, he was able to complete 200 hours of inspection on almost all his new aircraft which had fallen due for inspection at the same period. Due to this faultless planning, the serviceability has gradually picked up and for the last year it was at an all time high figure of 70.13% average. His unit has also achieved 100% serviceability five times during this period. During this period, the Squadron achieved a flying output of 2943 hours. This entire flying has been achieved without a single accident and the Squadron has maintained accident­free record for the last three years. The Squadron won the Arjuna 1979 trophy for being the best fighter Squadron in the Western Air Command in interSquadron Gunnery Meet and was adjudged the fighter Squadron for 1979 of WAC. In 1980, this Squadron also had an accident-free year and won two trophies the first for being the best Fighter Squadron in WAC and another for being best in Maintenance.

On 9th February, 1981, Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay was leading a medium level strike mission in front guns for ex­Arjuna. After pulling out of the dive, after a front gun attack on SK Range he heard a thud on his aircraft. He experienced a high frequency vibrations setting in and he decided to turn to base giving a call that he suspected a hit by bullet ricochet. He climbed up and decided to carry out an immediate landing by doing a descending circuit. He lowered his undercarriage in line with the landing dumb­bell. He commenced his turn on to finals and throttled back to 85% RPM at 1.3 Km with the intention of lowering full flaps after having turned and aligned with the runway. As soon as he throttled back, he heard a cracking sound from the rear. At this stage, his engine flamed out. At the time of flame out, the height was 1.3 Km. He immediately put the relight switch "ON" observing his height, distance out and speed that the relight would at least take 15 to 20 seconds, he decided to eject. The aircraft was pointing towards the domestic area of HALWARA airfield. He turned right, pulled the aircraft up gently and when the aircraft was facing the green fields, he ejected. Wing Commander Sahay avoided a catastrophe by turning away from populated area. By this courageous act, in such a critical stage, Wing Commander Sahay has set a brilliant example of this presence of mind, bravery and professional acumen.

Wing Commander Sahay has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership, courage and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishna swamy was in Command of one the fighter Squadrons since January, 1978. He has a total flying of 3300 hours on 29 different type of aircraft. He is a test pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader of very high caliber.

As the Commanding Officer of a Squadron, he converted both flights equipped with different type of aircraft on the specialized role in a very short time of just seven months. All Squadron aircrew were also made fully operational during the same period. Also under his able leadership the Squadron trained large number of the pilots on Fighter Combat Leader course in specialized role, which has resulted in great improvements in Fighter tactics in the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force on 21st June, 1960. During the two decades of his dedicated service, he has held various important and challenging appointments with distinction. For this outstanding contribution in the raising of a modern base repair dept, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977. As Deputy Director incharge of maintenance of MiG-21 fleet since July 1978, his whole hearted involvement, intelligent planning and effective management of the weapon system have yielded remarkable results.

Wing Commander Madhava Rao found that a large number of aircraft were falling due for replacement of nose and main undercarriages on life expiry. He arranged for fatigue tests to be carried out within the country, as a result of which it was possible to safely increase the life of the undercarriages to coincide with the life expiry of aircraft. Thus, grounding of a large number of aircraft was avoided and savings of several lakhs of rupees in foreign exchange was affected.

A large number of costly components of MiG-21 aircraft were nearing completion of calendar life specified by the manufacturers. Wing Commander Madhava Rao initiated an extensive programme of scientific tests and trials for ascertaining the safe calendar life of these components. As a result of this extraordinary measure, it was possible to fix the calendar life to 15 years and thereby improve the availability of rotoables for smooth sustenance of the fleet.

A very serious problem, which had almost defied solution, was that of corrosion of MiG engines in the saline atmosphere of the Air Force Stations. Wing Commander Madhava Rao arranged close monitoring of various preventive methods on the engine. Finally, with the help of the specialists of HAL, a long term solution has been evolved. Implementation of this preventive measure has shown very encouraging results. Having carried out a detailed study of the various causes of engine flame out, Wing Commander Madhava Rao has initiated a number of pre ventive and corrective measures in conjunc tion with the manufacturers, overhaul agency and the operating units. During the past nine months, there has not been a single case of engine flame out in the air or on the ground. He has served the cause of MiG-21 fleet in exemplary manner.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of exceptional order.

Group Captain Om Kumar Chhabra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 7th February, 1959. He has to his credit over 7300 Hours of accident-free flying, out of which over 2500 hours have been in maritime role and over 3000 hours on instructional flying. He had the distinction of being awarded Master Green rating as a young pilot in less than six years of service on super constellation aircraft. He has, today, the distinction of being one of the few A­1 instructors in the Air Force. In addition, he holds 'A' Master Green on Dakotas, Super Constellations and HS-748 which, in the Air Force, is the highest achievement, a pilot can aspire for.

Group Captain Chhabra has been commanding one of the transport squadrons since July, 1979. Since October, 1979, shortage of aviation gas of 100/130 octane began to have an adverse effect. It was therefore decided to induct HS-748 for air maintenance role. Though the serial trials on this aircraft have been carrying out since 1972, no conclusive data was available to find out the fitness of this aircraft for this purpose. The challenging task of finding out its feasibility for operations in the Eastern Sector was entrusted to Group Captain Chhabra. He carried out the trials flying in narrow valleys and difficult terrain, even in turbulent conditions. It was because of the dedication to duty and flying acumen of the officer that the worthiness of this aircraft is now being effectively utilized for air maintenance operations/role.

Group Captain Om Kumar Chhabra has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Manmohan Singh Vasudeva was commissioned in May, 1961. During the past twenty years he has achieved fully operational status on three different fighter aircraft, namely Hunter, Gnat and MiG-21. The officer has more than 800 accident-free flying hours on MiG-21 aircraft. He has served in four MiG squadrons as senior pilot, Flight Commander and subsequently as Squadron Commander. Also, he has spent over a year and half on production testing flying five types of aircraft, including transport type. He has, in addition, successfully completed the Defence Services Staff College and Surface to Air Guided Weapon courses and is a Fighter Combat Leader of recognized repute.

In January, 1978, the officer was posted to a forward base as Chief Operations Officer. Undaunted by the handicap of being the only officer posted to Ops wing he undertook with drive and determination, the reorgisation of the entire Ops Wing to gear it to undertake fighter operations, continuing the air maintenance operations from the base amounting to the total task of the entire Air Command. Initially single-handed and later aided by another officer posted in as Station Flight Safety Officer, he set up the Base Ops Complex, including Strike Cell, Intelligence Room and Ground Liaison Section, initiated provisioning of arrester barriers and laying of soft ground arresters, and forced the pace for completion of the Airfield Lighting. The fact that the newly arrived fighter squadron won the Inter Unit Gunnery and Air Force Instrument Flying Trophy in that first year of its stay at the base speaks volumes for Wing Commander Vasudevas's exceptional Organisational ability, leadership and managerial skills.

Subsequently in November, 1979, he was appointed Squadron Commander of the same squadron. During his tenure in 1980 the Squadron with only half the strength of a fighter aircraft achieved the same amount of annual flying as in the previous three years. This noteworthy achievement was possible due to Wing Commander Vasudeva's personal example, great enthusiasm for flying his unlimited capacity for hard work and his outstanding leadership in the air and on the ground. In addition, there has been no aircraft accident on the Station during his tenure as COO, and in the squadron during his tenure as officer commanding. Considering the fact that nine different types of aircrafts operate daily from this base, this is an achievement worthy of special mention. Also, he has been responsible for the activation of the nearby Air to Ground Firing Range for night armament firing and has successfully trained many pilots in the difficult and specialized night strike role.

Wing Commander Manmohan Singh Vasudeva has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra Kaushik has been on the posted strength of the Helicopter Unit, Air Force, since 28th August, 1978. During a crisis due to shortage of fuel for Dakota and Caribou aircraft, the unit under his command was called upon to undertake the task of air maintenance in the entire Eastern region. He rose to the occasion and did a commendable job in keeping all the air maintained posts in the Sector supplied with essential commodities, equipment, in addition to other multifarious commitments like VVIP helilifts, flood relief operation and communication flights.

Wing Commander Kaushik was also instrumental in suggesting and eventually accomplishing the task of carrying out air maintenance operations from focal points closer to the air maintained posts, thereby reducing the flying time by 35 per cent to 50 per cent. He had also undertaken the task of training the pilots of a Helicopter Unit on Mi-8 Helicopters. He has been a pioneer on Mi-8 Helicopters ever since their evaluation and induction into the service. He has made a very valuable contribution into the firm establishment of standard operating procedures on the Mi-8 Helicopters.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra Kaushik has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Sridharan has been in Command of a Helicopter Unit since March, 1979. He has to his credit a total of 5300 hours of flying, out of which 4611 hours were flown without a single accident. He is a Flight Inspector and qualified Flying Instructor holding 'A' Category.

On the 20th September, 1980, one of the helicopters from his unit had met with an accident and had turned outside down in Nanak Sagar Lake. He was flying in the area and was aware of the fact that the four aircrew were marooned and one of them did not know swimming. He therefore, landing his helicopter in the shortest possible time next to the ill fated helicopter and directed his copilot to throw his turban to rescue the marooned aircrew. When this action failed, with great presence of mind, he manoeuvred his helicopter very close to the other helicopter and picked up all the four aircrew, two at a time. By this courageous action and total disregard for his personal safety, he saved the lives of four valuable aircrew.

Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Sridharan has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Ajit Singh Mann was on the posted strength of one of the transport Squadrons in the Eastern Sector for over four years. During his flying career he has flown over 5125 hours out of which 2805 were flown on operational commitments in the most hazardous and difficult mountainous terrain of Ladakh, Nagaland, NEFA, and Mizo Hills. This entire flying has been accident­free. He has carried out numerous trials of initial reconnaissance and acceptance of new dropping zones. Professionally he has achieved exceptional standard in instrument flying and upgraded his rating to Master Green. He is a Right Hand Seat Check Pilot who has been instrumental in training young Squadron Pilots and upgrading the operational qualifications of a large number of Pilots. He brought up the Pilot categorization state to 97.5% and has been maintaining it.

The Squadron has an accident­free record for the last three years with maximum flying hours to its credit. During this period the Squadron carried out 24,515 hours of flying and there was no other transport Squadron in the Air Force with such flying record. Squadron has won the flight safety trophy for the three consecutive years. This remarkable achievement has been primarily due to untiring efforts by him as senior most flight commander of the Squadron.

Wing Commander Ajit Singh Mann has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Shyam Sundar Singh Chauhan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2nd August, 1964. A keen and dedicated flier, he has flown over 2700 accident­free hours as Captain. During the period November, 1980 to January, 1981, he played a keen role in planning and execution of sensitive border survey tasks. Flying with tenacity and precision over rugged mountainous terrain, he brought back outstanding results. The information has been of great strategic value in updating our maps and has increased our knowledge of these inaccessible regions.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has been on the posted strength of a frontline supersonic squadron since 15th May, 1980. Assuming the responsibilities of a Senior Flight Commander he has constantly strived to improve the operational potential of the Squadron. He ensured that the equipment of the squadron to an advanced variant of MiG21 was expeditiously executed. Further, he organized and planned the squadron flying training in a systematic manner. As a tangible result of his carefully drafted training programme, 10 pilots were progressively to fully operational day and night status in the shortest possible time span possible. He was chiefly instrumental in achieving a record output of over 1700 hours of Squadron flying in little over eight months.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni was commissioned in May, 1965, and he stood first in his course for which he was awarded the Chief of Staff Medal. In subsequent professional courses such as Junior Commander's Course and Fighter Combat Leader's Course, he continued to maintain his top rank. For his flying skill of high order and excellent marksmanship in air to ground weaponry, he was awarded 'Jam Sataj Trophy' and 'Moolgavkar Trophy' respectively during the FCL Course. For professional competence, he was selected to instruct on the staff of the prestigious institution, Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. In recognition of his professional skill and Service, he was awarded commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief 1 (Operational) Group, Indian Air Force, in February, 1976 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in August, 1976. His combat skill was amply demonstrated in Indo-Pak war of 1971 when he shot down a supersonic F­104 Star Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force. For this act of conspicuous gallantry he was awarded Vir Chakra by the President.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has been on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots (BRD) since January 1978 as Officer i/c Test Flight. He is one of the few test Pilots qualified for production test flying on both Rotary Wing (Chetak and Cheetah) and Fixed Wing (Krishak, HT-2 and Otter) aircraft and probably the only test pilot currently employed in these multi type production testing duties. During the production year 1979-80, he test flew 31 aircraft and during 1980-81 36 aircraft single handed. During these two years, he has also test flown and cleared 77 storage aircraft which were ferried out from this depot to various units. During this period, he has test flown 1005 hours and has cleared a total of 105 production aircraft and 112 storage aircraft. This entire performance has been without a single incident or accident which speaks very highly of his superlative professional competence and exceptional airmanship.

During last two years this depot has not received a single complaint about produced aircraft from operators, which speaks volumes about the standard of flight testing for each aircraft. His exceptional devotion to duty, his dynamic and objective approach to problems, his personal involvement during rectification and human touch in dealing with technicians have been a constant source of inspiration to the technical personnel of this depot and have been in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar underwent No. 2 Experimental Test Pilots Course at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment in 1997-78. From October, 1978 to January, 1981, he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft System Testing Establishment. Being an A-2 category qualified flying instructor with considerable experience he was detailed as the project Pilot for HPT32 Piston engine basic trainer aircraft under development at HAL (Bangalore Complex). He took extremely active part in prototype Testing of this aircraft including high risk tests such as stalling, spinning, engine air starts with the propeller stopped and aerobatics. He used his experience to great advantage to offer very constructive suggestions and remedial measures to the designers at HAL. He also worked extremely hard with rare dedication to monitor the progress on the two prototype aircraft under testing. This often entailed working well beyond the normal working hours and flying at all hours of the day. In addition to the onerous responsibility of being the project pilot on HPT-32 aircraft, he carried out a number of service trials on Marut, Ajeet, Iskra and MiG aircraft. He was always eager to undertake new testing assignments without any regard to personal comfort or safety. He has accumulated 2277 hours of accident-free flying on 18 different types of aircraft and holds the highest instrument rating of Master Green.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

On 13th October, 1980, Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam was authorized to fly an instructional sortie with Flight Lieutenant DS Karnik in a Kiran aircraft. The sortie was to consist of Air Instruction exercises, general handling aerobatics and PFL. After getting airborne at 0700 hours the sortie proceeded uneventfully until the roller take off following a Practice Force Landing (PFL). After the roller take off, the aircraft turned onto downwind for an engine assisted approach and a full stop landing. With this in mind, the undercarriage had been left down. After rolling out on downwind, the pupil officer who had the control commenced vital actions. Just then a small thud was heard and this was followed by engine rumbling noise. The speed was seen to be decreasing. The pupil instinctively opened throttle to maintain speed but found no response to throttle movement. Realising the gravity of situation Squadron Leader Shyam immediately took over the controls. By this time they had flown just past the cross runway. Taking stock of serious situation, Squadron Leader Shyam immediately turned right to assess the possibility of forced landing on runway 30 failing which he decided that they would have to eject. At this time he realized that the engine had not flamed out and that a little partial power was still available. He skillfully maneuvered the aircraft on to approach and executed a safe landing on the cross runway.

Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Vikas Shridhar Krandikar is undergoing Test Pilot's Course (Rotary Wing) at Istres in France. On the 28th November, 1980, he took off in a helicopter, Alouette III, for a training sortie. The purpose of the training sortie was measurement of forces of flying controls when serves are switched off. The Crew of the helicopter included one test engineer Mr. Mouilleron (French National) and an experimentor Mr. Meyer (French National).

For exercise, the Pilot stablised at 2500' AGL with serves off. Flight Lieutenant Krandikar asked the test engineer to reduce the fuel flow to verify the effect of rotor RPM on the flying controls. The test engineer Mr. Mouillern erroneously pulled back the fuel flow lever (both these levers are situated side by side). This action of the engineer resulted in unforeseen and complete loss of power.

Flight Lieutenant Krandikar reacted correctly in the emergency. He put on the serves and commenced an auto rotation descent. During the descent, the engineer attempted a relight the engine but it was not successful. Flight Lieutenant Krandikar asked the engineer to switch of all electrics and made a successful autorotation landing on a nearby field. The helicopter was not damaged and was flown back to base after some checks. The crew were not hurt.

Flight Lieutenant Krandikar, test Pilot under training in France reacted coolely to an emergency situation in the air and executed a very successful emergency landing of the helicopter. By this action, this pilot displayed exceptional qualities of airmanship. The successful emergency landing carried out by the pilot has enhanced the reputation of Indian Air Force in a foreign country like France.

Flight Lieutenant Vikas Shridhar Krandikar has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Ajit Singh, Flight Engineer, is on the posted strength of one of the Transport Squadrons of the Indian Air Force.

He has a total of 4793 flying hours to his credit out of which 1884 hours are on AN-12 aircraft. Warrant Officer Ajit Singh has done total of 1907 hours of operational flying, out of which 1121 hours have been over the hazardous terrain of Ladakh Area. On various occasions he has averted serious accidents/incidents by his keen observations and call and professional handling of emergencies. To cite one, on 25th February, 1979, while starting No. 3 engine of an AN-12 aircraft, he noted the fire warning light coming on. His actions were so prompt and correct that even before the ground crew noted the fire, he had rejected the start and taken necessary action. Under his guidance, the fire was put out, thus saving a very valuable aircraft. He has won the 'GOOD SHOW' award from the Directorate of Flight Safety and has been adjudged 'Best in Trade Proficiency' at this wing.

Warrant Officer Ajit Singh has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Korampeth Narayanan Nair has been a Flight Engineer since 1961 and has a total of 5650 flying hours to his credit. Out of this more than 1000 hours were done on operational areas. He has flown AN-12, Super Constellation and Packet aircraft and is holding Category 'A' since 1980.

Master Warrant Officer Nair is one of the officers who initially set up the infrastructure for training Flight Engineers at Paratroopers Training School. He is an experienced flight engineer of exceptional tact and ability for which he was entrusted the important task of training flight engineers for the Indian Navy. He completed the training in record time thereby further strengthening inter-service bonds and brotherhood.

Master Warrant Officer Korampeth Narayanan Nair has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri has held command of a Conversion Unit since 22 Aug 1980. Although he had very little experience on Hunter aircraft and is not a QFI, he threw himself whole heartedly into the training task of his Unit. He mobilised his officers and men and motivated them to achieve better results. Three consecutive courses have each completed their training in roughly two thirds of the schedule duration of the course. This has been achieved inspite of progressive reduction in manpower from 95% of establishment to the current level of about 70% or less in some trades.

He set an outstanding example to his officers and men by flying as much as any member of his staff. With excellent leadership, and by setting a personal example of a high order, Group Captain Johri has been able to motivate those under his command to render outstanding performance, and achieve tasks which have eluded the unit for a long time, This has not only been of value to the unit by making available adequate training time for operational training of staff pilots but the entire fighter force by timely despatch of trained pilots.

For these achievements, his personal flying effort and leadership, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri.

Group Captain Suresh Kumar Behal is on the posted strength of Headquarters Eastern Air Command with effect from 16 April 1981, and is performing the duties that involve control of all fighter activities.

In 1971, Group Captain Behal was a Flight Commander in a fighter squadron and took active part in 1971 operations having led 23 strike missions into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) against heavily defended targets. It is pertinent to note that very few pilots undertook such large number of missions, thereby he has exhibited courage in the face of enemy action.

Group Captain Behal has commanded a Fighter Squadron from May 1979 to April 1981. During his tenure, the Squadron won the overall Gunnery Championship of Eastern Air Command. This was only possible because of dedication and guidance to the aircrew placed below him in the Squadron.

While on the posted strength of Eastern Air Command he has officiated in higher appointment for long periods and has performed the duties in addition to his own duties extremely well. He is sincere, dedicated and has working: qualities which inspire personnel working under him. He is ever willing to shoulder responsibilities given to him cheerfully.

For displaying sincerity and devotion to duty of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Suresh Kumar Behal.

Wing Commander Darshan Singh Basra was commissioned in the Air Force in May 1962. The officer has all along maintained and displayed highest order of flying professionalism.

Wg Cdr Basra was selected to undergo flying training abroad on two types of aircraft in 1963. Subsequently he gave a good account of his flying proficiency and instructional ability while on posted strength of various instructional establishments. Later, he also held prestigious Command of two fighter Squadrons. During his period of command both the Squadrons maintained a totally nil accident rate. One of his Squadrons won the Flight Safety Trophy in 1979 and was placed second for the Instrument Rating Trophy in 1980. Wg Cdr Basra was the leader of his Command Bombing team in the Inter Command gunnery Meet in 1979 and won the championship.

Wg Cdr Basra has flown over eleven types of aircraft and has logged over 3400 hrs of flying. Wg Cdr Basra commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1978 for executing a successful restricted RPM landing on a fighter aircraft.

For his utmost dedication to duty and professional ability the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Darshan Singh Basra.

Wing Commander Amrit Lal Mehta has been on deputation to the State Government of Haryana as Chief Executive Pilot since 07 February 1979.

Commissioned on 31 December, 1963, he has logged an impressive total of 7310 hours of accident free flying. He has flown over 2500 hours mostly in the supervisory capacity over the hazardous terrain of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir areas. He has held Master Green rating on Dakota and AN-12 aircrafts and is Right hand seat check Pilot on these aircrafts.

As Chief Executive Pilot, he has been entrusted with the duty to fly the VIPs at very short notice and at odd hours. Wing Commander Mehta at the cost of his personal comfort and domestic obligations, made himself available at all times for such duties thereby displaying total devotion to duty. He is fully dependable in accomplishing tasks even in difficult situations. With his excellent organising ability and exemplary discipline, he has infused confidence among his subordinates. He has been a regular Director General of Civil Aviation Examiner since 1 January 1980. In addition to training and examining plots he has been very closely associated with the development and expansion of civil aviation in the State.

For his professional competence, hard work, integrity and total devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Amrit Lal Mehta.

Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal has been on the posted strength of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment as Officer Commanding Flight Test Squadron since October 1980. He is a qualified Experimental Test Pilot, having graduated from the French Test Pilots' School in 1973-74. His present posting to ASTE is his second tenure with this unit, his first one having lasted from Jul 74 to Dec 77. Wing Commander Mittal is not only a very experienced test pilot of high caliber, competent to test most fixed wing aircraft of the Air Force, but also an operational pilot of considerable experience and merit with over 3000 hours of flying to his credit. He was amongst the first batch of pilots selected to undergo training on Jaguar aircraft in the UK and later served with credit as Flight Commander in the first Jaguar Squadron of the Indian Air Force. Besides maintaining an accident­free record, he achieved the highest instrument rating of Master Green and has been a Command Examiner on Supersonic Fighter aircraft.

His efficient handling of a special Missile project and the results of the tests carried out at ASTE have drawn very favorable comments from all agencies associated with this Project.

For his exceptional individual flying skill, unflinching devotion to duty and consistently outstanding performance as a test pilot, the President is pleased to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal.

Squadron Leader Chandra Nath Ghosh (10124) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a front line fighter Squadron since 03 Jul 78. During this period, he exemplified himself by his outstanding performance in flying and training of pilots in the Squadron. A pilot with above average flying cability, Sqn Ldr Ghosh won the individual championship in Rocket Firing during the Western Air Command Gunnery Meet in Mar 81. Squadron Leader Ghosh in his capacity as a Flight Commander was mainly responsible for updating the squadron operational status by successfully completing the Operational Training syllabus for 8 operationa pilots and 2 Operational Day pilots in just one year (1981-82).

During the period under consideration, Sqn Ldr Ghosh has flown a total of 1410:00 hours/2115 sorties on S-22 and MiG-21 (MF &M) aircraft. This is an exceptiona feat, considering the fact that in the same period, the officer has undergone some major service courses like staff college, FCL, Photo Interpreters Course. He has also done ground tenure as DS in Air Force Intelligence School at Poona.

Squadron Leader Ghosh is an officer with very high integrity and moral fortitude, who does not get dettered by the task assigned to him. Sqn Ldr Ghosh is truly an example of hard work and dedication who at every step inspires and motivates those placed around and below him.

For his excellent professional performance, hardwork, motivation, unflinching loyalty and integrity, the President is please to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Chandra Nath Ghosh.