241066 Corporal Kishan Chand Malhotra has been posted to a Casualty Evacuation Unit since July, 1971. He has distinguished himself as a dependable airman for rendering medical care to critical cases evacuated from forward areas.

During the December, 1971 operations, he was called upon to undertake numerous flights as a medical attendant and often had to look after more than one critical case including attending to in-flight transfusions. He performed his duties with superb skill, care and competence and always ensured the safe transit of patients from the forward areas. He often worked for long hours in complete disregard to his personal comfort and was a source of inspiration to others.

In carrying out his duties, Corporal Kishan Chand Malhotra displayed exceptional professional ability, capacity for sustained hard work and high devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Harjendra Singh Kalsi as Officer in charge Administration at a Wing organized very effective ground defence which contributed effectively to safety of Service installations and civil population.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Rajindra Nath Dawar with his meticulous attention to detail, contributed significantly to the production of vital data for long term financial plans.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Wing Commander Vedantadesikan Krishanaswamy (4045) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. During his service career he has held important appointments at units as well as Commands, and has attended a number of specialist courses both in India and abroad.

Wing Commander Sultan Singh Yadav as Dy. President of A.F. Selection Board greatly improved the efficiency of the Unit and made significant contribution in the planning and handling of the selection programme.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding devotion to duty, zeal and sustained capacity for hard work.

Wing Commander Amal Chandra Gupta through perseverance, diligence, foresight and thorough planning contributed greatly to the success of the bomber missions flown during the 1971 conflict.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta (4859) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been serving as Officer incharge Flying at the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit since October, 1971. With the outbreak of Indo-Pak Conflict, there was a sharp increase in flying commitments at the station, and he was required to set up additional facilities at his base.

He was instrumental in organizing a very effective operations room which was manned by him during "maximum activity hours". He also organised a very effective communication net work for the defence of the airfield. Under his personal supervision and guidance, the Air Delivery Fight was able to carry out a total of 1581 hours of flying, over a period of two months, airlifting 674 tonnes of vital spares and equipment to forward bases. After the conflict, the Air Delivery Flight operations continued, and airlifted a further load of 401 tonnes of vitally needed stores to forward bases. By his constant endeavour and personal example, he main tained perfect coordination between the various sectors under him and kept the morale of his men at a high pitch.

For distinguished service of a high order, Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Bidani was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1956. Since May, 1969, he has been serving at an operational Command as a Staff Officer. He exhibited an extremely high caliber of specialist knowledge relating to the Electrical and Instrument equipment including Diesel Generating sets, Electrical Flare paths and Crash Barriers. He displayed the same interest, and intelligent approach, in dealing with Mechanical Transport problems, as well.

During the second half of 1971, due mainly by the drive shown by the officer, the serviceability of fighter aircraft in the Command increased significantly. When the tempo of work had to be increased, he plunged into his work with greater zeal, his one aim being to contribute as much as he possible could, towards improving the operational efficiency of the Command.

For selfless devotion to duty and capacity for hard work demonstrated by Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Bidani, the Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded to him.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh as NCC Examiner standardized glider training in the NCC. Under his command his NCC squadron was adjudged the best Air Wing Squadron (Flying/gliding) and won both the CAS Silver Trophy and Subroto Air Trophy for the year 71-72.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his selfless devotion to service and qualities of leadership of a high order.

Squadron Leader Pramod Chandra Joshi modified a number of Fighter/Bomber aircraft through ingenuity and improvisation. By his efforts and initiative he saved the country Rs. 33 lakhs in foreign exchange. His project improved the operational capability of aircraft.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma (6659) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He has held responsible instructional and staff appointments with distinction. As a Flight Commander in a Ground Training School, he introduced instructional aids which vastly improved the training standards of airmen. He also made a significant contribution towards the effective training of Cadets in an Elementary Flying Training School. In 1966, he was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. With his immense capacity for hard work, high degree of professional ability and accurate planning, he rendered singular assistance to his Commander in setting up the Command Headquarters at a new location. He also served with distinction as Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. By his sustained hard work and thorough study, he kept himself fully conversant with all problems faced by various establishments under the Command and vigorously persued action on each point raised by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. His exemplary staff work, clarity of thought and expression were of immense help to all concerned.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma displayed exceptional initiative, great organizing ability and single minded devotion to duty. He worked for long hours and successfully coordinated all staff work among Operational, Maintenance and Administrative Cells. He was instrumental in ensuring that orders and instructions of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief reached all levels in the shortest possible time and were executed properly. He confidently dealt with all routine work within the frame-work of broad directives of the Air Officer Commandingin-Chief in devoting his full attention to the Air Operations in the Eastern Sector.

For high professional ability, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Yadlapalli Rajendra Prasad (7299) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1963. He has been serving as the Engineering Officer of an Operational Squadron since February, 1971. Prior to the commencement of Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971, the squadron was assigned the task of camouflaging all aircraft by spray painting in the shortest possible time. He accepted the challenge and organised the painting programme from within the resources of the squadron. In order to accomplish the task in the shortest possible time available, he improvised a temporary camouflaging scheme and under the most trying conditions progressed the work at the rate of one aircraft per day. During the conflict, this camouflage scheme proved useful and effective. When the hostilities broke out on 3rd December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Rajendra Prasad rose to the occasion and unmindful of the personal comforts remained on duty throughout the fourteen days of the conflict, handling servicing and rectification problem of the squadron. He coordinated nearly 30 Cat 'C' repairs to maintain high availability of aircraft. In addition, he also set up servicing facilities for M.T. and specialist vehicles.

Throughout his career, Flight Lieutenant Yadlapalli Rajendra Prasad has displayed conspicuous devotion to duty and high professional skill and conspicuous devotion to duty. For this, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Kashinath Hanumantappa Anadure made a major contribution in the production of aircraft and Helicopters from a repair depot.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for a high standard of professional skill, keenness and initiative.

Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1964. He was serving as an engineering officer in an Air OP unit prior to and during the December, 1971 war. The unit was a hybrid composite of Helicopter and Krishak aircraft. When the aircraft were deployed for operations at places five to six hundred kilometers from the squadron maintenance base, maintaining these aircraft became very difficult. Unde terred, Flight Lieutenant Sherrufudeen displayed outstanding initiative and drive by redesigning and locally fabricating all the tools and test equipment required to permit the detached aircraft to be self sufficient upto the 25 hours servicing stage. He also reorganized the servicing base so that the 100 hours servicing of Helicopters could be completed in half the normal time.

Throughout the operations, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen visited all the Air Observation Post Flights at their forward bases and with consistent hard work, carried on-the-spot repairs to the damaged aircraft. It was primarily due to his untiring efforts that the unit was able to provide maximum support to Army formations throughout the period of the conflict.

By his initiative, extreme devotion to duty, high professional knowledge and consistent hard work, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Sultan Sherrufudeen maintained a very high rate of aircraft serviceability against heavy odds. For distinguished service rendered of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Jagan Nath Prasad Bhatt was instrumental in eviction of unauthorized and undesirable elements in the vicinity of a vital I.A.F. installation in a forward base. Through vigilance he also contributed to the security of the Base.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his foresight and distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Peruvamba Ramakrishnan Narayana Murthy was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1964. He was employed as a fighter controller at a signal unit in the forward area during the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971.

On 9th December, 1971 he was instrumental in detecting three impending strikes at a forward air base and thus ensured timely tactical action by the base against the air attack. Again on 11th and 14th December, 1971, it was because of his diligence and professional competence that our own strike missions were warned in time to take evasive/offensive action against interception of enemy aircraft. Also on 11th December, 1971, it was due to his vigilance that our ground forces near Chor took defensive positions against air attacks well in time thus preventing many casualties.

Throughout his career, Flight Lieutenant Peruvamba Ramakrishnan Narayana Murthy has displayed great professional skill and ingenuity and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Jagdish Chandra Verma as a trouble shooter of malfunctions on aircraft diagnosed faults correctly and greatly reduced failure rates.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Puran Chandra Singh Rautela volunteered for a very sensitive appointment in the midst of 1971 conflict. Through his drive and perseverance he was able to collect and produce some very vital intelligence about the enemy.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for courage and extreme devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Gopalkrishnan Nair (9610) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1965. Since January, 1970, he has been serving with an operational squadron at a forward air base. With his professional skill, unflinching zeal and capacity for sustained hard work, he helped the Squadron in achieving one hundred per cent aircraft serviceability.

During the operations, the Squadron was required to move to different locations at very short notice. Despite the extremely difficult task of carrying out such moves during the black-out, the squadron was ready to meet any operational commitments within minutes of reaching the new destination. This could not have been accomplished but for the unstinting efforts, enthusiasm and initiative on the part of Flight Lieutenant Nair.

Throughout his career, he has displayed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and high professional ability, rendering distinguished service of a high order. For this, Flight Lieutenant Gopalkrishnan Nair is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1965. In April, 1969, he was serving as Security (Counter-Intelligence) Officer at an Operational Wing, where he organized a very effective counter-intelligence cell which had a deterrent effect on enemy agents. He inculcated a high degree of security consciousness amongst personnel of the wing and established excellent liaison with local civil authorities.

In 1970, Flight Lieutenant Bandopadhyay was posted to the same wing as the Station Adjutant. He immediately dedicated himself to his new task and streamlined the administrative set up by working long hours in complete disregard for his personal comfort. During August/September, 1971, he again showed his mettle and contributed significantly in the coordination and implementation of various operational plans. His professional acumen, leadership and devotion to duty have been an inspiring example of those working with him.

Flight Lieutenant Sati Nath Bandopadhyay is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Arunasu Datta (10303) was seconded to the Medical Branch of the Air Force in February, 1966. As the Officer Commanding of a Casualty Air Evacuation Unit in a forward area, he successfully organized air evacuation and reception of casualties from the forward areas and their dispatch to the rear hospitals.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971, he personally supervised reception of battle casualties and rendered timely medical assistance to many critical cases. On 13th December, 1971, when there was a heavy influx of casualties, he personally administered blood transfusions and provided specialized medical treatment under field conditions and saved many valuable lives. In addition, he was often called upon to assist the medical staff of the Base Hospital at off hours which he always did cheerfully.

For high professional skill and devotion to duty and for rendering distinguished service of a high order, Flight Lieutenant Arunasu Datta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay (11528) Medical has been in charge of the Family Ward and Station Family Planning Section of an Air Force Hospital located at a forward airfield since February, 1969. She set about her task with unflagging zeal and dogged determination, zeal and worked incessantly without disregard to her personal comfort. Her accurate diagnosis and understanding of the patients' problems earned her their admiration and appreciation. She was responsible for delivering three cases of premature babies and used her practical knowledge of her profession in improvising her own incubator for them. It was mainly due to her initiative, perseverance and untiring energy that an officer's family ward was opened on the station and a healthy baby clinic started functioning. During the December, 1971 conflict, Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Ban- dopadhyay worked tire lessly and was a great asset to the surgical team in conducting numerous operations. By her personal example, cheerful demeanour and courage, she was a source of great help in keeping the morale of the families at a high level, throughout the period of hostilities.

For exceptional devotion to duty, singular efficiency, tremendous zeal, outstanding professional capability and extraordinary capacity for continued hard work beyond the call of duty, Flight Lieutenant (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

37694 Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu, M.T.D. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 1st April, 1944. He has the distinction of having served as the staff car driver for all Chiefs of the Air Staff since 1954.

Since May, 1970, he has been serving as M.T.D. at an Air Base in a forward area. From the time he took over his duties, the maintenance and serviceability state of M.T. vehicles both common user and specialist, have shown marked and rapid improvement reaching their zenith during Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971. Under his personal supervision and guidance his section has met all the M.T. requirements of the Station. He has set a good example to all personnel and has kept the morale of the men working under him at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu has displayed excellent organizing abilities, devotion, sustained hard work and personal example. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished services of a high order.

48980 Master Warrant Officer Shreenazar Singh Kunwar, G.T.I. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in October, 1944. Prior to his posting to an Air Force Station as Physical Fitness Officer, he had worked in this capacity at various Flying Colleges. During his tenure as Command PFO at an Operational Com mand, he organized the training for the Colour Presentation ceremony of a Squadron in 1968 which was to be reviewed by the President of India. He was commended by AOC-in-C for his devotion to duty and professional ability.

Master Warrant Officer Kunwar was detailed to survey the physical fitness standards of Air Force personnel at various stations and Commands. He did an excellent job, which helped Air Headquarters to formulate policies on the subject. In addition, he was instrumental in assessing the suitability of the new Sten Machine Carbine. While serving at Air Headquarters, he drafted the procedure for Air Force Ceremonial Parades, and also assisted in drafting the procedures for parading the President's Colours for the 1st April, 1972.

He was entrusted with the responsibilities of training the contingent for this special parade, the first ever in the history of the Indian Air Force, which he carried out creditably. Since his arrival at the Air Force Station, MWO Kunwar has organized various sports activities of the Station including the Air Force Football Championship with commendable efficiency. With his outstanding work, professional skill and initiative, 48980 Master Warrant Officer Shreenazar Singh Kunwar has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

10846 Warrant Officer Chengat Govindan Nambiar was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 28th June, 1941. Since January, 1969, he has been serving at an operational Wing as Warrant Officer in-charge a Bomb-Dump.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971, he was entrusted with the task of preparing and delivering various explosive stores to combat Squadrons. It was due to his personal and able supervision that huge armament loads were delivered to the Squadrons without any mishap. He was present in the Bomb-dump at all hours of day and night throughout the period of conflict. The preparation of stores was carried out so meticulously and efficiently under his supervision and guidance that not a single case of "blind/failure" was reported. His professional skill, high sense of duty and determination were a constant source of inspiration to those working under him.

In delivering a huge amount of fused explosives, during the conflict without a single accident, "blind/failure" 10846 Warrant Officer Chengat Govindan Nambiar has rendered distinguished service of a high order for which, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

18321 Warrant Officer Narayan Appa Kashid, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in April, 1943. During the IndoPakistan conflict of 1965, he was mentionedin-despatches. Since April, 1969, he has been serving with a Repair Depot and has been associated with the manufacture of Air Force equipment. His work has significantly helped the Depot to fulfill its tasks within the stipulated time.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict of December, 1971, Warrant Officer Kashid was detailed to develop a Rig for packing the tail parachute of a fighter bomber aircraft. Within one week he developed a hydraulic operated Rig by using components recovered from unserviceable machinery. This Rig was extensively used for packing Tail Parachutes of the aircraft during the conflict and the time factor and physical effort required for packing were reduced considerably. Use of this Rig will, in future, save a considerable amount of foreign exchange.

In carrying out his duties, 18321 Warrant Officer Narayan Appa Kashid has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

39002 Warrant Officer Surjit Singh Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 9th June, 1944. Since April, 1970 he has been serving with a fighter squadron as Warrant Officer in charge of the second line servicing echelon. He readily undertook the additional work of modifying a number of aircraft belong to other units and second line servicing of other squadrons without any additional help. Warrant Officer Surjit Singh with his organizing ability, hard work and devotion always completed tasks in time despite the fact that his own squadron was operating from three forward bases.

During the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971 Warrant Officer Surjit Singh was called upon to organize and manage maintenance operations at a forward base. He showed great leadership and organizing ability and ensured that the facilities were set up in the shortest possible time.

In carrying out his duties Warrant Officer Surjit Singh has displayed great ingenuity, dedication and high professional skill and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for this he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

208791 Warrant Officer Surajpal Singh, Flight Gunner was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 26th July, 1950. He has been serving in a heavy transport squadron as Flight Gunner/Load Master for over seven years. He has flown over 1500 hours during his stay in the squadron. This includes over 2000 hours of operational flying in Ladakh, NEFA, Nagaland and Mizo Hills. During the Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971 Warrant Officer Singh undertook all tasks assigned to him, unmindful of personal comforts and in complete disregard to his personal safety. By volunteering to undertake operational drop sorties over enemy territory, he has displayed great courage and devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Surajpal Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

300120 Warrant Officer Lakshmi Kant Dass Electrician 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 8th April, 1947. Since January, 1963 he has been serving with a heavy transport squadron. Ever since his posting, he has set about his task with extreme zeal and skill and has rendered valuable services in the maintenance of aircraft. Initially he was incharge of daily servicing section and later he was in-charge of second line servicing of electrical equipment. His knowledge of the aircraft, its associated specialist vehicles and ground equipment, he has been a source of inspiration to the men working under him. It is to his credit that he volunteered to take over the additional responsibility of servicing Ground Power Units when the serviceability of this equipment was unsatisfactory. Inspite of many handicaps, he kept up the service ability of Ground Power Units at a very high state.

During the Indo-Pakistan conflict in December, 1971 he personally organized and set up second line servicing of the aircraft at outstation bases at a very short notice and produced outstanding results.

Warrant Officer Lakshmi Kant Dass, in his 25 years of service has proved himself of a very disciplined, loyal and capable individual. He has an unblemished service record and has been twice commended by Chiefs of the Air Staff. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

200759 Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in March, 1947. During his tenure at a Repair Depot he has been personally responsible for designing and manufacturing a fixture for repair of outer cylinder of Harvard aircraft main oleo, when the supply of this part from abroad was taking an abnormally long time. The required outer cylinders are now being reused resulting in recurring saving of valuable foreign exchange. He also modified an Alloute engine driven pump test rig to utilize Harvard aircraft and for Bell helicopter components as well. In addition, he established testing facilities for Bell helicopter power cylinders.

During the period November-December, 1971 there was pressing demand for hydraulic components for front line aircraft for which the Depot is designated repair agency. By working long hours, day and night, he boosted the production to Qty. 200 components per month against a normal production of 80-90 components. His personal example and dedication to duty, initiative and keenness has been a great source of inspiration to men working with him.

In carrying out his duties, Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan has displayed a very high standard of professional skill and initiative, and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Ghose has acquitted himself in an admirable manner in various appointments during his long service career. He served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. He made significant contribution towards obtaining better terms and conditions of service for service and civilian personnel of the Air Force. Throughout his service career he displayed zeal and spirit of dedication beyond the normal call of duty.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander George held various administrative appointments and carried out his duties in the best traditions of the service. He was instrumental in bringing about a new approach to intelligence and counter intelligence work in the Air Force. As founder Commanding Officer of the Air Force Intelligence School he was responsible for training large number of officers and airmen.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for exemplary qualities of leadership, uncommon zeal and extraordinary devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Kapur has a number of ingenious innovations to his credit. With commendable drive and initiative he succeeded in getting 125 types of consumables and raw materials indigenized and accepted as substitute after comprehensive testing and evaluation. He also arranged indigenous substitution of some of the proprietary spares required for guided weapons which could not be readily imported, resulting in not only saving foreign exchange but also contributing to improvement of operational preparedness.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for excellent qualities of leadership, technical skill and initiative.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri (4046) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. He has acquitted himself in admirable manner in various units and staff appointments.

In March, 1972, he was appointed as a Deputy Director in the Directorate of Armament and Safety Equipment. In this capacity he was responsible for progressing the indigenous development of Armament and Explosive stores and development of modifications to improve the striking power of aircraft. He undertook the task of evolving a modification for carrying and firing of high caliber rockets designed in one country to an aircraft designed in another called for a detailed and careful study of the two systems and design of a suitable launcher adopter. He applied himself to the task with zeal and determination and evolved a modification in a short time.

Wing Commander Chaudhuri also undertook a study on the possibility of firing at extended ranges. This called for painstaking and time-consuming study, for long hours, of available literature on various types of rockets used by various countries, their performance characteristics and test results. As a result of this study, trials were arranged to establish increased firing ranges. These trials have been completed with success.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for selfless devotion to duty and exceptional technical ability.

Wing Commander Chandy has specialized in Electronic Data Processing. His efforts have resulted in considerable progress in the field of inventory control by computer. Due to his untiring efforts the time of processing foreign indents was reduced by three months thereby reducing the inventory propor tionately with resultant saving in foreign exchange. His achievements and efforts have put computerization in the Air Force on a firm footing.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding professional ability and extraordinary devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Satinder Jit Singh (4554) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in September, 1953. He has commanded two Signal Units with distinction.

In February, 1971, he was posted as the Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot on its formation. The unit was initially engaged in receipt of foreign equipment, storage at site, and installation of equipment in technical accommodation without mechanical handling facilities and with very limited manual labour. Wing Commander Singh, by personal example and initiative, completed the installation task on schedule.

During the training and repair task Wing Commander Singh had to start the functional Wing without an adequate establishment and with only partially completed works. He had to work within a very tight time frame. During this period, with many handicaps such as the lack of technological facilities and shortage of manpower, he managed to complete the production task allotted to him and also the training of technical personnel in new and complex process and techniques. It is to his credit that the many complex repair lines of the depot were brought into comm ission during this short period. He took considerable initiative in improvisation whenever lack of facilities hindered the task. With his personal drive, initiative and professional knowledge, he was able to acquire indigenous components and substitutes whenever such components had not materialized through imports.

Wing Commander Satinder Jit Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Surinder Lal Chhabra (5248) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in September, 1956. He has acquitted himself in an admirable manner in various unit and staff assignments.

After passing out as an "Outstanding Honor Graduate" in Precision Measuring Equipment Specialist Course and an Advanced Course in Electronic Testing and Calibration in a foreign country. Wing Commander Chhabra has been serving as the Senior Technical Officer at a Base Repair Depot since October, 1970. He has applied his specialist training to great advantage, making a valuable contribution towards establishment of Calibration Laboratories. He reorganized the existing calibration section at the Depot enhancing its capability for measurement of additional parameters. Calibration of test equipment is now being done on a scheduled basis after laying down a realistic and pragmatic periodicity of calibration.

Wing Commander Chhabra has also boosted up production of Teleprinters so that there is now no backlog of repair and overhaul of this item. He reorganized the repair facilities in the Communication Equipment Bay in such a manner that the repair task for 1971-72 and 1972-73 was completed and in some cased targets were exceeded.

Wing Commander Chhabra devised and incorporated a modification eliminating the Siemens Relay in the Teleprinter line units which, besides overcoming production hold ups, effected a saving of Rs. 200/- in foreign exchange per unit. An additional facility for operating on blind duplex and change over from blind duplex to half duplex with just a flick of switch has also been provided due to his efforts. Another original contribution by the officer has been the fabrication of cable bunches for rewiring and imported type of radar from indigenous sources.

Wing Commander Surinder Lal Chhabra is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Roy while working as Senior Accountant Officer of a Base Repair Depot improved the administrative systems and processing procedures which facilitated in optimum utilization of man power. He was also responsible for organizing a system by which airmen and civilians were paid at their respective places of work thus saving productive man hours. Due to his efforts Life Insurance Corporation Salary saving scheme for non gazetted civilian employees was introduced. This resulted in high morale and a sense of well being among the civilian employees.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Bajpai, an Education Officer is also a qualified Parachute Jump Instructor. He has held various staff appointments. He was intimately associated with planned Air Transport Operations including Logistics support, heliborne operations and airborne assault during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Placing service before self he has all along gone beyond the call of his normal duties.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his selfless devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Joginder Singh (5167) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1956. During his training period, he acquitted himself creditably and was given independent charge as a Unit Equipment Officer less than three years later. Thereafter, he served as the Officer in-charge of the Provisioning Cell at a Command Headquarters. During the IndoPakistan conflict, 1965, he was the Senior Equipment Officer at one of the most heavily committed operational airfields. In addition to these duties, he was also detailed as Unit Passive Air Defence and Additional Air Field Defence Officer. Although his airfield was subjected to heavy attacks, damage was immediately and readily rectified by efficient execution of all available passive air defence measures. A planned attack by a group of dropped para Commandos was completely broken up by the airfield Defence Organisation working in conjunction with other forces, resulting in the total annihilation of the enemy force. For his work during these operations, he was mentioned-in-despatches.

Since August, 1969, Squadron Leader Joginder Singh has been serving as Assistant Air Attaché (Logistics) at our Embassy in the USA. He has performed his duties with admirable efficiency.

Squadron Leader Joginder Singh has shown extreme devotion to duty and remarkable output despite severe pressure. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for the distinguished service of a high order rendered by him.

Squadron Leader Arigala Srirama Murty (5641) was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1958. He has been serving as the Senior Instructor for Security courses at the Air Force Intelligence School since September, 1970. Soon after taking over his duties at the School, which was under formation at that time, he, with the help of only one Junior Instructor, had to concentrate on the perfection of the syllabi and the collection of training material required train officers and airmen trainees in the vital task of security and counter-intelligence. There was very little to go by, but Squadron Leader Murty applied himself with exceptional dedication and accomplished the task.

Shortly after the first course for officers began, his Junior Instructor, the only assistant that he had, became non-effective and no relief could be obtained. Consequently, he had to carry on the training given to the students alone. He did so single-handedly for months, and worked for long hours every day, voluntarily foregoing leave.

Squadron Leader Murty is a thoroughly dedicated officer. Maintaining a dynamic approach with regard to the security needs of the service and the country, he has taken the initiative to include among the training materials a number of subjects of current security importance. His dedication and meticulous planning has resulted in training a large number of personnel who would form the nucleus of the future counter-intelligence organization of the Air Force.

For excellent performance in the face of difficulties and working well beyond the normal call of duty, Squadron Leader Arigala Srirama Murty is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Prasad a classified medical specialist has distinguished himself in scholastic and academic fields. He compiled an original work on Abnormal Carbohydrate Metabolism in Hypertensives. As a staff surgeon he effected numerous improvements in the system of investigation and treatment of maladies. He has displayed high professional skill, keen intelligence and great ability to master the minutest detail of the professional jobs entrusted to him.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for meritorious and distinguished service of a high order in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Kumbakonam Parameswara Anantha Narayanan (6032) was commissioned in the Meteorological Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1960. Since August, 1970 he has been serving as the Senior Metrological Officer of an operating Wing in the Northern Sector.

Squadron Leader Narayanan's performance as Senior Meteorological Officer has been marked by thorough professionalism and a high degree of devotion to duty. He has groomed the officers and airmen of the Meteorological section into a very effective organization. The pains he has take to study the environmental weather of Northern region and the research work conducted by him, have led to greater accuracy in weather forecasting in this region, and aircrew reliance on his forecasts has been outstanding. He has also effected studies of the weather over neighbouring countries. He has also taken every opportunity to fly as a weather observer, and has logged a total of 210 hours flying all over the operational areas in the Eastern as well as the Western Sectors.

In addition to his primary job, he has often been entrusted with various other tasks. His performance as the Station Welfare Officer has been outstanding and has resulted in the high morale of the personnel.

For rendering distinguished service of a high order, Squadron Leader Kumbakonam Parameswara Anantha Narayanan is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Anand has been serving as a Project Officer with Hindustan Aeronautics. He was responsible for coordinating and organizing various facilities required for para-trooping trials conducted in a foreign country. By his personal efforts and initiative he developed an automatic aerial delivery system. Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for determination, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Jagdish Prasad Baduni (6853) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1962. Since May, 1971, he has been serving as the Officer in-charge Central Repair & Servicing Section.

Squadron Leader Baduni fully qualified himself on the aircraft under his care for all types of servicing, fault finding and rectification within a short span of six months. When he took over the duties as officer-in-charge Central Repair & Servicing Section, the serviceability state of the aircraft was extremely poor. There were a number of aircraft which had been unserviceable for a considerable period. Squadron Leader Baduni by hard work, a systematic approach and outstanding management made all these aircraft airworthy.

Throughout the December 1971 conflict, Squadron maintained a high rate of aircraft serviceability.

On those occasions when his aircraft became unserviceable at out-stations he retrieved them in shortest time.

During the middle of 1972 there was a considerable back-log of engine changes due to non-availability of engines and modification kits. When the consignments of engines arrived, they were without complete modification kits. Squadron Leader Baduni arranged indigenous manufacture of some of the kit parts and thus was able to clear the back-log.

Squadron Leader Jagadish Prasad Baduni has made a significant contribution towards high serviceability state of aircraft of his unit and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Rajinder Kumar Sood (10357) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1966. Early in his career he acquitted himself creditably as the Armament Officer of an operational Wing.

Since April, 1972, he has been serving as the Armament Officer of an operational Squadron. He has streamlined the working of the Armament Section and his efforts have greatly improved the squadron's operational potential.

When the Squadron was equipped with a new type of aircraft, its serviceability state suffered a serious suffered set back on account of non-availability of a vital item required to be used with the type of ejection seat fitted in the aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Sood promptly embarked upon a project to fabricated the item from the resources available at the station. Soon he produced a substitute for imported component, which has saved substantial foreign exchange and has removed a bottle-neck to aircraft serviceability.

For consistently rendering distinguished service of a high order, Flight Lieutenant Rajinder Kumar Sood is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Tewari was incharge of engine production line at a Base Repair Depot in 1958. He was entrusted with setting up of the overhaul line for a certain aero-engine. He overcame teething problems such as non-availability of literature, special tools, experienced man power, and by his efforts the production of engine started on schedule.

Master Warrant Officer Tewari has been serving as the officer in-charge Station Workshop at an operational Wing since August, 1969. The station workshop under his supervision has manufactured a large number of items, such as Parachute packing rig, external fuel tanks of aircraft for use as stowage space for air compressors. During the December, 1971 conflict, camouflaging of aircraft of three Squadrons was undertaken by the Station Workshop completed in a very short period.

Master Warrant Officer Ved Prakash Tewari has shown extreme devotion to duty and high level of professional skill. He has set a good example to all personnel and kept up the morale of his men and the highest level during adverse conditions. For the distinguished service of a high order rendered by him, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Doraiswamy has acquitted himself admirably in various police assignments. He was responsible for successful conduct of Provost and Traffic arrangements during prestigious Air Force Functions. He has meritoriously coordinated and executed many VIP duties. Intricate investigations have been completed successfully due to his initiative and tenacity of purpose.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his professional competence drive and devotion to duty.

27427 Master Warrant Officer Ambikapuram East Ramakrishna Menon Clerk General Duties was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in July, 1943. During his long service, he has carried out his duties in an admirable manner.

Master Warrant Officer Menon has been serving with Headquarters Central Air Command (Unit) since June, 1971. With immense enthusiasm, vigour and unstinted devotion to tasks assigned to him, he has achieved an outstanding record of service. His careful planning and direct supervision produced impressive results which have gained him the trust and confidence of his superiors and respect and regard of juniors. Though primarily he has been assigned the task of Master Warrant Officer in-charge Command airmen, he has been constantly employed in coordinating various other tasks pertaining to Personnel Staff of the Command Headquarters. These he has accomplished very efficiently.

During the 1971 operations, in utter disregard of his personal comforts, he worked for long hours and completed various administrative tasks associated with the Augmentation plan which resulted in positioning men at the right time and place.

Master Warrant Officer Ambikapuram East Ramakrishna Menon is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for consistently rendering distinguished service of a high order.

34068 Warrnt Officer Shamsher Singh, Fitter 1, was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in January, 1944. He has served in a number of operational units and has acquitted himself well.

Since November, 1971, he has been serving as a Warrnt Officer in-charge Daily Servicing Section of an operational Squadron. He has displayed resourcefulness and initiative of a high order in tackling the work of his section. He has worked long hours to maintain a good serviceability state of the aircraft. On 19th February, 1973, he was detailed as Warrnt Officer in-charge of a servicing party to carry out an engine change and propeller change on aircraft which had forcelanded at Bassein (Burma). With limited resources and manpower, he accomplished the task in a record time of twenty four hours.

With his professional skill, initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Warrant Officer Shmasher Singh has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.