Master Warrant Officer Chandran was enrolled on 1 Nov 42. He was posted to Air Force Academy where he was in-charge of Harvard second line servicing. It was largely due to his efforts that inspite of the age of the Aircraft, the training targets could be adhered to and courses passed out on schedule. Notable amongst his achievements is elimination of Counter Weight shaft failures. In 1974 there were incidents of the front cowling of Harvard aircraft fouling with the propeller. With his professional knowledge and personal participation he evolved suitable servicing instruction to prevent recurrence of such incidents. His contribution to make flying safe is substantial.

Warrant Officer Sambasivan was enrolled on 3 Apr 44. He has taken active part in a large number of flight trials for evaluation of modern avionics systems. As Warrant Officer in-charge Project Team, he was required to participate in the installation of these sophisticated systems on a variety of aircraft under trial. He executed these tasks with the highest degree of proficiency. He also trained other airmen of the Avionics Test Laboratory for this type of work and played a major role in the successful conduct of Avionics Evaluation trials.

Flight Sergeant Varada Rajulu was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 17 Aug 48. He is a very efficient and capable Senior NonCommissioned Officer with extreme personal involvement in the maintenance and servicing of the Squadron aircraft. He has undertaken all round responsibility as the Senior NonCommissioned Officer in-charge Repair and Salvage Section and Daily Servicing Section at the base and at detachments away from the base. His high sense of duty, thorough professional knowledge, zeal and pride in his job have inspired his subordinates to match his professional excellence and devotion to duty.

209286 Flight Sergeant Jagat Ram Sharma Fitter/Armourer was enrolled on 3rd July, 1951. Since then, with his thorough technical knowledge and extreme devotion to duty, he has rendered valuable service to the Indian Air Force.

He was posted to an operational Squadron in March, 1972 at a time when this Squadron was being re-equipped with latest fighter aircraft. He was appointed as the Senior NonCommissioned Officer in-charge of the Daily Servicing Section. With the associated teething problems of a re-equipped Squadron and with only a few trained hands available, it fell upon him to undertake the task of training and organizing his section to help commence conversion training of pilots. He devoted himself to this task with zeal and determination and in a few weeks, he was able to train a number of unit tradesmen to undertake all servicing tasks of this section. Flight Sergeant Jagat Ram Sharma kept up this tempo of activity and the Squadron was Fully Operational within a short period.

Ever since re-equipment of the squadron with new aircraft he has maintained a high standard of aircraft serviceability.

Flight Sergeant Jagat Ram Sharma is a very fine example of a highly devoted and responsible Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in a Flying Establishment. For qualities of management, dedication to duty and high professional skill, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Sergeant Sharma was enrolled on 1 Mar 58. He is one of the most outstanding technicians of his Squadron. He is consulted by technicians of all trades for unusual snags. He played an important role in servicing 6 Dakota engines awaiting major repairs on clutch assemblies by the overhauling agency at HAL, thus performed valuable service to the country and Air Force by saving transportation and overhauling cost and making available these engines for immediate use. His professional competence, devotion to duty and capacity for hard work have been a source of inspiration to others.

207827 Sergeant Jagtar Singh Athwal Fitter II Airframe was enrolled on 29th August, 1951. For the past 12 years he has been continuously working in front-line squadrons. He was Mentioned-in-Despatches for his performance in September, 1965 conflict with Pakistan. He also took active and creditable part in 1971 conflict with Pakistan in the Western Sector. He has been continuously working on supersonic aircraft for the past 8 years.

He was instrumental in maintaining a high standard of serviceability and maintenance efficiency in his trade. His technical skill and professional knowledge along with Practical, methodical and dedicate approach to maintenance activity enabled quick and accurate diagnosis, analysis and rectification of malfunction of aircraft systems.

Sergeant Athwal was one of the five SNCOs posted to a supersonic squadron who formed the nucleus of trained and experienced technicians when the squadron was re-equipped with the latest type of fighter aircraft in December, 1974. He immediately put his undiluted attention to the commitments facing the unit. He was detailed SNCO i/c Daily Servicing Section in January, 1975. It is to his credit that, within a short time, from collection of personnel with diverse experience from different units, he formed a well-knit, hard working and competent team. His cheerful disposition, even in the face of overwhelming odds, without ground equipment and adequate manpower, his Herculean capacity and willingness for hard work, and his faultless personal example, have been a great source of inspiration to all who have come in contact with him. Due to his initiative, organizational ability and professional competence the Squadron has more than adequately met its flying commitment inspite of the odds, achieved a high standard of maintenance and flight safety.

Throughout, Sergeant Jagtar Singh Athwal has constantly displayed professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Sergeant Pandey was enrolled on 11 Jun 57. During his tenure he has carried out structural repairs of helicopters in difficult areas under field conditions despite limited facilities. He was responsible for the repair of one helicopter which had main shell and the stub boom damaged in a crash in a snow covered valley beyond a forward base. There were no jigs available to align the shell, stub boom and tail boom. Yet he carried out the repair by fabricating a new stub boom with frames and strings. He was also called upon to undertake the structural modification of a helicopter for mineral survey purposes which he carried out in a very short time.

221343 Sergeant Tulsi Parthasarthy Medical Assistant was enrolled on 5th December, 1957. During this period of about 18 years he has rendered invaluable service to the Indian Air Force. Wherever he worked, he set an example for others to emulate. He has been on deputation to the Aviation Research Centre since 15th February, 1971. This hard working, energetic and intelligent Senior Non-Commissioned Officer has shown exem plary behavior, exceptional courage and devotion to duty during an air crash on 3rd May, 1975. Sergeant Tulsi Parthasarthy rushed to the scene of accident and rendered invaluable assistance in administering first aid and subsequent evacuation of one of the pilots who was very seriously injured. He then set forth to trace the bodies of other victims of the crash from the burning and fuming wreckage. With determination and courage he assisted the fire fighting and survival crew tremendously to extricate the bodies of other crew members from the blazing debris. But for his utmost sincerity, concerted and timely action some of the bodies could not have been recovered. Sergeant Tulsi Parthasarthy placed service and devotion to duty above self and displayed most exemplary service during an emergency.

For his exemplary courage and devotion to duty Sergeant Tulsi Parthasarthy is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Corporal Matharu was enrolled on 13 Jan 64. He has been on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit and he has displayed extraordinary skill In the rectification of very complicated snags. This, he has achieved through intelligent application of snag diagnosis and rectification procedures requiring a high degree of patience and hard work. In the absence of scaled test rigs, he has displayed initiative in locally fabricating alternative means to meet the test require ments for the aircraft components. He was earlier com mended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1970 and again in 1973.

Wing Commander Dharamalingam Kalyana Sundaram (3726) Administrative joined the Indian Air Force in the ranks in April, 1943. With his brilliance and hard work he became a Warrant Officer in the incredibly short space of 4½ years. As a Warrant Officer he acquitted himself in an admirable manner which resulted in his commissioning on 26th January 1950,

As a Commissioned Officer, Wing Commander Sundaram was employed on varied administrative assignments where he displayed initiative, tact, drive and devotion to duty of a high calibre. By his outstanding organising ability and sound planning, his tactful handling of intricate situations, he earned the appreciation and admiration of his superiors and juniors alike He accepted additional tasks cheerfully and carried them out with great zeal and efficiency. His outstanding performance as Officer Commanding Headquarters Training Command (Unit) was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Indian Air Force on 26th January 1972

In May 1972 Wing Commander Sundaram was specially selected to take over the duties of the Deputy Director Pay Commission Cell at Air Headquarters On 11th February, 1974 when the post of Director of this Cell was abolished, the sole task of processing Air Force case with the Government was entrusted to Wing Commander Sundaram. During the entire period Wing Commander Sundararm was thus engaged, he made a significant contribution towards speedy finalisation of the new pay/pension scales for officers and airmen. He was able to carry out this task most successfully because of his background knowledge of intricate matters and rules and regulations relating to service conditions of Armed Forces personnel and commendable capacity for sustained hard work. He continues his efforts with the same zeal in his present assignment as the Deputy Director of Pay Pension and Regulations which he took over on 1st June, 1975.

For his brilliance, zeal, professional competence, infinite capacity for hard work and dedication to the service which goes far beyond the call of normal duty. Wing Commander Dhararmalingam Kalyana Sundaram is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Prem Nath Mehra (3976) Logistic was commissioned in the Logistics Branch in 1950 and during his 26 years of service has held a variety of responsible appointments both at home and abroad.

After successfully completing the long management course at the Institute of Defence Management, Wing Commander Mehra took over command of an important Equipment Depot in September, 1973. Throughout the period of his command, Wing Commander Mehra has applied himself to his duties with a very great sense of responsibility and dedication, and by his skilful management brought about a remarkable improvement m the support services for the overhaul of old and obsolescent aircraft of the Air Force. As a result of his efficient management and total involvement, the Depot has reached an effective support rate of no less than 98%, by far the highest ever achieved by any Depot, In addition, by close and effective liaison with Air India, he ensured that the overhaul tasks allotted to that Agency for 1975-76 were fully accomplished. This effort is all the more commendable when viewed in the context of the economy achieved by him in procurement expenditure. His inventory management has been so sound that, despite the global escalation of cost, he was able to actually cut down the annual expenditure on spares procurement from Rs 3.48 crores to Rs 1.75 crores in 1975-76.

For his devotion to duty, professional competence, skilful management and hard work. Wing Commander Prem Nath Mehra is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Srish Chandra Basu 4702) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April 1954. He joined Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence in 1970 as Squadron Leader and was put in-charge of Mechanical Engineering Group of a unit dealing with Microwave communications. He was personally responsible for establishing various facilities in the unit workshop and setting up high standard of workmanship by workshop personnel and Drawing Section personnel at various levels. He was also personally responsible for building up expertise in the unit in O.C. welding of Aluminum and plating of alumi num, with extremely limited facilities. The final products which have resulted from the Workshop under his leadership as well as the mechanical drawing of the hardware prep ared under his guidance have received appreciation from important Public Sector undertakings. He has made substantial personal contribution in evolving the mecha nical design of High Power Amplifier and in the evaluation of various sub-assemblies in low power which is accepted for production.

Apart from his technical capabilities, which in themselves are quite impressive, the most remarkable characteristic of Wing Commander Basu is his capacity and patience to understand and execute hundreds of changes/modifications/improvements, requested by various engineers developing various items.

For his high technical capability in Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, exceptional devotion to duty, sustained drive and enthusiasm to accomplish difficult tasks. Wing Commander Srish Chandra Basu is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao (4837) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of Air Force Academy with effect from April 1973 as Chief Operation Officer. During 1974, Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao was called upon to take over the duties of Chief Flying Instructor Harvard Training Squadron in addition to the Chief Operation Officer's duties in the absence of a regular incumbent on the establishment of Air Force Academy. These two appointments jointly placed lot of responsibilities on him. It was due to his devotion to duty, hard work and perseverance that not only the flying training task was completed in time, he himself did 400 hors of supervisory instructional flying during this period. Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao has done over 6000 hours of service flying out of which 2000 hours are instructional.

Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao was also entrusted with various welfare responsibilities at the Air Force Academy which he performed in an excellent manner. The results produced by him were only possible due to his high sense of responsibility, devotion to duty, integrity and working long hours with single mindedness of purpose without caring for personal comforts.

For his distinguished service of a very high order, Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Khorana as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters since October 1971, has been responsible for the planning and processing of a Radar project. He has shouldered responsibility of a very high degree and has applied himself with exemplary energy and earnest enthusiasm. In this challenging task, he has displayed very high caliber of professional competence and resourcefulness. He has carried out critical studies and analysis of system requirements, specifications of imported and indigenous equipment with a view to find cost effective solution for meeting operational requirements and has made valuable contributions. His study and recommendations on the power supply configurations for the Project has resulted in most cost effective and highly reliable Power Supply System. Wing Com mander Khorana has also been responsible for the integration of modern IFF Ground System with existing radars and in guiding the development Computer Based Data Handling System of future radars for the Air Force.

Wing Commander (Mrs.) Vijay Lakshmi Ramanan (4971) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 22nd August, 1955 and was seconded to the Air Force with effect from the same day.

Since 1956 to date she has served as a Gynecologist in almost all the Air Force Hospitals. She was posted to Air Force Hospital, Bangalore with effect from 1st May, 1968 as Senior Gynecologist and Obstetrician in the Family Wing of the hospital. Families Wing of the Air Force Hospital Bangalore is very heavily worked section of the hospital. More often than not Wing Commander (Mrs.) Ramanan has looked after this section single handed as a gynecologist. She has acquired commendable degree of skill and has handled the work of this section most admirably. To achieve this she has been on call every night and every holiday and Sundays without caring for personal comforts.

She has taken special interest in family planning work and guided the lady doctors of the defence installation in Bangalore to accelerate the pace of the task in hand. She has set apart special period weekly for undertaking sterilization thus achieving the figures far beyond the targets.

For he single minded devotion to duty and organizing medical services for ladies and children of the defence services personnel attending Air Force Hospital, Bangalore, Wing Commander (Mrs.) Vijay Lakshmi Ramanan is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Srinivasa Krishnamurthy (5399) was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of the Indian Air Force in May 1957. He has been commanding a Base Repair Depot, since June. 1975, Immediately on taking over the Base Repair Depot, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy applied himself to the task of increasing the production by setting personal example of enthusiasm and dedication to his officers, airmen and civilian workers. The results of these efforts were obvious when within a few months the production almost doubled.

During the previous years one of the reasons of low production was lack of spares. Wing Commander Krishnamurthy got ever this problem by resorting to local repairs and manufacture and by introducing modifications. He also utilized the spares worth lakhs of rupees, which had been classified 'inactive'. He also motivated the workers to do maximum work beyond the prescribed working hours without claiming Over Time Allowance or compensatory off.

For his exceptional skill, organising ability and dedication to duty, Wing Commander Srinivasa Krishnamurthy is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Hamid Mohamed Shahul (5461) was commissioned in Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1957. He was posted to Directorate of Operations (Transport and Maritime) Air Headquarters in November, 1971. Considering his background and maritime experience, he was attached to Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 operations with Pakistan to assist the Air Force Commander in planning and execution of all maritime operations.

As Assistant Director Maritime Operations, Squadron Leader Shahul has worked extremely hard in preparing the policies and training schedules of maritime forces that have been earmarked to undertake maritime operations. This has largely contributed to the operational preparedness of the maritime forces. Squadron Leader Shahul has also been associated with the selection of a suitable maritime aircraft for our country.

Squadron Leader Shahul has flown total of 5534 hours. He has been graded "Exceptional" in flying assessment since 1965. He has held responsible appointment as Squadron Training Officer and Air Force Examiner, himself holding 'A' category on transport and his maritime operations.

By his dedication to work, cheerful disposition and professional discipline, he has set an example which is in the highest tradition of our service and worthy of emulation by others. For displaying very high flying skill, operational performance and capability and rendering distinguished service of a very high order, Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Hamid Mohamed Shahul is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Commander Manmohan Waman Desai (5524) was commissioned in Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force in June 1958. He had been working in the Western Air Command Accounts Section from September, 1973 to February, 1976. During his stay in the Command he had been dealing with cash audit objections, pay and allowances budget and funds. His professional competence and analytical approach to problems have been instrumental in providing proper guidance to the units on accounting matters. His initiative zeal and enthusiasm have resulted in the achievement of tasks and targets set by Air Headquarters. Unmindful of personal inconvenience he has worked long hours with a single minded purpose to ensure prompt and efficient accounting services and guidance to the units. He had also established an effective rapport with all the sections at Command Headquarters thus achieving a high degree of cooperation and coordination.

Squadron Leader Desai was also the Officer in-charge Canteen during his stay in the Command. He had streamlined the working of the Canteen and by his initiative and hard work was able to provide efficient canteen services to all the personnel when scarcity and high prices prevailed in the civil markets. This had kept the morale of the men high.

For his outstanding devotion to duty, dedicated hard work, extreme reliability and professional capability, Squadron Leader Manmohan Waman Desai is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Jayanta Keshari Ray Barman (5737) was commissioned in Logistic Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. He took over command of an Equipment Depot in May, 1971. The Depot is established to store and maintain only 275 vehicles for the Air Force, but the number of vehicles held by the Depot has been increasing steadily and now it is storing nearly 600 vehicles. Thus the Depot has for quite sometime now been handling a workload more than twice for which it was established without any significant increase in manpower.

Inspite of heavy workload and shortage of manpower Squadron Leader Barman has met all the tasks assigned to him. By an intelligent application of the new Managerial Techniques, he has effectively reduced the time taken in inspecting and completing all the formalities involved in the issue of the new vehicles. By developing effective liaison with the railways, vehicles allotted out are pushed out at a much faster rate than before. Squadron Leader Barman has thus reduced the turn-around time of the Mechanical Transport vehicles which now reach the Air Force Units much faster than before.

Squadron Leader Barman has achieved these results through his imaginative leadership and successful man-management. His own sustained hard work till late in the evenings has been an inspiration to his subordinates. For his distinguished service of high order Squadron Leader Jayanta Keshari Ray Barman is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Bapu Raghavaendrarao Madhava Rao (5944) was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1960. He was posted to a nucleus unit, which was set up to raise a new base repair depot for a supersonic fighter bomber aircraft in April, 1974. He was entrusted with the task of setting up facilities for the overhaul of 492 different types of rotables.

Having chalked out his plans to the last detail. Squadron Leader Rao started executing the task while the building construction and other civil engineering works were still in progress. In a record time of eight months, the rotables repair shops were ready for commissioning. When the nucleus unit was designated as a full-fledged base repair depot, the shops were already established to undertake internal and external repair tasks. This achievement enabled the depot to induct aircraft for overhaul within three months of its formation and to deliver the first over hauled aircraft to an operational squadron in less than seven months from the date of induction.

Subsequently, the rotables overhaul shops have fully met the requirement of other aircraft inducted for medium repair within an ambitious timeframe set for the assembly stage. Over and above meeting these commitments, the Depot made special efforts to clear 278 'Aircraft On Ground' demands of the operating squadrons with in the year 1975-76, although no firm task was placed on the Depot.

The contributions made by Squadron Leader (Now Wing Commander) Bapu Raghavendrarao Madhava Rao towards these achievements are commendable. For his professional competence, sincerity of purpose, loyalty to service and managerial ability, he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

396933 Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Air Force in July, 1944. For the past 8 years he has been continuously working in front-line fighter squadrons. Between May, 1968-70, he was employed in an Operational Type-training Squadron where he made a significant contribution to training of pilots and ground crew. He took active part and creditable part in 1971 conflict with Pakistan in the Western Sector, when as Warrant Officer in-charge of the Repair and Servicing Section of a fighter squadron he was largely responsible for providing consistent and valuable maintenance support.

In March, 1975, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh was posted to a new front line squadron. The Squadron at that time was in very early stages of re-equipment. When the second-line servicing for the new Squadron was required to be set up in June, 1975, the task was entrusted to this Master Warrant Officer. It is to his credit that with very little guidance due to acute shortage of qualified officers, he set about organizing the maintenance facilities with enthusiasm and drive and achieved commendable results in record time. Very soon the second line servicing was functioning, in an organised, competent and professional manner.

In November, 1975, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh was assigned the duties and responsibilities of the Daily Servicing Section of the Squadron when maintenance lapses had led to a ground accident. He more than justified this confidence in him, and with improved maintenance activities of the Daily Servicing Section, this Squadron has consistently exceeded its flying task every month without any accident/incident.

Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh has been responsible for not only establishing and functioning of efficient repair and servicing/ Daily Servicing Sections of his Squadron, but also of training of personnel under him in correct technical practices and general service behaviour. He has always placed service before self in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh has consistently displayed outstanding professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication to duty and rendered distinguished service of the highest order. He is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

218838 Junior Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Kalsi, Fitter II Engine was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in December, 1954. He has been on the posted strength of a Dakota Squadron since December, 1973. Immediately on his arrival, he was entrusted with the task of Senior Non-Commissioned Officer incharge engine trade at Central Repair & Servicing Section of his Station.

From the outset he maintained very meticulous and exacting standards. The aging Dakota aircraft and its engines need constant attention to meet its increasing servicing problems. His capability of speedy analysis of snags and correct rectifications contributed largely towards saving time, material and manpower. When aircraft have been stranded at out stations/detachments due to unserviceability he has shown spontaneous willingness to execute the job even at great personal inconvenience. He also has been largely instrumental in recovery of aircraft which have been on 'AOG' for a long time.

To meet the wide range of work under strict constraints of flight safety, the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer not only consistently supervised, directed and coordinated the activities of other airmen but himself also worked on the floor as junior tradesman. His sincere unflinching devotion to duty, cheerful acceptance of rigorous working under difficult conditions and ceaseless efforts have resulted in substantial increase in aircraft serviceability and has provided magnificent example and inspiration to all other airmen of the Squadron, Junior Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Kalsi has shown extraordinary skill initiative, super visory capabilities and dedication to duty, for which he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

222499 Junior Warrant Officer Kaushlender Sasan, Fitter II Airframe-was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in March, 1957. He was posted to his present fighter Squadron in June, 1975. He has been working as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in-charge Airframe trade in the Squadron Daily Servicing Section as well as the Central Repair and Servicing Section since then. During this period this Senior Non-Commissioned Officer has displayed a very high sense of duty, exceptional professional knowledge and rare devotion to his job.

When special checks were ordered on the type of aircraft flown by his Squadron, he rose to the occasion organised the men under him, worked round the clock and, put the aircraft in the air in the shortest possible time. A number of modifications were carried out under his expert guidance. He, also, helped and assisted Central Repair and Servicing Section in forming centralised hydraulic servicing bay, crack detection bay and a number of other servicing bays.

There was no accident or incident in his Squadron during the period June, 1975 to June, 1976. Flight Sergeant Sasan takes the major credit for this rare distinction in terms of flight safety.

For his unflinching loyalty, perseverance, exceptional devotion to duty and outstanding service. Junior Warrant Officer Kaushlender Sasan is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Sushil Kumar Mukherjee joined the Army Medical Corps on 15 October, 1948 and was seconded to the Air Force on 6 November 1948. He distinguished himself by standing first in primary and advanced Aviation Medicine Courses.

As Assistant Director of Medical Services (Flight Safety), he developed improved techniques for investigating medical aspects of aircraft accidents and formulated several measures to reduce human error factors. While serving with the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (Air), he was responsible for the development, evaluation and drawing up specification for various items of flying clothing, safety and survival equipment thereby effecting considerable savings of foreign exchange. In his capacity as the Deputy Principal Medical Officer, Western Air Command, he also prepared lecture notes for the guidance of aircrew and squadron medial officers. As Senior Advisor in Aviation Medicine he has guided various aviation medicine research projects and has also made valuable contribution in the field of aviation medicine.

For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Sushil Kumar Mukherjee.0020

Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan was commissioned in the Accountant Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 1950. Group Captain Gopalan has displayed great foresight, perspicacity and maturity in tackling complex accounting problems. His attempts to improve budgetary planning and control in Units are resulting in optimisation of resources. His studies and recommenda- tions on the contractual purchases at Units have led to considerable savings and greater benefits to the Units. He has also refined and improved the system of performance analysis of accounting function which has been in the Air Force since 1973-74 and made it a reliable yardstick for measuring the absolute perfor mance of individual Units and the compara tive performance of various Units.

His judicious interpretation of regulations has achieved economy in expenditure, while meeting service requirements fully. His organising ability is exceptional and he has been a source of inspiration to all Officers. Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 7 September 1953. During his tenure with the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements, he showed sound technical knowledge extraordinary zeal and extreme capacity for hard work in dealing with the large volume and range of work. Displaying a high sense of initiative and with untiring efforts, he, in a short period of time, acquired a high degree of competence even in the fields other than that of his specialisation.

Group Captain Nehra was called upon to carry out analytical studies of design/project reports of a number of development projects relating to aircraft/ systems designs. Owing to his recognised merit in the field of aircraft flight testing, the officer has been repeatedly selected for evaluation of aircraft/systems considered for induction in the IAF.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra during his stay in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements has throughout displayed outstanding professional competence, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty. The officer has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Nand Kishore Shankarrao Ambegaonkar was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 30 November 1955. During the period that Wing Commander Ambegaonkar worked as Chief Instructor, the Transport Training Wing underwent a change from Dakota to HS-748 aircraft for training. This transition phase was a difficult period replete with innumerable Flying and maintenance problems. It was entirely due to his relentless endeavours and untiring zeal that the changeover was remarkably smooth and without any serious delay in training schedules.

Wing Commander Ambegaonkar has 8,400 accident-free flying hours to his credit. He holds an 'A-2' instructional category on both Dakota and HS-748 aircraft, and 'A' Master Green Transport rating. It was under his personal guidance and control that the training schedules were recast and the entire training machinery streamlined, which helped a great deal in elevating the standard of training.

Throughout, Wing Commander Nand Kishore Shankarrao Ambegaonkar has displayed outstanding professional skill, high organizing ability, devotion to duty and zeal and capacity for sustained hard work. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Prabhakar Mukundrao Achalkar was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of Indian Air Force on 20 May 1957. He has been working as the Chief Engineering Officer of a Fighter Wing since October 1973. He is a qualified single-engine pilot and has flown over 150 hours on sophisticated helicopters. With unremitting efforts, efficient organization and conduct of the Maintenance Control Centre, he has ensured unhindered flow of aircraft spares. This has resulted in sustaining an average serviceability of 70% on types 77 and 96 aircraft. By his initiative, hard work and professional skill, he has maintained and, wherever necessary, fabricated ground equipment to ensure unfettered flying operations.

Wing Commander Achalkar has worked long hours with determination and has displayed an exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and professional competence. His innovative spirit and dedication, which are in the highest traditions of the Air Force, have contributed to the enhancement of the operational potential of the Wing.

For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Wing Commander Prabhakar Mukundrao Achalkar Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Sundaram Kalyan Sundaram was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Air Force in November 1968.

He has been the Chief Engineering Officer of the Air Force Academy since 16 September 1976. Undeterred by the high Aircraft-onGround rate of rotables and ARS spares, and the problems faced on the tail plane, nosewheel assembly and canopies, Wing Commander Sundaram displayed intelligent planning, effective material management, high devotion to duty an cordial relationship with HAL, thus raising the serviceability progressively to 70%. Wing Commander Sundaram Kalyan Sundaram has all along deployed outstanding work, intelligence, management ability and a high sense of devotion to duty and has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Pritam Singh joined the Indian Air Force as an airman on 22 November, 1943. He was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 30 December 1959.

His first tenure was a Fighter Controller from March 1960 to August 1963 at a Signals Unit in the most active sector in Punjab. Whilst at Air Headquarters, he dedicated himself to his task whole heartedly and contributed a great deal to the consolidation of Air Defence System of number of Signals Units integration of Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons and the formulation and issue of Air Defence Air Staff Instructions, directives, procedures and connected Air Publications.

Throughout his service career, Squadron Leader Pritam Singh has displayed high sense of loyalty, exemplary devotion to duty and a high level of professional knowledge and skill.

In recognition of the distinguished service of a high order rendered by Squadron Leader Pritam Singh the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Corporal Vamsa Vardhana Audipudi joined the Air Force in November 1962. He has been responsible far setting up and operating the servicing bays of radio and radar equipment of a sophisticated jet trainer aircraft.

By his diligent application and thorough professional knowledge, devotion to duty and zeal, Corporal Audipudi not only rectified many complicated snags on the aircraft, but devised and executed a modification altering the internal circuiting. This not only removed certain basic snags but also solved the intercommunication problem of the operators and greatly improved the radio performance, thus leading to increased efficiency and greater flight safety.

Corporal Vamsa Vardhana Audipudi's ingenuity, technical skill, devotion to duty and hard work have been a worthy example to others and are in the best traditions of the Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Corporal George Chacko, Airframe Fitter joined the Air Force on 26 June 1963. His professional knowledge as a Non-commissioned Officer, of aircraft systems, snag rectifications, the numerous modifications, Special Technical Instructions and other Technical Orders is outstanding.

During the period February-March 1976, when all fighter aircraft were grounded for special checks, Corporal George, with a small gang of technicians, worked relentlessly for long hours, unmindful of his personal comfort. During these special checks on the aircraft he came across a number of difficult technical problems. With his superior theoretical and practical knowledge, professional skill and determination, he devised a number of jigs and rigs to solve the problems. He thus made a number of these aircraft serviceable within the shortest possible time.

Corporal George Chacko has an excellent record of achievements in the past. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Surya Dev Pathak was commissioned in the Accounts branch of the Air Force on 1 Dec 50. During his twenty seven years of service, he has held a variety of responsible appointments and displayed tact, initiative, drive and devotion to duty, of a very high caliber.

In November, 1975, he was specially selected to take over as the first secretary of the Air Force Group Insurance Society, an entirely new field of activity for an Accountant Officer. Air Force was the pioneer in starting the scheme in the Armed Forces and in the absence of previous knowledge, experience and reliable data/statistics had to face numerous hurdles. Group Captain Pathak, however, applied himself to this new and challenging assignment with a very high sense of responsibility and dedication and in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation of India, got the scheme started.

Within one year of existence of this scheme, with his skilful management, he made it possible to delink the scheme form LIC thus resulting in a saving of Rs. 12 lacs to the Society, which was transferred to the members in the form of increased Survival Benefits and reduced "Flying Extra Premium". Again in early 1978, through a scheme of re-insurance with banks, he was instrumental in augmenting the yield on Society's investments by Rs. 7 lakhs per annum.

Encouraged by tangible results and the support of members, he formulated a new scheme in April 1978, which envisaged enhanced life cover, better survival benefits, cover to NCs (E) and disability insurance for rehabilitation of disabled personnel. The last mentioned benefit is another "First" on the map of Group Insurance in the Armed Forces.

The brilliance, skilful managements, zeal, hard work and dedication to service displayed by Group Captain Pathak, in bringing this major welfare measure to its present stature, have been of a very high order. Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Surya Dev Pathak.

Wing Commander Satwant Singh took over the command of one of the Forward Base Support Units on 20th December, 1976. This unit is situated at a distance of 10 Km from the nearest town. The place is secluded and far away from any habitation. It was an exacting task to give a face lift to the unit. Wing Commander Satwant Singh being an enterprising officer worked with remarkable zeal to bring up the working condition of the unit to a very high order. Besides involving himself totally in the activations form time to time, he continued to reshape the station through dogged perseverance, which was the main reason for the Squadron to achieve the flying task. The promptness with which he handled and settled the problems of personnel won him acclaim from one and all. He thus built up the morale of personnel under his command. His unit has been adjudged the best amongst the Forward Base Support Units in the Western Air Command. The signal honour which the unit has been able to achieve is mainly due to his professional involvement and competence with utter disregard to his personal comfort.

For distinguished service of a high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Satwant Singh.

Wing Commander Kunnathidathil Sanjeevan (5615) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1958. After passing out of Air Force Technical College as a triple trophy winner, he had held appointments as Engineering officer/Flight Engineer in fighter, helicopter and transport Squadrons. Subsequently he underwent the Defence Services Staff College Course and the Senior Technical Officers' Management Course wherein he was the winner of the Harjinder Trophy for having stood first in the course. During 1970-74, he held the appointment of Staff Officer (Tech) to three successive Air Officers-in-Charge Maintenance. At present, he is serving as Deputy Director of Engineering at Air Headquarters. As Deputy Director Engineering at Air Headquarters, Wing Commander Sanjeevan has consistently displayed singular drive and professional acumen in solving numerous problems connected with the Maintenance and operation of a type of aircraft resulting in substantial improvement in reliability of engine and appreciable reduction in failure rate.

There were two incidents of runway propeller on the type. The pilot abandoned take off and managed to stop the aircraft just in time in both cases. Air Maintenance operations with the type were, therefore, immediately suspended as a precautionary measure.

A specialist from Manufacturers was called for, who carried out detailed investigations into both these incidents. However, he could not arrive at any definite conclusion with regard to the cause for these two malfunctions. Wing Commander Sanjeevan was detailed as Leader of the Team to carry out further investigation into these two incidents. As a result of his meticulous investigations based on an exhaustive analysis of all information pertaining to the incidents, it was possible to establish the cause of malfunction beyond any doubt. Quality Control Specialist of the firm agreed with the solutions arrived at and commended him for his investigating ability. As a result, the morale of the aircrew operating the type has been raised significantly and resumption of operation for air maintenance tasks has been made possible.

With his devotion to duty and complete involvement in his profession Wing Commander Kunnathidathil Sanjeevan has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Dev Nath Rathore was posted as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron with effect from 1 Dec 76 when the Squadron moved to another location for reequipping with a new aircraft.

With just a handful of officer and technicians, the Squadron started re-equipping under the personal supervision of Wing Commander Rathore and also commenced training of the staff pilots who had very limited experience on type. Although the tempo of flying had to be kept down due to a number of problems which were being faced in operating these aircraft. It was ensured by the Commanding Officer that sufficient training was imparted to all the pilots undertaking conversion of other pilots who were earmarked to man other similar Squadrons in the re-equipment plan. During his tenure of just over one year, the Squadron has been able to convert a large number of pilots both from supersonic and transonic blocks without any accident or incident.

Wing Commander Rathore showed keen interest an leadership during these conversions and whilst the training was being conducted, he also ensured that the pilots were on the posted strength of his Squadron simultaneously carried out their own Squadron syllabus and were declared fully operational during this period. It was under his command that the Squadron operated three detachments to carry out armament exercises.

Wing Commander Rathore's interest was not limited to training of pilots. The technicians were also given very thorough job training so that various inspections that were falling due were handled in the most professional manner. Although the Squadron was supposed to retain a part of foreign trained technicians in the Squadron in actual fact this did not happen. In due course almost all the foreign trained technicians were posted out to various other Squadrons which had been re-equipped with the new aircraft.

During the period of his command, the Squadron has flown more that two thousand accident free hours by day and night. This was made possible by personal example, professional outlook and matured thinking of the Commanding Officer and absolute supervision at all times. For achieving such excellent results Wing Commander Rathore set an example which is in the best traditions of the service. His professional outlook and selfless devotion to duty were an abject lesson and a morale booster for the personnel under his command. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dev Nath Rathore.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh was commissioned on 1 Dec 61. He was employed as an Engineering Officer at the Pilot Training Establishment/Elementary Flying School from 1965-68, where he was awarded Commendation by AOC-in-C, Training Command in Jan 68.

While employed on a staff appointment at Air Headquarters between1970-75, he worked very hard and made significant contribution to improve aircraft serviceability in fighter squadrons especially during 1971. He was specially selected for training abroad on first and second line servicing of the latest front line supersonic aircraft. During the first five months of 1975, he worked purely as the Squadron Technical Officer of a Squadron on its re-equipment after which he concurrently assumed the responsibilities of Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing. In that capacity he had been responsible for streamlining and optimizing the working of maintenance organization and raising it to a high level of efficiency and performance to the greater advantage of the fighter squadrons. Being extremely methodical, thorough and meticulous in his work and his dynamic drive have combined to make him a pace setter of very high standards of performance.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has displayed an outstanding ability in the supervisory role and a deep personal involvement in all spheres of maintenance activities. He has always worked hard with a result oriented practical approach. It is a tribute to his maturity, professional ability and devotion to service that his subordinates cheerfully obey him, his colleagues willingly follow his guidance and those senior to him listen with respect to his advice.

Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has been responsible, not only for establishing and functioning an efficient maintenance organization but also for imparting technical knowledge to technical officers and airmen. Due to full personal involvement his Wing had no accident in the year 1977 due to technical mal-practices. During the same year the Wing also had nil MT accident rate. He always placed service before self in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. The Station had undertaken the stupendous task of conducting the Fire Power Demonstration with a large number of personnel and diverse aircraft based on the Station. From the technical aspect the entire exercise was without any accident/incident and for this the credit goes to Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh.

Throughout Squadron Leader Yadavendra Singh has consistently displayed professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication to duty of the highest order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Shishir Kumar Chaturvedi was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December 1959. He held a number of important appointments including those of Senior Logistics Officer of No. 36 Equipment Depot. In addition, he also commanded an Equipment Depot during its formative stages. He as commended by AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in 1972 and by Chief of Air Staff in 1974 for his outstanding professional skill.

Squadron Leader Shishir Kumar Chaturvedi is presently commanding an Air Store Park. As commanding Officer Squadron Leader Chaturvedi displayed singular drive and high professional acumen in improving the administrative and functional efficiency of the unit. By his persistent endeavour, he was able to start a full fledged Kendriya Vidyalaya from 1 Apr 76 and also got sanction for a permanent Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sep 77. The Unit had practically no facilities for sports. In 1975, a football ground was prepared with the help of local PWD and "Shramdan". This gave a big fillip to the sports activities specially in football. The unit has been annexing the District Football Championship for the last three consecutive years.

Since there was no Senior Admin Officer established at the Unit, all works services had to be planned, processed and progressed by the Commanding Officer himself. During the last two and a half years, works services costing 14 lakhs have been planned and progressed personally by this officer. Considerable quantity of explosive stores had to be moved during the year 1977-78 from and to operating Units. Squadron Leader Chaturvedi accomplished the task of moving huge quantities of explosives with meticulous plan ning without disrupting the normal function of the unit. By his personal endeavour the number of audit objections has been reduced by more than half-from 77 in 1975-76 to 31 in 1977-78. Here again he displayed outstanding professional ability, drive and devotion to duty. In recognition of the good administrative performance of the Unit, his unit was awarded the Trophy for the `Best Administered Unit' for the year 1977.

Shishir Kumar Chaturvedi has rendered distinguished service of a high order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award his Vishisht Seva Medal.

Warrant Officer Krishna Iyer Narayanan Instrument Fitter has been serving at an operational unit since 18 Mar 74. During this period, he has been employed in both the Daily Servicing Section and Repair and Servicing Section as W.O. in-charge. Though from Instrument Fitter trade and being new to this type of aircraft, his keenness to learn and uncommon zeal at once singled him out for the most responsible supervisory duties. During the formation stages of the Squadron, the technicians were unfamiliar with the equipment while flying activities were extensive. W.O. Narayanan displayed exceptional capacity for hard work and went through the difficult phase most cheerfully. His enthusiasm for work and tenacity of purpose were instrumental in spreading the spirit of dedication amongst rest of the Squadron Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and men. He commended the men placed under him as one team towards common purpose and achievement. During his tenure, he has been on many squadron detachments where the working conditions were far from ideal. Yet, he always exhibited his organizational ability in setting up the Daily Servicing Section and cater at once to the flying commitments without hampering flight safety. During the year 1977, the Squadron was operating at a Forward Base Supply Unit for well over 10 months with the full complement of Daily Servicing Section equipment and personnel. W.O. Narayanan initially proceeded with the detachment and set up the Daily Servicing Section in proper manner. His personal example, professionalism and ability to carry the men along with him have made him an asset to the Squadron. Throughout his tenure, he had been totally dependable, responsible and willing worker. For his services in the Squadron, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff during Aug 77.

His selfless dedication to service, total disregard of self and ability to inspire those placed under his command and his colleagues are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.

Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Warrant Officer Krishna Iyer Narayanan Posthumously.

Junior Warrant Officer Gopi Chand Chhabra has been posted to a Signal Unit for the last one year. He has always applied himself, with zeal to overcome any problem. With his initiative, enthusiasm and professional skill, he has ensured a very high rate of radar serviceability. His ingenuity and high professional competence have accelerated the repair and snag rectification of the Radar System.

During his stay in the unit, once he was called upon to undertake major repairs to the main radar, a job which is normally undertaken by RMU party. This contingency necessitated the complete dismantling and assembling after the rectification of the snag. With limited manpower this JWO was able to accomplish this task in the record time of three days by putting in long hours of arduous work beyond the call of his duty. He has taken active part in organising the Unit Radar Stores with great foresight so that the continuous flow of spares is always maintained and there is no breakdown due to nonavailability of spares.

He was successfully implemented a new system of preventive maintenance whereby the technical breakdowns have been reduced to almost zero. Furthermore he has been responsible for supervising the training of Radar Fitters to form a nucleus of expert manpower to tend to various components of Radar Systems and he has organized this complex work admirably. As a result of his hard work this Unit has successfully completed the task despite shortage of spares, distance from repair/supply depot and manpower constraints. Apart from showing the professional skill of high order he has also displayed exceptional sense of devotion to duty and cheerful obedience in the best traditions of the IAF. He has always been a source of inspiration to those working under him.

For his distinguished service of as high order Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Gopi Chand Chhabra.

Corporal Chandra Mohan Pillai worked as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Special Project Section of a repair depot from January 1972 to August 1977. During this period he was employed as one of the few key personnel engaged in the development of an important Armament Store.

Corporal Chandra Mohan Pillai with his keen devotion to duty and inborn tenacity for hard work developed a vital internal assembly of the armament store. He had also fabricated a panel which facilitated time setting of Delay Arming Device to its exacting precision.

Corporal Chandra Mohan Pillai with his innovative ideas, high degree of professional skill and unmatched dedication to duty was rendered distinguished service of a high order for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal was posted to Air Headquarters on 27 Jun 77 as a Deputy Director. He was responsible for the maintenance of Kiran (HJT-16), HT-2, Krishak and Devon aircraft fleets, for both technical and logistics activities. Kiran aircraft is an indigenous aircraft which has several problems associated with a newly inducted aircraft. As against this, HT-2, Krishak and Devon are vintage aircraft and have innumerable problems because of their old age. Further, due to shortage of staff, the provisioning reviews were in arrears and the serviceability of the fleet was very low.

With concerted efforts and meticulous attention to details, Wing Commander Gopal was able to overcome the shortcomings in the provisioning and supply of the maintenance and overhaul spares which directly contributed to the improvement of serviceability and reduced AOG percentages. By his personal example, he imbued enthusiasm in the officers and staff working under him and guided them in their day-to-day work. It was due to his sustained hard work in providing the product support to the BRDs, that the production at the repair agencies of all the aircraft, aeroengines and rotables showed considerable improvement. The very close and timely attention to the defects and their investigation paid by him made a significant contribution to flight safety in respect of these aircraft which are handled by ab initio pilots.

In the years 1977-78, the serviceability of the Iskra fleet was adversely affected. As a result a lot of extra load of pilot training was put on the Kiran aircraft. It was only because of Wing Commander Gopal's devotion to duty much beyond the normal requirements, that it was possible to meet the extra commitment, without any break in training. With his industry and hard work for long hours, unmindful of personal considerations, in spite of continued shortage of staff, he was able to bring up the maintenance preparedness of the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, to a highly commendable level,

For his keenness, devotion to duty and sense of responsibility, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal.

Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Rana was the Officer Commanding of a Forward Base Support Unit from Jun 77 to Apr 79. During this period he did outstanding work. The forward location of his Base and its operational importance called for a high degree of operational preparedness at all times. Despite many difficulties including acute shortage of manpower, and many extra duties and responsibilities, he ensured that all administrative and operational tasks were carried out. Wing Commander Rana was given the added responsibility of providing administrative services to five subsidiary lodger units which he did, most efficiently, without any additional manpower or other facilities. Simultaneously he ensured that operational standards were maintained at a high level at all times.

During his tenure at the base, Wing Commander Rana activated his unit and supervised the operational, flying and training of fighter aircraft most efficiently and without a single flying accident or incident. He also supervised and activated the base very successfully for two major exercises during the period.

The Officer served in a fighter squadron during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1965. In 1971 he flew a large number of photo reconnaissance sorties over the enemy territory of West Pakistan while serving with a Sukhoi Squadron. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his meritorious work. He has flown approximately 2500 hours on various types of single engine aircraft. He is a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.

Wing Commander Rana's personal example, qualities of leadership, cheerfulness under stress and exceptional sense of responsibility and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to the personnel working with and under him. His rapport with the Army during his tenure at the Base has been exceptionally good.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth and maintenance of high operational and administrative standards in the Air Force, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Rana.

Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 1st June, 1958. He has the singular distinction of having served simultaneously as OC (Unit) and Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C, both at HQ CAC and HQ WAC.

In his early career at training units at Jalahalli and Tambaram, he made invaluable contributions towards the general administration and training activities of the IAF as for instance:- a. At Medical Centre, Jalahalli, he revised the entire training syllabus which had farreaching and long-lasting impact on the quality of out put of airmen. b. As Commander of the Basic Squadron at Tambaram, he introduced a system of screening, training and battle inoculation including range firing for ab initio recruits which improved the standards of physical fitness and fighting capability of the airmen. c. As Sports Officer, he was not only responsible for managing and training of Air Force teams at Tambaram, but also had the distinction of winning for the Air Force all the four events in the Inter-Services Championship.

Consequent to the decision to shift HQ CAC from Calcutta to Allahabad, he, as OC Unit and the Staff Officer to the AOC-in-C had the dual responsibility of ensuring a quick and smooth move. He achieved that with distinction without any untoward incident, loss or damage and activated the HQ at Allahabad well before the scheduled date. Shifting of the WAC HQ from its old location at Palam for its new building in Subroto Park complex was achieved in a similar manner. This became feasible by his involvement, meticulous planning and systematic execution. This move entailed the bifurcation of the Airmen's and SNCOs messes between Air Force Palam and HQ, WAC and activation of the same in the new complex. This was accomplished in record time with no disruption of essential services. Likewise, the Non-Public Funds of HQ WAC had to be separated from those of Palam and started afresh. This was achieved by him through persuasiveness, tact and careful planning. Within a short span of one year, he raised the Non-Public Funds from a meagre Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- by his judicious schemes. Besides his normal duty, he was called upon to plan and scrutinise Air Force projects to be progressed by various R&D Establishments. He executed this task with remarkable maturity and confidence which won him appreciation from all concerned. During the development of "RATO" by ISRO, Wing Commander Mangal was entrusted with the task of monitoring its progress and organising the entire administrative arrangements including its trial at Bareilly. This challenging task which was highly technical and sophisticated in nature was accomplished by him with his quick uptake, clear thinking and deep insight. Wing Commander Mangal had the distinction of being the only Admin Officer to have been ever associated with the development of an intricate technical project.

While at Western Air Command within one and a half year he had the distinction of bringing down from over 300 cash and 500 stores objections to a nil state. This was achieved through his consistent efforts, tenacity of purpose and close liaison with the audit staff.

Wing Commander Mangal proved his mettle again as Staff Officer to the Vice Chief of the Air Staff from 1969 till early 1973.

As Officer I/C Administration at AF Station, Tezpur he was responsible for the execution of works services amounting to Rs. 74 lakhs in one year involving relaying of the complete taxi tracks within a record period of 6 months and installation of the GCA set-up within a record period of 4 months. With his flair for constructive planning and ingenuity he mobilised the unexploited potential of the Station which resulted in the growth of the Non-Public Funds by Rupees sixty-four thousand in one year. He was also instrumental in clearing within one year as many as 300 odd audit objections which had accumulated over the years.

Wing Commander Mangal served as DDPS at Air HQ from July 76 onwards. Directorate of Personal Services is the only Directorate having no Joint Director and only one Deputy Director. He handled multitude of subjects to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Some of his notable achievements were:- a. Clearance of seven disciplinary cases which were pending for the past 5 to 8 years within a period of 6 months. b. Obtaining government sanction which increased the Amenity Grant for AF personnel by Rs. 1.45 lakh per year. c. Securing Government sanction for regularising the expenditure incurred on the modification/stitching of jackets for JWOs. On creation of the new rank of JWO in the IAF, the Government had agreed to the new pattern of jacket for the JWOs but no specific sanction was accorded for modification/ stitching of the jackets. The expenditure already incurred by AF units in this regard amounted to over Rupees Thirty five lakhs and had become a subject of controversy. Through his initiative and liaison with the officials of the Min of Def and Finance he was able to secure Govt sanction not only to cover the expenditure already incurred but also for future expenditure. d. Introduction of new welfare measures by AFWWA. As Hony Secy of AFWWA, he introduced new schemes which provided considerable benefits to the families of serving, retired and deceased AF personnel. A review of the scholarship scheme increased the number of beneficiaries from 23 to 176. The new scheme of vocational training to widows and dependents became very popular. Through his efforts he secured employment for 23 AF families.

With his systematic analysis and pragmatic approach, he induced a sense of purpose amongst all his colleagues and subordinates in all assignments. For this, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Chitra Gupta Mangal.

Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal was commissioned in 1958. During 21 years of service, he has carried out his various assignments with credit and has never been found wanting in any of the diverse duties allotted to him. Besides being a medical officer, he is a qualified pilot, paratrooper and mountaineer. He was trained in UK and West Germany in Aircrew Survival and was the pioneer Officer Commanding of Jungle and Snow Survival School. He has been SMO at a number of flying stations where he was deeply involved with aircrew care and flight safety. He has commanded various type of units like TMPF, AMU and No. 11 Air Force Hospital. He has also held the staff appointment of DDMS at Air Headquarters.

He is one of that rare breed of officers who shine and stand out given any responsibility. He is so remarkably versatile that he will make a success of any job given to him. His dedication to service and total involvement with the task in hand is an example for others to emulate. He has always carried out his duties with unparalleled zeal and enthusiasm in a missionary spirit and acquitted himself creditably. Air Force can truly be proud of the service rendered by him.

He assumed command of No. 7 Air Force Hospital in Jul 78, and dedicated himself to his task with perseverance. The hospital has undergone a total facelift under his dynamic leadership. It has become a symbol of institutional efficiency in spite of a low level of authorised establishment. Patient care and hospital management have assumed new dimensions. New facilities have been created and existing ones reorganised for better patient comfort at every step. These include reorganisation of Red Cross Centre, Laboratory facilities in OPDs, proper dining areas for patients, playpen for children, comfortable waiting areas, creation of CSSD, pack store for patients, installation of a PCO, reduction in waiting time and so on. Creation of an Airmen Welfare Centre and AFWWA (L) Centre with all conceivable amenities have opened new vistas of welfare for personnel and families. Better inventory control and accounting has led to a sizeable saving in the expenditure on medical stores, Training of medical and paramedical staff has been implemented with gusto for achieving high professional standards.

All this has been possible because of his initiative, organising ability, resourcefulness and unstinted hard work. He has knitted the entire hospital organisation into one cohesive force aimed at still better patient care. His personal example has been a source of inspiration to all and has generated a new enthusiasm at all levels. Under his command the high standard of administration and efficient professional attention has raised the prestige of the Hospital sky high in the eyes of one and all. By his untiring zest and personal attention to details, he has been instrumental in making No. 7 Air Force hospital a 'show window" of the Air Force. His honesty of purpose and sense of involvement with total disregard for personal comfort and convenience deserve a special mention.

For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vijendra Kumar Singhal.

Wing Commander Muhamed Abdul Rehman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 May 59. Presently he is commanding a Guided Weapon Squadron in a remote area of Northern Sector. He brought the Squadron to a very high state of operational preparedness, having planned and executed the training of the combat team in a systematic manner. Under his able command and guidance the technical equipment was brought to a record state of serviceability. He has carried out the tasks assigned to him with great zeal and enthusiasm and at the same time his high qualities of leadership have been a source of inspiration to the officers and men placed under his command. He keeps himself abreast of the latest rules and regulations and has always been a source of guidance to his subordinates.

Due to his personal involvement in the welfare activities of the Squadron, the morale of the personnel is at the highest level. Further, due to his untiring efforts and personal involvement in the 'shramdan' a park has come up in the unit area, which is a great attraction and a source of entertainment for all the personnel including families of the Squadron personnel in a remote place.

For his leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty, in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Muhamed Abdul Rehman.

Wing Commander Subash Chander Madan took over as the first Commanding Officer of No. 8 Ground Training School, Air Force in November, 1976. He was assigned a challenging job of forming a Ground Training School for Pechora complex. With only a short period of two months ahead for the com mencement of the full fledged course comprising 50 officers and 452 airmen to be trained on the newly acquired sophisticated SAGW system, this officer took up the challenge and embarked on the completion of the colossal task of setting up the class rooms, a large 'secret' library, training aids of large dimensions, deployment of combat equipment in a far flung area, accommodation for specialist vehicles and above all meticulous drawing up of detailed syllabi on the vast and varied subjects embracing various faculties.

This tremendous task involved detailed planning and prompt execution at all levels. Wing Commander Madan's impeccable professional knowledge, profound capacity for organisation and qualities of leadership with characteristic vigour, zeal and determination are of such high order that he successfully attained the goal in a superb manner working almost round the clock, thus paving the way for the commencement of the course as programmed.

Inspired by his personal example, enthusiasm and devotion to duty, officers and men under his command cheerfully worked extra time with him. He commanded the respect and absolute loyalty and confidence of those placed under him, while being trusted and commended by his superiors. So far, three special GW courses have successfully passed out comprising 117 officers and 1000 airmen of different groups, with brilliant academic and professional acumen. Besides, three short term courses for Senior Commanders have also been conducted under his able guidance. As a part of training, Wing Commander Madan executed several mobility exercises of the entire convoy of the complex without any mishap.

Within a short span of its inception, No. 8 Ground Training School, Air Force has found a place for itself among the foremost training institutions in the IAF. The significance, reputation and achievements of this institution have attained recognition under Wing Com mander Madan's stewardship. It is looked upon with faith as a result oriented organisa tion for consultancy service in so far as the Surface to Air Guided Weapon of the Air De fence Ground Environment System is concerned. Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subash Chander Madan for his distinguished and exemplary service of a high order

Squadron Leader Uma Shankar Mishra has been on the posted strength of No. 17 Wing since 06 Dec 76 as Chief Engineering Officer.

Squadron Leader Mishra is an extremely devoted and dedicated officer with a professional ability of very high order. During his tenure as C Eng O at No. 17 Wing, he consistently and effectively used his initiative to bring out some very creditable improve ments in the functioning of the technical services and facilities located there.

It was mainly owing to his untiring efforts that the serviceability of the Canberra fleet improved from 28% in 1976 to 39% in 1978 and that of the Dakota fleet from 52% in 1976 to 56% in 1978. This was achieved by his personal intervention in the clearing of AOGs, effective snag analysis and rectification work and streamlining in the technical procedures and practices. It is indeed praiseworthy that during this period no accidents/incidents were caused by technical or maintenance lapses. Squadron Leader Mishra was the guiding and driving force in achieving this high rate of serviceability.

Over and above these major achievements. Squadron Leader Mishra's devoted and painstaking efforts ensured MT serviceability of over 90% and putting back on road several vehicles such as the Coles Crane, Class III Crash Tenders and several tractors and aeroplane tugs which had been off road for long periods of time. With his highly developed technical bent of mind he was also responsible for several innovations at the station level like the adoption of S-24 rockets for Canberras, the fitment of a Liberator bomb bay tank for long range ferries on Dakotas and the fabrication of a device for detecting faults in underground cables.

For his exemplary leadership, dedication to duty, admirable capacity of management and professional competence, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Uma Shankar Mishra.

Squadron Leader Puthumana Devidasan Menon was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) branch in 1964. On completion of training he was awarded the CAS's medal for being first in order of merit. Within a few months after commissioning he was selected to undergo a course on Guided Weapons, on completion of which he served for nearly four years in a DVINA Squadron and thereafter for another four years in a DVINA Wing. During this period by virtue of his professional skill and hard work he contributed to a great extent towards enhancing the operational status of the weapon system.

In 1974 Squadron Leader Menon assumed command of a type 3101 Radar Squadron located in the western sector. During the three year period that followed, he upgraded the operational preparedness of the unit by consistent and intensive training of all personnel placed under him. In 1977, he was posted to the Rajasthan sector to take over command of another type 3101 Squadron. As CO and Senior Technical Officer of the Squadron, Squadron Leader Menon displayed outstanding qualities of professionalism and man-management. In recognition of this exe mplary work towards improving the servicea bility of equipment and the professional ability of personnel, he was commended by the AOC-in-C, No. 1 Operational Group in 1978.

In addition to his normal duties, during the past two years. Squadron Leader Menon has undertaken extensive practical studies/ trials, with a view to enhancing the operational capability of the radar equipment. These included studies on improving low level coverage by means of reverse mode operation and altering proportion of power-feed to aerials. Besides improving the technical status of his own unit, the officer provided valuable assistance in fault analysis and rectification at other squadrons in the Group equipped with similar radar.

For his outstanding initiative, and drive and distinguished services, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Puthumana Devidasan Menon.

Master Warrant Officer Tom David was on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Palam since 28 May 74. Ever since, he has been employed as the Station Warrant Officer.

Master Warrant Officer David has completed over 36 years of meritorious and dedicated service. In recognition of his outstanding performance and devotion to duty, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff twice and also by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. Even when left with only a few months of service, he continued to be an embodiment of efficiency in his field of activities.

He has displayed a very high degree of professional competence, loyalty and total devotion to duty. He has the capacity to work for long hours willingly and efficiently. He has proved himself to be a very useful member of the team. Without him, the Station could not have possibly accomplished all the tasks assigned to it.

He understands the needs of his men and is ever prepared to meet their legitimate demands. With his excellent man-management, he formed a close knit team of class 'D' employees of the station. He is firm and yet considerate. In fact, he has set a fine example of an airman for others to emulate.

For the past three years. Master Warrant Officer David has played an important role in the success of "Air Force Day Parades" held at Palam and in particular, the Air Force Day Parade held in October 1978. Master Warrant Officer David was entrusted with the exacting task of preparation of the parade ground, seating arrangements and giving a facelift to the whole area. The results and the standard achieved were a testimony to his organising ability.

For the "Fire Power Demonstration" organised at Tilpat in Feb 78, Master Warrant Officer David was responsible for making varied administrative arrangements. As such much of the credit for the show goes to him.

Besides his normal call of duty, he has also taken very keen interest in all the station activities. He has been responsible for organising various cultural and sports activities. Master Warrant Officer David has also been responsible for creating the 'Beat Band' comprising talented airmen of the Station. The contributions made by him to the Service have been very substantial and invaluable.

For his professional competence, organising ability and total dedication to Service, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Tom David.