Late Warrant Officer Krishna Vittal Rao was incharge of the Photo Section of No 106 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadrons since 6th March, 1961. During his tenure, the Squadron was assigned such important photographic tasks as covering operation VIJAY, vitally important survey of the border areas and tasks in connection with the Chinese aggression in October/November, 1962.

Throughout all these operations, the photographic missions undertaken by this Squadron necessarily demanded a tremendous mental, physical and organizational effort from this Warrant Officer. Though afflicted by coronal insufficiency coupled with diabetes - a disease which would have ordinarily hospitalized any individual for a prolonged period - he kept on performing his duties with a keen sense of dedication to the extent that the strain undergone by him aggravated his disease and was a contributory factor in his early demise. The speed and efficiency with this Warrant Officer carried out the maintenance of the cine cameras can be judged by the fact that there was not a single camera mechanical failure throughout the above operation.

The late Warrant Officer, with his determination, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of such a physical handicap, had set an inspiring example which is in the highest traditions of the Air Force.