Squadron Leader Anand Narain Mehtani has been commanding a Helicopter Unit for nearly two years. His Unit has met all its operational commitments. Due to the untiring efforts of Squadron Leader Mehtani, the Unit was soon able to undertake operational missions allotted to it, using the new types of aircraft with which the Unit was reequipped. He has flown nearly 3,000 hours including over 1850 hours on helicopters operating over difficult terrain in the Northern and Eastern Sectors. During his tenure as Officer Commanding, he has shown exceptional devotion to duty and has displayed courage in carrying out casualty evacuation from remote and difficult helipads. He has set a fine example in flying and airmanship to other pilots.

Squadron Leader Nilkanth Keshav Barve has been commanding a Helicopter Unit since January 1969. He has flown more than 3,300 hours, of which over 1,240 hours were on operational missions in the Northern and Eastern Sector. He has also 1,050 instructional flying hours to his credit. Throughout his career, he has displayed extreme devotion to duty and has set an inspiring example to others in undertaking hazardous flying commitments. Under his leadership, his unit achieved an accident free flying record. He has also trained many pilots in a special role.

Squadron Leader Vijay Pal Singh Gill is serving as Flight Commander of an Operational Squadron. He has to his credit nearly 6,000 accident free flying hours of which 2,200 hours were on operational missions. He has set a high standard in airmanship and has always been in the forefront of all arduous and difficult missions. His enthusiasm has inspired all those who have come in contact with him. He has taken keen interest in training and has ensured that pilots of his Squadron are qualified as captains in the shortest possible time.

Squadron Leader Joseph Thomas has been a pilot in the Indian Air Force for ten years.

This officer served in a reconnaissance squadron for four years. In this time he flew 230 sorties of aerial survey, which required very accurate planning and execution. Flying over rugged, mountainous terrain using inaccurate maps he achieved results of a very high standard. On two occasions when his aircraft was crippled by mechanical failures he brought back the disabled aircraft safely to base.

For his professional acumen, presence of mind and unflinching devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Thomas is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal.

On the 23rd July, 1971, Captain Sarab Jot Singh Saighal, who was serving with an Air Observation Squadron, was flying an aircraft on a reconnaissance mission. After successfully completing the mission, he set course for base. After about seven minutes of flying, a burning smell in the cockpit, which appeared to be coming from the rear, was brought to the notice of the officer. With extreme alertness of mind and professional skill he, with the help of his copilot, carried out a systematic check to establish the cause of the burning smell. At this time, they were flying over a completely flooded and water logged area and there was no force landing field visible in close vicinity. In the meantime, the cockpit became foggy with smoke and he decided to carry out a forced landing. In spite of poor visibility due to smoke in the cockpit, he skillfully manoeuvred his aircraft safely into a small and the only dry spot available in the area. By his timely action he not only saved the lives of the occupants of the aircraft but also avoided damage to a costly aircraft.

On the 23rd July, 1971, Captain Gurbaksh Singh Sihota was the second pilot of an aircraft which was detailed on a reconnaissance mission. After successfully completing the mission, the aircraft headed for the base. After about seven minutes of flying, there was a burning smell in the cockpit. At this time, they were flying over completely flooded and water logged area. He assisted the Captain of the aircraft in locating and selecting a field for forced landing, and in carrying out vital checks before force landing.

The thoroughness with which Captain Gurbaksh Singh Sihota performed his duties as second pilot under trying conditions is one of the brightest examples of professional competence and presence of mind which were responsible for saving valuable lives and avoiding damage to a costly aircraft.

On the 4th September, 1970, Flight Lieutenant Bohman Rashid Irani was leading a three aircraft low level tactical training mission. After completing a turn, his aircraft which was flying at a speed of 900 km per hour was struck by a bird. The impact damaged the front windscreen and the left quarter light, making them opaque. The right quarter light was shattered and Flight Lieutenant Irani was struck on the right side of his face with broken glass and parts of the bird. The injuries caused bleeding and completely obscured the vision of his right eye. Even though he had no forward vision with his right injured eye and the air was rushing in through the right quarter light panel, he kept the aircraft under control and made a safe landing.

Flight Lieutenant Pratipaul Singh Parihar was detailed to fly on a practice interception mission on the night of the 15th December, 1970. During the flight, the main hydraulic system of his aircraft failed which resulted in severe limitations on his engine power. He carried out the difficult manoeuvre of a descending circuit pattern with skill. When he was on the final stage of approach, the runway lights went off due to power failure. In spite of these difficulties, he landed the aircraft safely.

Flight Lieutenant Mangta Singh was commissioned in the Air Force in November, 1963 after over 18 years of service as an airman, He has served with distinction in a number of operational and maintenance units. In 1970, he earned the commendation of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, for his work in setting up the test rigs necessary for the major repair of aircraft engines. Since February, 1970, he has been serving as the Engineering Officer of an Operational Squadron. In the Squadron, number of aero engines had been withdrawn from service due to certain defect. He investigated the matter and established that the cause of the defect was the malfunctioning of a valve. By replacing the defective valve, many engines were made serviceable and a considerable amount of foreign exchange was saved.

Flight Lieutenant Yoginder Prakash has been serving with a Helicopter Unit in the Eastern Sector since November, 1968. He has a total of 2,639 flying hours to his credit. On the 16th August, 1970, he was detailed on a special mission. Enroute, the engine of his helicopter failed. However, he manoeuvred the helicopter away from hills covered with thick jungle, and landed it in a paddy field. He displayed great professional skill, courage and judgment in handling the emergency.

Flight Lieutenant Krishan Adhar Singh Tyagi has been serving with the Transport Training Wing since January, 1969. He has flown more than 3,680 hours, out of which 1,340 hours are on instructional duties. On the 27th February, 1971, he was Captain of an aircraft. During the flight, the port engine failed. The aircraft was fully loaded and even with full power on the starboard engine it gradually lost height. Eventually, when only 4,000 feet above sea level it was able to maintain height but at that height it had to fly in cloud and heavy rain. He diverted to the nearest airfield. In order to do so, he had to fly through bad weather for nearly 45 minutes. At the airport, he carried out a safe landing even though the runway was water-logged due to a heavy downpour. Throughout the emergency, he displayed great presence of mind and excellent airmanship.

Flight Lieutenant Minoo Ruci Wadia has been serving with an Operational Squadron since October 1969. He has 2,000 flying hours to his credit out of which 1,400 hours are on operational flying. On the 11th September, 1970, he was detailed to fly from Allahabad to Bangalore. After becoming airborne, when approximately 135 miles south of Begumpet, he experienced loss of propeller control on the starboard engine. The aircraft which was fully loaded began to lose height rapidly. He controlled the aircraft on asymmetric power and reduced the loss of height to the minimum by ejecting the jettisonable load and diverted the aircraft to Cuddappah airfield for an emergency landing. This airfield was inadequate for landing the aircraft, but there was no alternative. During the landing run at Cuddappah, the engine reverse pitch did not function in time. After rolling for about 600 yards, he found that the nose wheel steering had also failed with the resultant loss of directional control. Inspite of these mechanical failures, he remained cool, and skillfully brought the aircraft to a safe halt within the short space available.

Flight Lieutenant Ajit Kumar Manohar Raje is serving with an Operational Squadron. On the night of the 11th January, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a practice interception flight. Towards the end of the flight, he suddenly experienced a total failure of all his pressure instruments and as such no information about his altitude, air speed and rate of climb or descent was available. He then found that his artificial horizon and radio altimeter were also not working. At this critical moment, he was faced with the choice of either abandoning the aircraft or carrying out a landing. Inspite of the failure of vital instruments, he chose the latter course in order to save the aircraft. With consummate skill he succeeded in making a safe landing.

Flight Lieutenant Tarlochan Singh was commissioned in the Air Force in May, 1965. He has since then served with an operational transport squadron. Unmindful of his personal comfort and safety, he has always volunteered himself for arduous tasks. He is a source of inspiration to all his fellow aircrew. He is a Navigator of exceptional professional skill. It is an outstanding achievement that in the short space of one year Flight Lieutenant Singh has flown over 1,200 hours, of which over 1,000 hours were on operational missions.

Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Singh Chandel is serving with a Helicopter Unit. On 24th January, 1971, he was detailed to evacuate Army personnel from a picket in the Northern Sector. These men were suffering from acute frost bite find were in severe shock sustained during an unexpected blizzard and avalanche. The visibility was very poor and the picket was covered with a thick blanket of snow. While flying over the area, Flight Lieutenant Chandel found that hoisting of casualties by the Rescue Hoist was not possible due to strong winds. He, therefore, executed a landing on difficult side and succeeded in evacuating five men, in a serious condition, to the base hospital. It was because of his fine performance that the lives of these five men were saved.

Flight Lieutenant Amiesh Sengupta has been serving as Flight Commander of the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit since August 1969. During the period March 1970 to February 1971, he was the only qualified instructor available at the Unit. Inspite of this he completed the training of three courses on schedule, working 12 to 14 hours a day. On 19th January and again on 5th March 1970, while carrying out training flights, he was faced with total hydraulic failures on his aircraft. He handled these emergencies with courage and high professional skill, and on both the occasions, landed the aircraft safely at base. During his eight years of service, he has flown 3,500 accident free hours, of which 1,900 hours have been on instructional duties.

Flying Officer Berry Sommanna has been serving on aircrew duties with an operational Squadron since December 1968. During this period, he had flown a total of 1,940 hours, of which 1,650 hours have been on air maintenance operations over the hazardous terrain in the Eastern Sector. Flying Officer Sommanna has always volunteered for difficult assignments and particularly hazardous missions. His cheerfulness and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to his colleagues.

Flying Officer Shashikant Anandnath Koppikar has been serving with an operational squadron since October 1966. On the 30th March 1971, he was detailed to carry out a training flight. When about 30 miles away from the base, he noticed a drop in his engine oil pressure and turned back. Later, he found that the techogenerator in the aircraft had also failed. About 20 miles from base, he heard a high pitched whine. He continued his efforts to control the engine but, when about six miles from base, there was a sudden loud noise and the aircraft began to vibrate. It also swung violently and began losing height at an abnormally high rate. He took corrective action and succeeded in regaining some control over the aircraft. Finally, the engine seized completely. Throughout these emergencies, he remained calm and by his judgment and skilful airmanship, he succeeded in landing the aircraft safely at base.

Flying Officer Jyoti Prakash Mathur has been serving with a helicopter unit since April 1968. On the 27th April 1971, while serving with a Detachment he was detailed to undertake an operational mission. On the return flight his, track lay over thick forest and hilly terrain. After flying for 30 minutes the engine of the helicopter failed due to a mechanical defect. He immediately put the aircraft into auto­rotation, and proceeded to carry out a forced landing. He selected a paddy field on the edge of the forest and skillfully manoeuvred the helicopter to a safe landing.

Master Warrant Officer Kollengode Narayana Venkatachalam has been a Parachute Jump Instructor since 1946. He has a record of over 400 descents. He has jumped from different types of aircraft, and his efforts include pioneering jumps, demonstrations, experimental and trial jumps with indigenous parachutes and airborne equipment, high altitude jumps and sea and survival jumps. His keenness and skill as a Parachute Jump Instructor are a source of Inspiration to younger instructors. The present standards in the Paratroopers Training School are a testimony to his missionary, zeal and pioneering work in this specialised field.

Warrant Officer Asha Mukul Sarkar has been serving with, an operational Squadron as a Flight Engineer since January 1962. He has attained the highest transport category "A" in his aircrew duties. He has to his credit over 3000 flying hours. His capacity for intelligent analysis of aircraft defects is excellent. He has always evinced keen interest in flying and has discharged his duties as Flight Engineer with zeal and enthusiasm. He has faced many a grave situation in the air calmly and with confidence. Twice his aircraft developed engine trouble in flight and on both the occasions, his timely detection of the faults and sound advice to the pilots on remedial measures helped in landing the aircraft safely.

Sergeant Hira Singh Saini has been serving with an operational Squadron as a Signaller (Air) for three years. During this period, he has flown a total of 2260 hours, out of which 1655 hours were on operational missions. Unmindful of his personal comfort he has always volunteered for hazardous missions and extra commitments. His devotion to duty at all times, and particularly under stress, has been an inspiration to his colleagues. He has carried out his duties with zeal, perseverance and efficiency, setting an example worthy of emulation.

Wing Commander Shri Krishna Chandra Gupta has served as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at several operational stations. During the emergency in 1962 he earned the Commendation of the Defence Minister for his efforts for the welfare of the Armed Forces. Later, during his tenure as Deputy Director of Personal Services he made a significant contribution in enforcing discipline in the Service.

For the distinguished service he has rendered throughout, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Basu has been commanding the Medical Training Center since August 1969. After taking over the school, he introduced a number of changes in the training pattern by reorganizing classed, their composition, sequencing of instruction and grading the trainees receiving personal attention and instruction according to his need. This in turn has reduced the failure rate in the trade subjects to nil from 10-15% earlier. Wing Commander Basu has displayed organizing ability, determination and tact of a very high order in planning and implementing this scheme.

Besides performing his primary duties with distinction, Wing Commander Basu has willingly and efficiently carried out nonprofessional duties and has taken keen interest in the welfare activities of the Station.

Throughout his career Wing Commander Manikmohan Basu has rendered distinguished order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Raghbir Girgla Singh (3665) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Air Force in August, 1949. He has served as an equipment officer at a number of Equipment Depots, and also at operational stations. He was selected to serve in the United Kingdom at the time when Avro (now Hindustan Subroto) 748 project was in its infancy. Subsequently he has carried out the duties of a Staff Officer at Air Headquarters.

Since April 1970 Wing Commander Singh has been serving as Officer-in-Charge of a newly created Support Wing at a Base Repair Depot. The setting up of this Support Wing involved the responsibility of receiving stock transfers of spares and repairable equipment from the Equipment Depots. Wing Commander Singh organized his work so well that he was able to receive and bring on charge all the stocks transfers within a month.

The spares and equipment received had to be regrouped, reorganized and properly stocked in a newly modified hangar. Simultaneously the Forward Supply Stores in the workshops has to be properly stocked. Wing Commander Singh successfully tackled both these complex jobs in a short time, without interrupting the Supply of spares to the repair bays.

Whilst engaged in this task, Wing Commander Singh did not loose sight of equally important task of carrying out provisioning reviews, he realized that there were a number of items of which adequate stocks were not available and apprehended production delays due to this. In order to forestall these delays, he, in collaboration with the Material Planning Control Officer of the Base Repair Depot undertook extensive market research, and organized countrywide purchase of essential spares. The production delays in 1970-71 were thereby considerably reduced.

Wing Commander Raghbir Girgla Singh has shown striking initiative, drive and organizing capacity. He has rendered distinguished service of a high order for which he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force on Republic Day, 26th January, 1950. After serving on the staff of a Command Headquarters he underwent a specialist course in photo interpretation. Thereafter, he served for a number of years in a photographic reconnaissance squadron, and in a similar capacity at Air Headquarters. Since then, he has served in administrative appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. In all these appointments he has acquitted himself well.

Since May, 1967 Wing Commander Sastry has been serving at Air Headquarters in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen) first as an Assistant Director and later as the Deputy Director.

Wing Commander Sastry, who is responsible for a broad spectrum of subjects such as recruitment, training and promotion, which directly affect the career and morale of airmen, has displayed great diligence and insight and achieved a high degree of effic iency in various aspects of the administration of airmen.

Wing Commander Sastry has also worked on the scheme to introduce Non-Combatants (Enrolled) and seen to its implementation. He has consistently displayed qualities of exceptional devotion to duty, cheerfulness and willingness work under conditions of stress, regardless of personal convenience.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Shirpurkar took over as Deputy Commandant Embarkation Headquarters in May, 1968. He made valuable suggestions for the re-organisation of the administration of that unit, which led to smoother working and increased efficiency. He also organized the Air Force Clearing Cell, thereby ensuring movement of all consignments of Aircraft spares to various destinations without delay. Throughout his career he has worked hard and effectively without any regard for his personal comfort. For the distinguished services rendered he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Man Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in June, 1951. He served in several operational squadrons, and as an Instructor at the Gunnery School in the Armament Training Wing. Later, he was a member of the Directing Staff of the Joint Air Warfare School, and the Commanding Officer of an operational squadron. In his latter appointment he raised and trained a nine-aircraft formation aerobatic team.

Wing Commander Man Singh has been serving at Headquarters Western Air Command since June, 1969 on staff duties connected with offensive air support operations of the fighter Wings and Squadrons of the Command. He has applied his intimate knowledge of various fighter aircraft and their performance to good effect in the preparation of Operational plans, which have improved the operational potential of the fighter Wings and Squadrons. With his keen intellect, professional acumen, untiring zeal, practical approach to problems and meticulous attention to detail, he has made a significant contribution to improving the operational preparedness of the command.

Throughout his career, Wing Commander Man Singh has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Subhash Chander Virmani was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1951.

Since July 1970 he has been commanding a Base Repair Depot. On taking over Command of this Depot, when faced with twin problems of shortage of water supply and domestic accommodation, which placed a limitation on the output of the depot, this officer solved these problems commendably in a short time. At the same time, within the limited resources available and despite shortage of spares, he increased the production of aircraft without compromising the welfare of his officers and men.

For his inspiring leadership, efficient management and sustained hard work, Wing Commander Virmani is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Parameswar Venkatachalam Iyer (4182) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Air Force in December, 1951. He has served in an Equipment Depot, operational Wings and a Ground Training School, as well as Air Headquarters as a Staff Officer. He has also served on the staff of the Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in the U.S.S.R.

Since April 1970, Wing Commander Iyer has been in Command of an overhaul Depot. When he assumed command, the Depot was in formative stage. Unperturbed by the heavy work-load, he took up the challenge of making the Depot function effectively within the shortest possible time. He reorganized the storage sites and positioned the fast moving items at forward supply points. He took particular care of the "Lifed" components ensuring their proper storage and also early consumption of those with limited shelf-life. Fully aware of the fact that the storage conditions at the Depot were not yet satisfactory, he arranged early inspection and servicing of sensitive items such as parachutes, and was instrumental in the substitution of many imported items by indigenous products.

By his far-sighted forward planning and systematic approach he was able to improve the spares position, as a result of which the output of the Repair Depot served by his Wing was greatly increased. He has moreover, through his own example and by his leadership, motivated his staff and inspired them to completely identify themselves with the task at hand.

Throughout his career, Wing Commander Parameswar Venkatachalam Iyer has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Sat Bhushan Thapar as Chief Technical Officer of an Operational base streamlined procedures, made the most effective use of manpower and brought about a reduction in the accident rate.

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

Wing Commander Bal Krishan Dhiman (4332) was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Pilot) of the Air Force in August, 1952. After service in several fighter squadrons, he was given training as a flying instructor, and served in that capacity at a flying training unit. Thereafter, following another period of service in operational squadrons, he was given training as a test pilot. He has since been serving as a test pilot in the Air Force, and since December 1965 with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Wing Commander Dhiman was the first Indian Air Force Pilot posted to the Nasik Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, where he is actively associated with test flying of MiG-21 FL aircraft in different phases of production. The initiative, courage and dedication to duty shown by him in the discharge of his duties have been of high order. His contribution towards the different phases of production of MiG-21 FL aircraft have been most valuable. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been so highly impressed by his professional skill that they were able to return a foreign Test Pilot much earlier than scheduled.

Throughout his career, Wing Commander Bal Krishan Dhiman has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Bhairon Singh Solanki was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Air Force in October, 1952. He has served on the staff of the Air Force Technical College, a number of specialised Signals Units, and

with the Research and Development Organisation. In all these appointments he acquitted himself very creditably.

Since December, 1968 Wing Commander Solanki has been serving in a Ground Training School. As leader of a team he was entrusted with the development of a highly complex and sophisticated electronic device. Under his inspiring leadership and with his exceptional technical expertise, his team successfully designed, developed and demonstrated the device, which is of vital importance to the combat effectiveness of the Indian Air Force. The facilities available at the School for carrying out this task were meagre, but due to his organising and professional skill, tenacity of purpose and great aptitude for improvisation, he was able to overcome all these difficulties.

Wing Commander Bhairon Singh Solanki has consistently rendered distinguished service of a high order, is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Pemmaraju Kamaraju, VSM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in September, 1953 and was attached as Wing Armament Officer to a Wing in the forward area in the Western Sector during the December 1971 operations.

With his sustained hard work, he ensured that all the Armament Stores required by the operating Squadron were prepared and supplied well in time. He was always present at the Bomb Dump and thus inspired his men who worked cheerfully even during the frequent enemy attacks. In addition, he investigated each and every case of gun stoppage as well as rockets and bombs hangups which resulted in the efficient working of all armament systems.

On 7th December, 1971, when the Bomb Dump was hit by the enemy aircraft, he conducted the fire fighting operation and got the fire extinguished quickly and thus prevented the fire from engulfing the whole Bomb Dump. He also surveyed and assessed the extent of fire and brought the Bomb Dump back to fully operational standard.

Throughout the operations. Wing Commander Pemmaraju Kamaraju displayed extreme devotion to duty, high professional skill and outstanding qualities of leadership in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Nanduri Mohan Murali was responsible for installing and maintaining imported electronic equipment at the Institute of Aviation Medicine. Besides, he has started the specialty of Biomedical Engineering at the Institute and some of his achievements include a design study for a Ballistico cardiograph and Ergometer for exercise at high altitudes as well as electro encephalograms for naval divers.

For his outstanding achievements, superior professional skill and devotion to duty he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron leader Sat Pal Choudhary (5207) Technical/Engineering was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in July, 1954. He has served as Chief Technical Officer of three operational Wings and at a Base Repair Depot. Since 1966 he has been serving as a Technical Staff Officer of an Operational Command.

Squadron Leader Choudhary has applied himself diligently to the complex task of aircraft maintenance. He kept in very close touch with the units of the Command and has been able to provide them professional advice and technical resources they required to accomplish their tasks.

Squadron Leader Choudhary has a special aptitude for planning and coordination and is constantly endeavouring to improve upon the existing techniques and procedures for maintenance. With his analytical approach to the problems and with his zeal for improvement, he has converted the Statistical Data Rooms at every station into Maintenance Control Rooms. This has led to greatly improved coordination of manpower and materials in striving for maximum output.

Throughout his career Squadron Leader Sat Pal Choudhary has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Chempath Chandrasekharan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) branch of the Air Force in September, 1961. After serving for a number of years at an Operational Wing, a Ground Training School and the Air Force Technical College, he was posted to an Equipment Depot. In all these assignments, he acquitted himself well.

Since March, 1967 Squadron Leader Chandrasekharan has been serving with a Base Repair Depot. A foreign firm had demanded the sum of $ 65,000 to assign a control unit for VHF Trans-receiver fitted in an operational aircraft. An indigenous organisation had designed a Control Unit, but it did not operate satisfactorily due to design manufacturing defects. The problem was then presented to the Base Repair Depot.

Squadron Leader Chandrasekharan took up the challenge and produced a new design for the control unit. He ensured that almost the entire contents could be made indigenously. The construction was sturdy, precise and reliable under all operating conditions. Prototypes were made in six months, and passed flight trials and other tests. The Control Unit has been handed over to Messrs. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for quantity production. The ingenuity, perseverance and technical proficiency shown in the design and development of the item has resulted in the contribution of a very reliable control unit which can be used in several types of aircraft.

In this outstanding achievement as well as throughout his career, Squadron Leader Chempath Chandrasi has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Singh (6928) Administrative Branch was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1963. Since 1970, he has been serving as Station Adjutant of an operational Wing.

He has brought radical improvement in the administration of the Wing. He has devised a procedure and a system of preaudit which has resulted in elimination of audit objections in the rations accounts, local allowances and railway warrants, while ensuring at the same time that the local allowances to the airman were paid promptly and by due date. He also spent long hours continuously throughout the year, to compile a number of policy folders and directives on administrative mattes which have been of great value in carrying out the day to day administration of the Wing. His hard work, selfless devotion to duty, professional knowledge and organizing ability have been a source of inspiration to all.

Earlier, he was commended by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command in 1966 and again by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1968 for his performance and devotion to duty.

Throughout his service, Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Singh has displayed remarkable initiative, drive and capacity for sustained hard work. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for the distinguished service rendered of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Geerpuram Nadathur Sundar as Engineering Officer of an operational squadron produced indigenous know-how for the servicing of a complicated component which was earlier serviced outside the country.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for making a significant contribution towards improved maintenance in the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Bhaskar Prasad Das (7890) of the Technical Engineering has been serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Goblin aeroengine overhaul line at a Base Repair Depot since January, 1965.

In 1968, Air Headquarters entered into contract with Messrs Rolls Royce Limited of the United Kingdom for reconditioning 50 Goblin engines. For this purpose, the Air Force was to despatch 55 life expired engines to them. Flight Lieutenant Das, through his intimate knowledge of Goblin Engines, not only enabled the Depot to survey and select the best engines to meet this commitment but by excellent coordination and leadership, completed the assigned task in record time.

The reconditioning cost of each engine was fixed by Messrs Rolls Royce Limited, U.K., at £ 10,000 with the proviso that in case the condition of any engine was not upto their expectations they would have an option to enhance the cost of reconditioning. Under this clause, the company subsequently demanded an additional £ 250 per engine. Flight Lieutenant Das, who had been sent to the U.K. for a course, was asked to undertake a scrutiny of this demand of the manufacturers. Making excellent use of his intimate knowledge and experience on Goblin Engines Flight Lieutenant Das persuaded the manufacturers to revert their original quotation and so saved the Government foreign exchange of £ 42,500.

The manufacturers also wanted to declare all the special packing cases, in which engines were received from India, to be beyond economical repair and fixed the cost of new packing at £ 300.00 per case. Again Flight Lieutenant Das was able to prove to the Company that only 12 of these cases were beyond economical repair. He thereby saved another £ 10,000.

The outstanding professional skill and devotion to duty shown by Flight Lieutenant Bhaskar Prasad Das are of special significance to the Air Force. For these, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

14971 Warrant Officer Madhavan Aiyappan Pillai Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Air Force in November, 1942. He served in operational units, training schools and maintenance organizations, at all of which he acquitted himself well.

Since February, 1967, Warrant Officer Pillai has been serving at a Base Repair Depot where he has been in charge of the Airframe Rotable Section. He has established overhaul facilities for no fewer than 49 out of 50 rotables for which the Depot is the overhaul agency, and the test rig for the 50th rotable is under fabrication.

Warrant Officer Pillai has been instrumental in improving the servicing of aircraft by fabricating a test rig for a particular type of engine driven pump. The performance of this rig is as good as the imported equivalent, and his work has rendered the import of foreign rig unnecessary. In this work he has displayed imagination, initiative, superior professional skill and extraordinary organizing ability.

For his outstanding professional skill, initiative, selfless devotion to duty, Warrant Officer Madhavan Aiyappan Pillai who has rendered distinguished service of a high order, is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

19322 Master Warrant Officer Kuniyanlande Chandukutty Nair Fitter Mechanical Transport was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in April, 1943. In the course of his career over 28 years, he has served in a variety of units, including operational Squadrons and Wings, training schools and at Air Headquarters.

Since May, 1967 Master Warrant Officer Nair has been serving at a Base Repair Depot. He was responsible for the major overhaul and repairs of different types of specialist vehicles. During his four years in the Depot, Master Warrant Officer Nair has displayed resourcefulness and initiative of a high order. He has worked long hours to achieve an impressive output. His efforts have been largely responsible for the repair and overhaul of nearly twice the schedule number of vehicles. He has also found time to reorganize the Miscellaneous Vehicles Repair Section, as a result of which there was soon no backing of such vehicles awaiting overhaul or repair. His personal example of dedicated service has been a source of inspiration to all.

By his outstanding work, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Kuniyan lande Chandukutty Nair has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

25474 Flight Sergeant Madhusudhan Misra, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in July 1943. During his career, he has served at a variety of units, including operational Squadrons and Wings.

Since June, 1966 Flight Sergeant Misra has been serving as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer incharge of the Central Repair and Servicing Section at an operational Wing. 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 at all times. Since June 1970, by painstaking and systematic analysis, he succeeded in rectifying major faults on no less than seven aircraft which in the normal course, would have required specialist attention from the manufacturers. By his personal example of dedicated work and his cheerful disposition, he obtained the utmost operations from his men, thereby enabling the Squadron to complete its flying tasks.

With his professional skill, initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Flight Sergeant Madhusudhan Misra has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Nanoo Appukuttan was made responsible for the installation of Signals equipment and navigational aids at several airfields. Combining ingenuity with long hours of work he completed the task very quickly and also ensured their serviceability. He has made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency of the IAF and his personal example has inspired his men.

For his outstanding work, professional skill, initiative and selfless devotion to duty he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

28112 Master Warrant Officer Oniyil Balakrishnan Aircraft Hand/General Duties was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in July, 1943. In the 28 years of his career he has served with nearly all the different types of units in the Air Force. For the last 13 years he has been the Station Warrant Officer at a number of Air Force Stations, and is presently serving in the same capacity at an Operational Wing.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Balakrishnan has displayed singular devotion to duty and distinguished himself as an outstanding disciplinarian. His efforts have resulted in high standard of discipline, good morale and a greatly improved appearance of the Station where he served. At one of the operational wings where the living and weather conditions are very difficult, his sympathetic understanding of the problems of airmen has been largely responsible fro maintaining a high standard of morale and discipline. His selflessness and tenacity of purpose have been a constant source of inspiration to his men. His contribution to the Air Force efficiency through unobtrusive attention to a myriad of administrative measures, has been outstanding, and in this Master Warrant Officer Oniyil Balakrishnan has distinguished service of a high order, for which he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Master Warrant Officer Arokiaswami Susinathan is one of the small band of pioneers associated with Air Force Bands from their beginning and has rendered outstanding service in improving their standards. He has at all times personally undertaken all important assignments and has inspired great confidence amongst the bandsmen placed under his charge. His calibre has earned for him wide recognition and his achievements have brought credit to the country and the Air Force.

For the distinguished service of a high order rendered by him he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

200279 Flight Sergeant Udai Singh Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force as a technician in the Indian Air Force in November, 1946. During his career, he has served in various operational, training and Repair units. He was given training abroad on a type of transport aircraft in use in the Air Force.

Since then, Flight Sergeant Udai Singh has served in a transport Squadron of the Air Force. During his stay in the Squadron, Flight Sergeant Udai Singh has displayed resourcefulness and initiative of a high order. He has worked long hours to maintain good serviceability state of aircraft at all times. By personal example of dedicated work and his cheerful disposition, he has been able to obtain the utmost cooperation from his men, thereby enabling the Squadron to complete its flying tasks. His efforts have served to inspire the men working under him to even greater heights.

Flight Sergeant Udai Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for his devotion to duty and leadership and for distinguished service rendered by him.

200957 Flight Sergeant Gurcharan Singh, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in June, 1947. He has served in a number of operational and training units of the Air Force, as well as various Repair Organizations.

Since December, 1969 he has been serving with a helicopter unit. When a detachment of his unit was required to move to Ceylon at 24 hours notice, Flight Sergeant Gurcharan Singh was entrusted with the task of preparing and dispatching five helicopters by air. He selected a small band of technical airmen, and with their help ensured dispatch of the helicopters within the stipulated time. On arrival at the foreign base in the afternoon, he organized the reassembly of all the helicopters and completed the task during the night. The detachment was able to begin flying on the next day. By his devotion to duty and the quality of his leadership he was able to achieve an exceptional standard of serviceability of aircraft for as long as the remained abroad.

When one helicopter forced landed after an engine failure, Flight Sergeant Gurcharan Singh was entrusted with the task of retrieving the machine. The terrain did not permit the helicopter to be flown out. Making use of the limited support equipment locally available, Flight Sergeant Gurcharan Singh retrieved the helicopter by road without further damage. His skill earned him the admiration of the personnel of the foreign base.

Flight Sergeant Gurcharan Singh is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Warrant Officer Manmohan Singh Sodhi was posted to a Fighter Bomber Squadron in January, 1968. He had been working in Daily Servicing Section as well as in Central Repair and Servicing Section. He was responsible for training a large number of engine tradesmen and thereby ensuring a high standard of maintenance. During his employment in Central Repair and Servicing Section, he organised and supervised engine replacement and was responsible for smooth flow of engine change.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971 as Warrant officer-in-charge Daily Servicing Section he displayed remarkable capacity for sustained and systematic hard work. With his cheerful disposition he inspired his men to work round the clock with high morale and rendered valuable service in maintaining a very high rate of aircraft serviceability.

Warrant Officer Manmohan Singh Sodhi displayed commendable professional skill, dedication to duty, organising ability and inspiring leadership and thereby rendered distinguished service. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Flight Sergeant Syed Mashouque Ahmed, Indian Air Force Police, was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in July, 1948. He has served at a number of units and in various Provost and Security Flights. In all these units he acquitted himself well.

Since February, 1959 Flight Sergeant Ahmed has been serving with a Provost and Security Flight in Northern India. He was the only Senior Non-Commissioned officer available at the Flight, and so in addition to his own duties, he had also to carry out the duties of the Senior Non Commissioned Officer in-charge of the I. A. F. Police at the Air Force Station where his own unit is located. Throughout, he worked with commendable energy and perseverance, observing high standards of efficiency and integrity. With his outstanding professional ability, unflagging zeal and determination, he inspired the police men working under him, so that they were able to uncover the activities of an organised gang of thieves who had been making away with Service property.

With his professional competence, energy, drive and devotion to duty, Flight Sergeant Ahmed has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.