Air Marshal Krishnamachari Narasimhan (2278) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force In March 1943. During his long service career, he has held with distinction a variety of important appointments. He has also successfully attended specialist and staff courses in the UK and in this country including the National Defence College.

As the Command

Signals Officer of No. 1 Operational Group immediately after partition, he was responsible

for the operational planning and implementation of the 'Signals Plan' for the Group, which contributed a great deal to the success of operations during the Kashmir campaign in 1948. During his tenure as Deputy Director of Technical Services (Mechanical Transport) at Air Headquarters, he planned and implemented the scheme whereby the Air Force took over from the Army the responsibility for the second line servicing of all Mechanical Transport used by the Air Force. As the Commandant of Air Force Technical College, he introduced modern training methods and thereby improved the efficiency of training at the College. In 1963, when the requirement of technical personnel went up considerably, he geared up the organisation at the College so well that the challenging task of accelerated training was accomplished without any deterioration in quality. In 1965, he was posted as Director of Signals Possessing. Technical knowledge and professional skill of a high, order, a creative mind and sound organising ability, he was responsible for the improved operational preparedness and capability of the Air Force in the field of Electronics, during the 1965 IndoPak Conflict. In 1970, he was appointed the first Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Systems). In this capacity, he controlled and directed the activities of three Directorates. Undeterred by the shortfall of resources, he was able to forge those Directorates into efficient and effective organisations. That during the 1971 IndoPak War, all the 'Systems' in the IAF worked efficiently and contributed to the success of operations, was in no small measure due to the meticulous planning and progressive leadership pro-vided by Air Marshal Narasimhan By his dedication to duty, untiring seal and initiative, he has always set on example to other technical officers.

Air Marshal Krishnamachari Narasimhan has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Edul Jahangir Dhatigara, KC (1899) was commissioned in Flying (Pilot) Branch of the India Air Force in June 1942. He served with distinction during the operations in North West Frontier Provinces in 1943-44, J&K in 1948, Nagaland in 1956, Goa in 1962, Ladakh in 1962 and Indo-Pakistan of 1965 and 1971.

Early in his career, as a flight Commander of a Transport Squadron, he successfully organised relief operations during the earthquake and flood catastrophe that had struck Assam in 1950. In October, 1954, he was assigned the command of an Air Force Station in the Eastern Sector. In this capacity he planned and executed counter-insurgency operations in 1956.

During these operations he undertook a very hazardous supply dropping mission in which his aircraft received many bullet hits from ground fire. For this act of courage and leadership he was awarded the Kirti Chakra.

After the Goa operations in 1962, he was entrusted the task of clearing Dabolim airport of unexploded bombs and repairing the damaged airfield. He accomplished this heavy task in a short span of six days. For this valuable service he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

In 1964, he was assigned the Command of an operational Wing in the Eastern Sector. In this capacity, he was responsible for the successful operations carried out by Fighters and Transport aircraft against Pakistan in September, 1965. During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, he was the Air Officer Commanding of an operational Wing in the Western Sector and under his inspiring leadership the Wing made conspicuous contributions towards the achievements of Fighter and Bomber squadrons during the operations against Pakistan.

Air Vice Marshal Dhatigara took over as Assistant Chief of the Air staff (Operations) at Air Headquarters in June, 1972. He has successfully tackled intricate operational problems and has established a very amiable and most satisfactory rapport with his counterparts in Army and Naval Headquarters.

Air Marshal Edul Jahangir Dhatigara, KC has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Prasanta Chitta Santra (2809) was commissioned In the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force In February, 1944 and was transferred to the Logistics Branch In October, 1954. During his service of over 29 years he has had varied and valuable experience in, the administrative and logistics fields, and has held a variety of responsible appointments.

In his assignment as the Officer Commanding a major Equipment Depot in its formative stages, (then) Group Captain Santra showed outstanding leadership and professional ability in getting and, organising the Depot on sound lines, for which he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

In 1968, Air Vice Marshal Santra was appointed Deputy Director General, Indian Supply Mission, London. In this capacity he was responsible for procurement of supplies for the Defence Services. By his painstaking efforts and tactfulness he developed excellent and cordial relations with various organisations of the United Kingdom and was able to make a positive contribution to the procurement of critically required spares and materials for the Defense Services.

On his return to India In February, 1973 Air Vice Marshal Santra was appointed Director of Maintenance Administration. In September, 1973 he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Logistics and Management). In both these appointments he has displayed remarkable acumen for staff work and because of his indefatigable efforts, devotion to duty, foresight and tact, he has been Instrumental in successfully tackling several logistics and management problems,

Throughout his career, Air Vice Marshal Prasanta Chitta Santra has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Harkrishan Lal Kapoor (2165) Administrative was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1943. Early in his career he passed the physical Fitness Course and served with distinction as physical Fitness Officer at various units, a Group Headquarters and Headquarters Training Command. He has successfully undergone the Defence Services Staff College Course and the Judge Advocate General (Air) Course. He served with great distinction as Aide­de­camp to the Chief of the Air Staff from December, 1960 to May, 1963 and as Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff from May, 1963 to August, 1967. He was appointed Judge Advocate General (Air) at Air Headquarters in June, 1970.

Air Commodore Kapoor has re­organised the Legal Branch of the Air Force and streamlined various legal procedures with vigour, drive and imagination. This has resulted in speedy and efficient finalization of legal and disciplinary cases at all units and formations. He is also the Chairman of the Air Force Sports Control Board, in which capacity, he has organised various sports championships most successfully and has been responsible for raising the sports standards. It is a tribute to his foresight, drive, determination and boundless energy that he has been able to discharge his duties in a most able and competent manner and has achieved outstanding success in all fields of his activities.

Air Commodore Harkrishan Lal Kapoor has displayed consistent loyalty, dedication, dynamism, extreme industry and steadfastness in the performance of duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur (2444) was commissioned as Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1943. He has held a variety of important appointments with distinction during his long service. Since July, 1971, he has been serving as the Senior Officer in-charge Administration of Central Air Command. He took over this appointment at a time when the reorganisation of the Air Force Commands was to be implemented. Central Air Command had to face enormous problems during the reorganization, since this Command had to take over a number of Air Force Stations. This had to be done in the shortest possible, time in order to ensure a smooth changeover. With his devotion to duty, utmost patience and untiring zeal, he accomplished this task speedily and efficiently

For December, 1971 war with Pakistan, Air Commodore Mathur had to organize move of units to their operational locations at very short notice. He personally supervised the distribution of a large number of personnel routed to this Command under the augmentation plan and ensured that it was done smoothly. This called for long hours of hard work and he was able to achieve this task in an admirable manner. His example was a source of Inspiration to his subordinates who gave of their best under his able guidance.

During the War with Pakistan, Air Commodore Mathur had to work round the clock ensuring that even the smallest administrative problems which had a bearing on the conduct of operations were solved in the shortest possible time. The cessation of hostilities did not provide any relief to this Air Officer who had to make administrative arrangements in connection with the prompt retrieval of units which had been deployed at operational locations. He had to look after the immediate needs and rehabilitations of war widows and dependents of missing personnel.

Earlier in his career, Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur had commanded two Guided Weapons Wings which he had formed himself. He was thus responsible for raising a large number of GW Squadron and bringing these to operational standard. Throughout his career, he had ably handled all the assignments given to him. His devotion to duty at all times has been a sterling example and has been in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Throughout, Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Chand Parkash Mehra (2469) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force In June, 1943. During his service of over 30 years he has had varied and valuable experience in the administrative and logistic fields. He has held many important assignments including two in our Diplomatic Missions abroad, the latter being that of Deputy Air Attaché In Moscow.

In his assignment as the Officer Commanding an Equipment Depot, Air Commodore Mehra showed outstanding tact and leadership and established a rapport with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited which resulted in quicker turn round of our aircraft and rotables sent to them for overhaul and repair.

As Deputy Air Attaché, Moscow, Air Commodore Mehra's painstaking efforts and tactfulness, led to the development of excellent and cordial working relations with various organizations of the USSR. He was thus able to make a positive contribution to the procurement of critically required spares and materials and to enhance the operational capability of the Air Force.

On his return to India in November, 1971, he was appointed Joint Director Maintenance at Air Headquarters. In this appointment his main assignment was Data processing. He soon got to grips with the many and varied complicated problems confronting the Air Force in its scheme of computerizing inventory management functions. Through sustained hard work, he speeded up the process of computerisation. He also introduced the programmes for the Reportable Items Control System, thus giving the Air Force much needed management potential for controlling such costly and critical Items. Recently he has been directing a programme for using the computer in progressing outstanding contracts which in its wake will also eliminate the perpetual problem of unlinked invoices. By sheer determination, tenacity and single mindedness of purpose, Air Commodore Mehra has made a definite impact and a most valuable contribution in the field of Computerisation.

Air Commodore Chand Parkash Mehra has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore YESHWANT RAMCHANDRA AGTEY (2715) Flying (Pilot) Citation Not Available

Air Commodore Hemant Ramakrishan Chitnis (2964) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1944. After early years of service in Operational units, he was selected to undergo a Flying Instructors Course in the UK and on his return, he was utilised in various Flying Training Establishments. Thereafter he served with distinction in several staff appointments at Air Headquarters and as the Commander of two operational Wings.

Air Commodore Chitnis was appointed to the post of Director of Pay Commission and Job Evaluation Cell In July, 1970. His task was to formulate Air Force proposals for consideration by the Pay Commission. This was a very difficult task involving as it did a detailed scrutiny and analysis of every area of Air Force skills, but he tackled it in a remarkable manner and produced very sound proposals. He showed of tact originality, foresight and Immense drive and determination in finalising these proposals in a limited period.

Throughout his career, Air Commodore Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Jagdish Singh Sodhi (2179) was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1943. During his long service he has held various important appointments in which he has acquitted himself creditably. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his valuable services on welfare matters by the Defence Minister, Government of India in the year 1953. In 1971, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, while he was employed as Officer in-charge Administration at Air Force base for exceptional services in the field of administration.

Group Captain Sodhi took over the command of Air Force Administrative College in March, 1971. Immediately, on taking over his appointment, he set about the task of improving the tone of training as well as administration of the College with vigour, zeal and determination. He applied his vast experience and knowledge on works services to the task of improving the technical and non­technical accommodation of the station. Due to his indefatigable efforts and tenacity of purpose, now training schemes were introduced, which resulted in vastly superior output of trained personnel. He has also, been instrumental in revising the syllabus as well as précis for abinito and advanced courses giving more stress on the development of officers' ability to study, interpret and apply rules as also to think out effective solutions to problems and situations, as they arise. He has set a personal example by taking regular classes on 'works services' and 'works procedure' in which subjects he is considered an expert.

The exemplary manner in which Group Captain Jagdish Singh Sodhi has shouldered the heavy responsibilities as Commandant of Air Force Administrative College and the highly commendable way in he has carried out the varied task with high professional ability and inspiring leadership have been in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Group Captain Achengaden John Chacko (3833) was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, I950. He served with distinction in various operational units. From May, 1970 to January, 1973, he was assigned the Command of an operational Wing. He had to build up the Wing from scratch and achieve operational readiness of two Combat and one Technical Squadrons and his Wing Headquarters in AVSM 1974-75 the shortest possible time. This he achieved within a period of six months and all his squadrons attained a very high state of operational efficiency despite working under very hard and trying living conditions. Undaunted by adversity, Group Captain Chacko led his men by sheer dedication to duty and hard work and had the distinction and satisfaction of seeing his Wing rated among the best in the Indian Air Force. His Wing has also carried out successful training of combat personnel from other Wings.

During the 1971 war with Pakistan he was always available round the clock at his complex keeping a personal watch on operational activities and maintained his complex at a very high state of operational readiness throughout.

Group Captain Chacko's untiring zeal, enthusiasm, hard work, leadership and unstinted devotion to duty have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Throughout, Group Captain Achengaden John Chacko has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra (4033) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1951. He served with distinction in a number of operational units. During the Indo-Pakistan War 1971, he was the officer in-charge flying of an operational Wing. The achievements of the squadrons based at that Wing during the 1971 War are legendary and many aircrew of those squadrons have been decorated for their valour. To bring the Station up to such a high standard of operational readiness, Group Captain Ramachandra had to work day and night for meticulously planning every detail connected with the missions undertaken by the squadrons, in total disregard to his personal comforts. The measure of success achieved by the squadrons was mainly due to the tenacity of purpose, exceptional devotion to duty and professional competence of Group Captain Ramachandra.

Group Captain Ramachandra assumed the command of another operational Wing soon after the operations and had to face enormous problems as an aftermath of the War. He grappled with the situation readily and settled down to rebuilding his fighting machine up to an optimum level of efficiency, and this he has achieved in the shortest possible time. Although a bomber pilot himself, he was able to make a quick appraisal of the problems of the fighter squadron at his Wing and in solving them speedily. Concurrently, no detail with regard to the administrative and maintenance aspects of the Station has escaped his attention and he has been able to ensure that the maximum state of efficiency is maintained in these areas as well. It was due to his untiring efforts that the married accommodation project, which has been under consideration for nearly ten years, was finalised for execution in 1972. Immediately after taking over the Station, Group Captain Ramachandra organised and conducted various welfare schemes for augmentation of funds for the IAF Benevolent Funds.

These schemes are being followed up with great vigour due to the magnificent example set by him,

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra's professional skill, devotion to duty and leader ship have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini was commissioned in as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since August, 1970 as a rotary wing test pilot. During his tenure he has done 980 flights comprising 879 hours on testing, evaluation and training of Helicopter pilots as Flight Inspectors. His efforts in this respect have been unrelenting and he has shown great devotion to duty. He has also shown high degree of skill and competence in his Job,

He was twice deputed to Aerospatiale in France. On the first visit, he was required to assess the vibration standards obtained on helicopters in France as this defect was resulting in extra test flights at Bangalore. The recommendations of Aerospatiale for remedial action to obtain acceptable vibration were very inte lligently applied by Wing Commander Saini and this resulted in the acceptance of helicopters without extra flights, thus saving infructuous expenditure. On the second visit in connection with production testing of the first fly away SA-315 (Cheetah), after an intelligent study of the Flight Manual he pointed out the feasibility of clearing the helicopter for operation at an all up weight of 1750 Kg instead of 1650 Kg at high altitude. This valuable suggestion was accepted by Aerospatiale engineers. This was highly commendable technical appreciation.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini has worked beyond the call of duty and displayed courage, initiative and outstanding skill in discharge of his duties. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Hersern Singh Gill was commanding a Fighter Squadron in the Western sector. He led several operational missions on air defence, close support and counter air operations during the period 3rd December, 1971 to 13th December, 1971. He set an inspiring example to his pilots with his fearless approach, flying skill and dedication to his duties. His Squadron shot down one enemy F-104 aircraft over Jamnagar and hit another F-104 aircraft on 11th and 12th December 1971 respectively. Disregarding his personal safety and with great courage and skill, he undertook strie mission over the Badin Signals Unit Complex in the face of intense enemy Anti-Aircraft fire. On the 13th December 1971 he undertook another strike mission on the same target. During this attack his aircraft was shot down by the enemy Anti-Aircraft fire.

Throughout these operations, Wing Commander Hersern Singh Gill displayed gallantry, leadership and professional skill of a very high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain was serving with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. on the 4th December, 1971, he carried out two strike missions over Mianwali airfield and attacked enemy aircraft parked on the ground. As he turned homeward after the attack, he was attacked by enemy Sabre and Mirage aircraft. He successfully disengaged himself from the enemy attack and brought his aircraft safely back to base. On the 5th, 7th and 9th December, 1971, he carried out further successful missions to Poonch, Sambha and Dinanagar Sectors in support of our ground forces. On the 10th December 1971 he was detailed as leader of a two aircraft strike mission, to the Chhamb Sector. Despite heavy and concentrated ground fire he made accurate bomb and cannon attacks on the enemy positions. During this action his aircraft was hit and crashed in enemy territory.

Throughout these operations, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Jain displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a strike mission on a Sakesar Signals Unit Complex. He carried out the mission successfully, causing extensive damage to the installations and aerials of the unit, despite strong air and ground opposition. On the 5th December 1971, he was detailed as leader of a strike mission to the same target. He exhibited conspicuous courage and determination in the face of strong enemy opposition and succeeded in damaging the Radar Unit to the extent that it went off the air completely thereafter. But unfortunately, he could not be contacted thereafter.

Throughout this operation, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi was serving with a Fighter-Bomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was No. 2 in a two aircraft strike mission over Murid airfield. While engaged in attacking the enemy airfield, he spotted an enemy aircraft close on the tail of the leader of the mission. He engaged the aircraft and shot it down, when a Mirage and two Sabres of the enemy closed in to attack him. In ensuing air battle, in spite of being outnumbered, he fought valiantly but his aircraft was shot down.

Throughout this operation, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 11th February, 1972, a Signal Unit located at a forward base in the Northern Sector suffered heavy snow-storm and blizzard for over 40 hours with a constant high wind speed of 120 knots. During the blizzard, four Jawans who were in their Command Post Bunker were cut off, and their bunker was completely covered with 8 to 10 feet snow. Despite all efforts, it was not possible to locate the bunker as the entire area was under snow to a depth greater than a man's height. Havildar Des Ram volunteered to make a further attempt to locate the Guard Post and rescue the Jawans. He gathered a team of other volunteers and arranged implements for digging snow. In the face continuing blizzard, he searched and probed for the bunker which he eventually located, after heroic efforts made till the next day, the 12th February, 1972, he succeeded in digging out the four Jawans who had been entombed in the bunker and saved their lives.

Havildar Des Ram thus displayed exemplary courage, determination and leadership of a high order.

On 27th April, 1972, Squadron Leader Tejwant Singh was detailed as a leader of a 2-aircraft low level escort formation to attack an airfield during an Exercise. At approximately 1800 hours, while flying at a speed of 840 kmph, a large bird struck aircraft. The right side of the canopy was shattered leaving a big gaping hole and Squadron Leader Tejwant Singh sustained injuries on his face, chest and shoulders. He was rendered temporarily blind in the right eye and was bleeding profusely. The canopy was forced partially open and the pilot's microphone was damaged. As a result he was unable to transmit the information about the damage to his aircraft and injuries. However by his determination and a high degree of flying skill, despite his injuries and partial blindness, he bravely tackled the situation and brought the aircraft back to base safely.

In this action, Squadron Leader Tejwant Singh displayed courage and professional skill of a high order.

On the night of 21st/22nd October, 1972, at 0130 hours, 221682 Sergeant Jagmal Singh, Photographer Mechanic, while carrying out security check of the camp, of a forward detachment of an operational Wing in the J&K, observed that the tents were collapsing under the weight of snow accumulating during heavy continuous snowfall. The occupants were asleep and quite were unaware of the dangerous situation. He realized that the slightest delay in rescue work would result in heavy casualties. Sergeant Jagmal Singh immediately apprised the Commanding Officer of the grave situation and went round the tents, scattered over a large area, waking-up the occupants and arranging their evacuation to a safe place. He arranged alternative security arrangements at places where guard posts had to be abandoned. While checking the evacuated personnel, he found that a lascar, Shri Mishra (Pass No. 47 S/65) was missing. He made another search and rescued Shri Mishra from an ice-laden tent.

Throughout, Sergeant Jagmal Singh displayed exemplary initiative and determination of a high order.

Wing Commander Pirthi Singh was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since 7th December, 1970 as a test pilot. During this tenure, he has done 669 hours of test flying consisting of prototype and production testing. He has been actively associated with development work on the HF-24 Trainer, Kiran aircraft and larger external fuel tank tests on the Gnat aircraft. He has displayed a high degree of skill and intelligence during the conduct of this very exacting and difficult task. He has also been associated with prototype trials of Boosters for an operational type of aircraft and he successfully carried out the first flight with this device.

Throughout, Wing Commander Pirthi Singh has displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Padmanabha Ashoka was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January 1954. His services were loaned to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in August, 1968. As the Chief Test Pilot of Kanpur Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he carried out all test flying connected with the HS-748 freighter aircraft right from the clearance of prototype to the completion of freighter trials. This involved 40 sorties averaging at 35 to 40 minutes duration each besides 5 hours of initial clearance flying. Without any past flying experience in paratrooping or supply dropping missions, he carried out flying with an extremely high standard of accuracy and completed the task ahead of schedule. During the trials, he also developed flying technique for paratrooping and supply dropping which produced excellent results. He carried out the proto type testing with doors open on both sides for the first time on HS-748 aircraft. Automatic aerial delivery system required flying the aircraft at a nose up altitude for automatic ejection of loads. He carefully analysed the flying requirement and developed a flying technique which produced excellent results in supply dropping exercises.

Throughout, Wing Commander Padmanabha Ashoka displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Brijesh Dhar Jayal was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1955. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Nasik Division, from the 15th January, 1969 to the 19th April, 1972 and to Bangalore Division from the 20th April, 1972 onwards. Throughout his tenure at Nasik Division, he had exhibited great competence and quality in test flying of MiG 21 aircraft. A total of 606 sorties comprising 424.25 hours of test flying on MiG 21 aircraft were carried out by him which also includes testing of aircraft entirely manufactured in India. During his tenure at Bangalore, he has shown great skill and determination in flight testing of different types of aircraft and has carried out 465.15 hours. He has been associated with the critical phase of development testing including jettisoning of external fuel tanks from Kiran and Gnat aircraft during which he has displayed keen aptitude and high degree of skill. His meticulous planning and very good execution enabled the Sea level trials on the prototype Agricultural aircraft to be completed successfully within a very short time.

Throughout, Wing Commander Brijesh Dhar Jayal displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Dilip Shanker Jog has been in command of a Squadron operating supersonic fighter aircraft for over a year. During this period, a large number of junior pilots were successfully converted on to these aircraft. This was done without an accident and in accordance with prescribed time schedules. He supervised this conversion training and played a leading part in carrying out instructional flights. In addition, he ensured the combat readiness of the Squadron by completing operational training exercises. He has to his credit 3600 hours of accident-free, single engine flying, 800 sorties of which are on supersonic aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Dilip Shanker Jog displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Wing Commander Gurmohan Singh Dhingra has been serving with an operational squadron since January, 1968. During this period, he has displayed extraordinary interest and an exceptionally high sense of duty in the conversion of pilots. He has never spared himself the effort of bringing up the standard of all pilots both in the air and on ground. His keen and continued enthusiasm and exemplary sense of duty have contributed greatly in bringing up the operational status of the squadron. He has a total of 8665 hours of flying to his credit, of which 2800 hours are on instructional flying and 2250 hours on operational flying. He has an accident free flying career.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gurmohan Singh Dhingra displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Shreekant Harishchandra Pednekar has been serving as the Flight Commander of Training Flight at Paratroopers Training School since April, 1970. He has a total of 7525 flying hours, which include 2750 hours of instructional flying to his credit. He was entrusted with the task of Operational Training of Pilots of certain Squadrons and tactical drops for some Army Battalions. He undertook the task of training with great zeal and enthusiasm and completed it ahead of schedule. During this period, he had to fly by day and night without any proper rest. He has greatly improved the standard of training of new pilots and set an example worthy of emulation by his colleagues and juniors alike.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shreekant Harishchandra Pednekar displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Dushyant Singh was posted to an operational unit on 1st May, 1972. On the 27th June, 1972, he was appointed Project Co-ordinator of Exercise Storm Exchange, which involved carrying out weather reconnaissance in Indian SubContinent in the Royal Air Force Canberra PR 719 on loan to India. In record time he organised personnel attached from various units into a homogenous team and carried out independent operations from a number of airfields without a set pattern of spare parts backing. In this unknown field of weather research he was able to successfully complete all the assigned sorties in collaboration with civilian Scientists, against unpredictable weather conditions, unserviceabiliy of the aircraft involving one engine change and one inspection and he achieved a task output of 165 hours on a single aircraft in less than three months. He has flown over 2891 accident free hours on Canberra aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dushyant Singh displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh served as a Flight Commander in an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector in 1961-62. During this tenure, he displayed outstanding flying ability, a sound grasp of administrative matters and exceptional devotion to duty. Thereafter, he has not only maintained the high standards but has also improved flying and administrative talents. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and had done excellent work both in our own training institution and also during his deputation to a foreign Air Force. He has a Flying record of over 3300 hours of accident-free flying. In addition, he has achieved outstanding results in an operational capacity having carried out operational flying during the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, for which he has been awarded Vir Chakra. He successfully graduated from the Defence Services Staff College. During his stay in the Career Planning Cell at Air Headquarters, he has worked incessantly at the complex problems of Manpower Planning with the Permanent Manpower Planning Committee, both for officers and airmen. In addition, his direct contribution to the career Planning Papers/Presentation has been commendable. His personal example of diligence, devotion to duty and dedication has been an excellent example to all the stag who worked alongside him in the Personnel Directorate,

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh displayed courage professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Om Prakash Sharma is one of the pioneers of supersonic Squadrons of the Indian Air Force. He has done over 1200 accident free sorties on supersonic aircraft. He has been the Flight Commander of four supersonic fighter Squadrons and has been largely responsible in bringing them to their high operational capability in a short time after their conversion to the new type of aircraft. During his tenure as the Senior Operations Officer of a Signal Unit, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding in-Chief, Western Air Command, for his organisational capability and hard work. He has greatly helped in developing new operational tactics. During the 1971 operations, he undertook twelve operational missions, including deep penetration, night bombing of enemy airfields, escort and offensive sweep missions. During his present tenure as the flight commander of a newly converted supersonic squadron, he has succeeded in training young pilots to 'Fully Operational' status at the same time fulfilling all tasks allotted to the Squadron. His professional ability in combat flying has been a source of inspiration to all air and ground crew who have served under him.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Om Prakash Sharma has displayed courage, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla has been serving with the Flying Instructors' School, since, January, 1971. After graduating as a 'Flying Instructor' in 1964, he has been carrying out instructional flying in various capacities and out of his accident­free total of 4636 hours, 2533 hours have been instructional flying. He has taken a keen interest in all the activities of the unit. He officiated as a Flight Commander and utilized his training experience effectively and with diligence, systematic approach and planning completed the courses well in time. He has carried out extensive flying and devised new techniques of flying training.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Anand qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor in July, 1959. In imparting parachute jump training, he has been a source of determination, inspiration and courage to his pupils. He has completed over 375 parachute descents. In accumulating data for parachute descents at altitudes from 10 to 15,000 ft, he has played a pioneering role. He has not only shown great courage in initiating the first ever jumps at such altitudes but was also instrumental in collecting and compiling data which has proved of immense value in evaluating the various types of parachutes for use at these unexplored altitudes. In undertaking these trials and in obtaining useful data, he has exposed himself to hazardous circumstances disregarding his personal safety. In May, 1968, on his own initiative, he carried out free fall descents for the first time in the country. In December 1971, he carried out free fall descents for the first time from AN-12 aircraft, thus inspiring his subordinates to undertake sky diving. His pioneering spirit and capacity for innovation is largely responsible for the testing and final acceptance of a new type of parachute with indigenous modifications which has res ulted in the saving of foreign exchange. He is also responsible in proving the suitability and final acceptance of 28 feet diameter parachutes.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Mohinder Kumar Anand displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Shiv Nath Rathour has been serving with the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron since February, 1968. He worked as the Navigation Leader of the unit for two years. He holds the highest transport category both on HS-748 and TU-124 aircraft. He has a total of 6035 flying hours to his credit, of which 1915 hours were flown while on the strength of this unit in conveying VIPs. Prior to his posting to this unit, he worked as a local examiner on AN-12 aircraft and did over 1500 hours of operational flying including night dropping sorties in operational area. He has been taking very keen and active part in sports and other extra­curricular activities of the Station and has worked tirelessly for the welfare of the personnel.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shiv Nath Rathour displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda has been serving with Flying Instructors' School since January, 1971. He has been on instructional flying since January, 1967 and out of a total of 4975 accident-free flying hours to his credit; he has 1740 hours of instructional flying. Most of his instructional flying has been in the basic stage on the HT-2 aircraft. This stage of instructional flying is professionally one of the most difficult and challenging in the career of the instructor. In May 1968, while on an instructional sortie, the propeller of the HT-2 aircraft flew off. With great presence of mind and professional skill he force landed the aircraft on the airfield causing no damage to the aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force. Authority: Notification No. 85-Pres/74 dated 26th January, 1974 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 6th July, 1974.

Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde has been flying fighter aircraft continuously since 1959. He has flown 2331 hours on jet aircraft, out of which 635 hours are on a supersonic type of aircraft. On the 8th May, 1965, while he was flying a Toofani aircraft, the engine flamed out. He displayed great courage and airmanship in successfully executing a dead stick landing. He stood first in the Pilot Attack Instructors course.

He passed with an excellent grade while undergoing on a supersonic aircraft abroad. Due to his efforts, his Squadron emerged as the best in close Air Support competition held by his Command in 1972.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ashok Prataprao Shinde displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh has been in command of No. 1 (Delhi) Air Squadron NCC since January, 1971. He was selected as the manager/pilot of DG NCC Gliding team for the first National Gliding Championship held at Kanpur in April-May 1973. All competing pilots had to be holders of Gold 'C' Distance Leg Badge which meant performance of a cross country of 300 kilometres. Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh had no experience in glider cross country flying. He took up the challenge to fulfill this condition so that the DG NCC team could participate in the National Championship. He was provided with an Olympia glider which was made airworthy on 20th April, 1973. With barely a week in hand he set about this task in an earnest manner. His attempts at 300 kilometres cross country were unsuccessful on 20th & 21st April due to inclement weather. On the 22nd April, 1973 he was struggling from 1100 hours to gain enough height to set course for Kanpur, a distance of 390 kilometres, but weather conditions were unfavourable. Finally in a daring move he set course from a low height of only 2600 feet and at a very late hour of the day. He was down to a height of 1400 feet over Tilpat Range but managed to continue soaring with skill and determination. After covering a distance of 285 kilometres, he was forced to land short of Kanpur due to poor thermal activity and failing light. He was retrieved to Kanpur the next day by the ground party. After one more unsuccessful attempt, he finally completed a distance of 306 kilometres from Kanpur to Varanasi on the 27th April, 1973 and thus earned a Gold 'C' Distance Badge of the Federation Aironautique Internationale for himself and paved the way for the entry of the DG NCC team into the Championship.

He is the first in the NCC to earn this distinction. During the Championship he was flying an Olympia glider (1947 manufacture) with a glide ratio of 1:18 against modern high performance sailplanes with glide ratios of 1:28 to 1:36. He was competing against veteran glider pilots of the country with far more experienced than him. In spite of these handicaps, he succeeded in securing 4th position amongst 11 participants at the National level.

Squadron Leader Krishna Bihari Singh thus displayed courage, determination, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Arun Vithal Kamat was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1960. He has flown 1400 hours on operational aircraft. During the lndo-Pak Conflict of 1971, he was employed as a Flight Commander in one of the fighter squadrons operating from an advance base in the Western Sector. On the 9th December, 1971, he was detailed to lead a section of two aircraft, their target being a Pakistani airfield. This was his 4th operational mission over enemy territory. He commenced the attack in the face of heavy fire from enemy's anti-aircraft guns and light machine guns. His aircraft was badly hit. Finding that it was impossible to control the aircraft, he abandoned the aircraft. He broke both his legs on impact with the ground.

Squadron Leader Arun Vithal Kamat thus displayed courage, determination and exceptional devotion to duly in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Manohar Gopaldas Massand has been posted to a heavy transport squadron since February, 1968. Although he is not a qualified flying instructor, he has very effectively carried out the task of screening and qualifying junior pilots. He has to his credit 4310 flying hours of which 1850 hours have been flown over the difficult and hazardous mountainous terrain of Ladakh and the Eastern Sector. On the 22nd July, 1972, he was detailed to check a junior pilot for one of the dropping zones somewhere in the Ladakh Sector. During the most critical stage of the mission, when the load was actually moving out of the aircraft, one of the engines of his aircraft failed. Flight Lieutenant Massand promptly took over the control of the aircraft and with his superior professional ability and skill, confidently and correctly handled the emergency, and thus avoided a situation which could have resulted in disaster. He completed the supply drop on three engines and later made a safe emergency landing at a forward airfield. During the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, he always volunteered for difficult operational missions allotted to the Unit. He took active part, in the Battalion group drops carried out in Bangladesh on the 11th and 12th December, 1971. Apart from this, he flew a number of important missions.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manohar Gopaldas Massand displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Vishan Kumar Saxena has been performing the duties of Parachute Jump Instructor since 1965. During this period he has made nearly 700 live descents which is second highest amongst the Parachute Jump Instructors. He has also completed the highest number of night descents. He has jumped from seven types of transport aircraft and has taken part in almost all the trial jumps carried out to test new parachutes and airborne equipment. During the operations in December, 1971, he was detailed as a Detachment Commander at an Air Force base for certain forces earmarked for Airborne Operations in the Eastern Sector. With ingenuity, he carried out the task efficiently in spite of many handicaps and flew as a Despatcher in the lead aircraft.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Vishan Kumar Saxena has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On the 8th February, 1973 Flight Lieutenant Balvinder Jit Singh Sandhu was Captain of a Packet aircraft on a flight from Port Blair to Dum Dum with fifteen passengers and freight on board. At a distance of 600 nautical miles from Dum Dum, over the sea, the pilot experienced a runway propeller on the starboard engine. Though the pilot immediately took all the corrective actions, as laid down, his attempts to feather the propeller were unsuccessful. Due to the tremendous drag caused by the unfeathered propeller, the aircraft was losing height rapidly. The aircraft was at that time 175 nautical miles from Rangoon, the nearest diversion. Flight Lieutenant Sandhu immediately took stock of the situation and attempted to lighten the aircraft by jettisoning Cargo and other equipment. Despite this the aircraft continued to lose height, and he realised that he could not reach Rangoon. He therefore decided as a last resort, to land the aircraft at Bassein, which has a short unprepared runway. He executed a safe landing without any damage whatsoever to the aircraft. By remaining very cool in this grave emergency, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu was able to take prompt and correct decisions in handling the situation, which otherwise could have assumed fatal proportions. By his example and leadership, he inspired confidence in the crow and passengers.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Balvinder Jit Singh Sandhu displayed courage, determination, and professional skill in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force,

Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh has been serving with a Helicopter Unit since 29th September, 1969. Out of a total of 2375 flying hours, he has flown 1500 operational hours. In August 1967, while landing at a forward helipad in Mizoram, one of the rotor blades of his aircraft flew off, cutting the tail rotor in the process. In this accident he was injured and placed in a lower medical category. Undaunted by this accident, one year later when he became medically fit, he resumed flying with full vigour and always set a good personal example. During Indo-Pak Conflict 1971, he flew a number of operational sorties by day and night in the Western Sector, and later his unit was engaged in the Air Maintenance task for forward troops. Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh was the detachment Commander. By his personal hard work and example the detachment succeeded in airlifting maximum tonnage in the available time before bad weather set in. On the 21st February, 1973, there was an emergency message in the afternoon for the evacuation of a very serious casualty from a forward base. The timing was such that dark night flying had to he carried out to save the casualty. For this task, Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh was detailed. He successfully carried out the evacuation and saved a precious life.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Tejinder Singh has displayed courage determination, professional skill and leadership in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Brij Mohan Malik joined a Bomber Squadron and had logged over 700 hours. His navigational skill and bombing performance has been of an exceptional standard. Although young in service, he has always volunteered to shoulder heavy responsibilities and cheerfully undertaken all types of tasks, both in flying and on the ground. During the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971 he undertook five missions which he accomplished most successfully with precision navigation and accurate bombing. He was selected to fly for project "Storm Exchange" which involved difficult and skilful flying all over India in monsoon conditions. During this tour he displayed exceptional confidence and ability in flying.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Brij Mohan Malik displayed navigational ability, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Prakash Balwantrao Jadhav has been serving with an Operational Squadron for the last seven years. So early in his career, he has amassed over 3900 hours of flying, out of which over 2600 hours have been flown on operational sorties in the Eastern and Western Sectors. He has flown 1174 dropping sorties and 106 landing sorties at advanced landing grounds. His accident free operational flying is a proud record - both in hours and number of sorties. He also took part in paratrooping in the Eastern Sector during the operations in December 1971.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Balwantrao Jadhav displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Noel Thomas Lobo has been serving with an operational Squadron since June, 1970. During the period of three years, he has flown a total of 2167 hours, out of which 1325 hours have been flown on Operational missions. He has also carried out 100 landings at advanced landing grounds. On the 13th March, 1973, he was on an air dropping mission deep inside the hills. Over the dropping Zone, while he was on his second circuit, the starboard engine of his aircraft started surging. He abandoned further drops and started climbing to clear the hills to come out safely. On reaching height of 6000 ft, the engine started emitting smoke and heavy oil leak was observed. He immediately feathered the affected engine. On opening power, the port engine also started vibrating, and the aircraft started losing height. Faced with a critical emergency, he ordered the ejection of part of the load and brought the crippled aircraft safely to base executing a single engine landing. He handled the emergency with commendable skill and his timely action saved the precious lives of crew members the aircraft from further damage and other Government property.

Flight Lieutenant Noel Thomas Lobo thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion lo duty in the best tradition of the Air Force.

Flying Officer Baldev Singh has been a Dakota pilot since June. 1967. He has a total of 2200 hours of which 1200 hours have been flown on operational sorties over hazardous terrain in the Eastern Sector. His flying has been accident free throughout and he has obtained a high operational status. On the 10th September, 1972, he was detailed to carry out an Air Maintenance sortie. While joining circuit at the Drooping Zone, he experienced severe vibration and smoke from the port engine. He decided to abort the sortie. The vibration further increased forcing him to feather the engine. Despite his best and repeated efforts the engine failed to feather and the aircraft started to lose height very rapidly bringing him below the safe height in the hills. He took correct and timely decision and ordered the load to be ejected so as to maintain minimum height for clearing the hills through the escape route, but the aircraft still did not maintain height. The live engine temperature started increasing rapidly and because the malfunctioning engine was windmilling, he restarted the engine maintaining partial power to counteract the drag of the windmilling propeller. After ejecting 57 bags of load aircraft maintained a slower rate of descent. After flying the crippled aircraft for one hour, under adverse conditions of weather he executed a safe landing at Base.

Flight Lieutenant Baldev Singh thus displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Pran Krishna Ghose has the unique distinction of being the first Indian Parachute Jump Instructor who was trained at Chaklala in 1946. Being the senior most Parachute Jump Instructor in the Indian Air Force, he was entrusted with the job of organising and conducting paratrooping training in India after Independence. It was due to his initiative, hard work, ingenuity and devotion to duty that the training of Army paratroopers started at Agra within a short period. As a Parachute Jump Instructor, Master Warrant Officer Ghose has carried out 430 descents. He has always volunteered for the most difficult assignments and has carried out para descents at high altitude, over sea and desert. He has created a record by jumping from eight different types of aircraft. He has always been associated with all the trials of new parachutes and airborne equipment. Though he is over fifty-one years of age he is still an active parachute Jump Instructor. His knowledge and keenness on parachuting is an example worthy of emulation both by seniors and juniors. His hard work, professional skill and devotion to duty have not only been a source of inspiration for the Parachute Jump Instructors under him but also for Army paratroopers.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Pran Krishna Ghose displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Cherukat Venu Gopal Kurup has been operating as a Flight Gunner with a transport squadron in J&K area since 1963. He has flown 3675 hours inclusive of 1280 hours of operational flying on supply dropping and transport operations. He is a keen airman whose exemplary conduct and high professional competence have been a source of inspiration to his colleagues. During the operations in December, 1971, despite a critical shortage of Gunners, Master Warrant Officer Kurup supervised the preparation of the aircraft for the bombing missions himself and then readily volunteered for operational missions.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Cherukat Venu Gopal Kurup displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Arun Kumar Choudhury was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in 1943 and since 1950 he has been an effective aircrew. He has to his credit more than 6000 hours of flying and out of which over 2000 hours are on operational flying. He is also qualified 2nd Pilot on Dakota aircraft and his services were extensively made use of during the 1962 operations. During November and December, 1962, he had flown many day and night operational missions, over the battle areas and had done 224 hours of operational flying. He had also taken part in the Goa Operations and he was a member of the crew of the aircraft that landed first at DIU (GOA). He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1964 for his exceptional devotion to duty. By his excellent organising ability, high degree of professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty, Master Warrant Officer Choudhury has carried out his task relentlessly; and it is largely due to his intelligent and dedicated work that his unit had achieved 100% categorisation amongst the Signallers.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Arun Kumar Choudhury displayed professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Warrant Officer Bidhu Bhushan Dass has been serving in a heavy transport Squadron since May, 1966. He is one of the pioneer Flight Gunners, who had volunteered for flight gunnery and has been flying as Flight Gunner for the last twenty years. He has flown 6100 hours out of which over 2000 hours were flown on Maritime Operations and 1450 hours consist of operational flying in the Western and Eastern Sectors. He has been a great asset to his asset in training newly posted flight gunners. In performing his duties as loadmaster as well as flight gunner, he has displayed a high standard of professional ability and sense of duty and has been a source of inspiration to his colleagues. During the operations against Pakistan in 1971, he voluntarily undertook to fly in operational drop sorties over the enemy territory.

Throughout, Warrant Officer Bidhu Bhushan Dass has displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Flight Sergeant Surjit Singh qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor in 1963. He was the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to complete 500 Para descents including 100 night descents, within a short period of nine years. He further undertook live-jump trials of indigenous and indigenously modified parachutes. In December, 1968, he became the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to do free-fall parachuting in the country. In 1969, while accompanying a team to carry out high altitude descents at a Dropping Zone located at 15, 200 ft, he proved to be a great asset in completing the trials by carrying out live jumps inspite of the hazards, such as very high rate of descent, rarified atmosphere, extreme cold and hard rocky surface. Having carried out the jumps in complete disregard to his personal safety, he volunteered for the difficult and arduous task of despatching and performing the duties of Drop Zone Safety Officer.

Flight Sergeant Surjit Singh thus displayed professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Sergeant Puthiyaparambath Vijayan has been serving with an operational Squadron as a Flight Engineer since January, 1970. He has to his credit 686 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 with unflagging zeal and enthusiasm. He has faced many a grave situation in the air calmly and with confidence. Four times during his stay in the Squadron, his aircraft developed engine trouble in flight. On all these occasions his timely detection of faults and sound advice to the pilots on remedial measures helped in landing the aircraft safely.

Throughout, Sergeant Puthiyaparambath Vijayan displayed professional skill, exceptional devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

On the 22nd October, 1972, an aircraft of an operational Squadron was arranged for a bombing sortie in the Western Command Armament Meet. At the takeoff point, while checking the aircraft he discovered a slight defect in the rudder control cable in the nose under carriage bay. His high degree of technical knowledge of the aircraft and its controls led him to conclude that, since there was no tension in the cable, the cable might have snapped somewhere. Immediately, he realised the gravity of the situation and took the decision not to allow the aircraft to continue with the sortie and sent it back for investigation. Subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the rudder control cable had snapped and had rendered the rudder inoperative. Since differential braking is available without this cable, the pilot would not have realised the rudder failure till the aircraft attained flying speed. The timely action taken by Corporal Sayeed Ahmad Khan prevented a possible major aircraft accident.

By this outstanding act, he has displayed exceptional professional skill and devotion to duty to the best traditions of the Air Force.