Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri has held command of a Conversion Unit since 22 Aug 1980. Although he had very little experience on Hunter aircraft and is not a QFI, he threw himself whole heartedly into the training task of his Unit. He mobilised his officers and men and motivated them to achieve better results. Three consecutive courses have each completed their training in roughly two thirds of the schedule duration of the course. This has been achieved inspite of progressive reduction in manpower from 95% of establishment to the current level of about 70% or less in some trades.

He set an outstanding example to his officers and men by flying as much as any member of his staff. With excellent leadership, and by setting a personal example of a high order, Group Captain Johri has been able to motivate those under his command to render outstanding performance, and achieve tasks which have eluded the unit for a long time, This has not only been of value to the unit by making available adequate training time for operational training of staff pilots but the entire fighter force by timely despatch of trained pilots.

For these achievements, his personal flying effort and leadership, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Vishnu Narain Johri.

Group Captain Suresh Kumar Behal is on the posted strength of Headquarters Eastern Air Command with effect from 16 April 1981, and is performing the duties that involve control of all fighter activities.

In 1971, Group Captain Behal was a Flight Commander in a fighter squadron and took active part in 1971 operations having led 23 strike missions into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) against heavily defended targets. It is pertinent to note that very few pilots undertook such large number of missions, thereby he has exhibited courage in the face of enemy action.

Group Captain Behal has commanded a Fighter Squadron from May 1979 to April 1981. During his tenure, the Squadron won the overall Gunnery Championship of Eastern Air Command. This was only possible because of dedication and guidance to the aircrew placed below him in the Squadron.

While on the posted strength of Eastern Air Command he has officiated in higher appointment for long periods and has performed the duties in addition to his own duties extremely well. He is sincere, dedicated and has working: qualities which inspire personnel working under him. He is ever willing to shoulder responsibilities given to him cheerfully.

For displaying sincerity and devotion to duty of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Suresh Kumar Behal.

Wing Commander Darshan Singh Basra was commissioned in the Air Force in May 1962. The officer has all along maintained and displayed highest order of flying professionalism.

Wg Cdr Basra was selected to undergo flying training abroad on two types of aircraft in 1963. Subsequently he gave a good account of his flying proficiency and instructional ability while on posted strength of various instructional establishments. Later, he also held prestigious Command of two fighter Squadrons. During his period of command both the Squadrons maintained a totally nil accident rate. One of his Squadrons won the Flight Safety Trophy in 1979 and was placed second for the Instrument Rating Trophy in 1980. Wg Cdr Basra was the leader of his Command Bombing team in the Inter Command gunnery Meet in 1979 and won the championship.

Wg Cdr Basra has flown over eleven types of aircraft and has logged over 3400 hrs of flying. Wg Cdr Basra commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1978 for executing a successful restricted RPM landing on a fighter aircraft.

For his utmost dedication to duty and professional ability the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Darshan Singh Basra.

Wing Commander Amrit Lal Mehta has been on deputation to the State Government of Haryana as Chief Executive Pilot since 07 February 1979.

Commissioned on 31 December, 1963, he has logged an impressive total of 7310 hours of accident free flying. He has flown over 2500 hours mostly in the supervisory capacity over the hazardous terrain of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir areas. He has held Master Green rating on Dakota and AN-12 aircrafts and is Right hand seat check Pilot on these aircrafts.

As Chief Executive Pilot, he has been entrusted with the duty to fly the VIPs at very short notice and at odd hours. Wing Commander Mehta at the cost of his personal comfort and domestic obligations, made himself available at all times for such duties thereby displaying total devotion to duty. He is fully dependable in accomplishing tasks even in difficult situations. With his excellent organising ability and exemplary discipline, he has infused confidence among his subordinates. He has been a regular Director General of Civil Aviation Examiner since 1 January 1980. In addition to training and examining plots he has been very closely associated with the development and expansion of civil aviation in the State.

For his professional competence, hard work, integrity and total devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Amrit Lal Mehta.

Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal has been on the posted strength of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment as Officer Commanding Flight Test Squadron since October 1980. He is a qualified Experimental Test Pilot, having graduated from the French Test Pilots' School in 1973-74. His present posting to ASTE is his second tenure with this unit, his first one having lasted from Jul 74 to Dec 77. Wing Commander Mittal is not only a very experienced test pilot of high caliber, competent to test most fixed wing aircraft of the Air Force, but also an operational pilot of considerable experience and merit with over 3000 hours of flying to his credit. He was amongst the first batch of pilots selected to undergo training on Jaguar aircraft in the UK and later served with credit as Flight Commander in the first Jaguar Squadron of the Indian Air Force. Besides maintaining an accident­free record, he achieved the highest instrument rating of Master Green and has been a Command Examiner on Supersonic Fighter aircraft.

His efficient handling of a special Missile project and the results of the tests carried out at ASTE have drawn very favorable comments from all agencies associated with this Project.

For his exceptional individual flying skill, unflinching devotion to duty and consistently outstanding performance as a test pilot, the President is pleased to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal.

Squadron Leader Chandra Nath Ghosh (10124) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a front line fighter Squadron since 03 Jul 78. During this period, he exemplified himself by his outstanding performance in flying and training of pilots in the Squadron. A pilot with above average flying cability, Sqn Ldr Ghosh won the individual championship in Rocket Firing during the Western Air Command Gunnery Meet in Mar 81. Squadron Leader Ghosh in his capacity as a Flight Commander was mainly responsible for updating the squadron operational status by successfully completing the Operational Training syllabus for 8 operationa pilots and 2 Operational Day pilots in just one year (1981-82).

During the period under consideration, Sqn Ldr Ghosh has flown a total of 1410:00 hours/2115 sorties on S-22 and MiG-21 (MF &M) aircraft. This is an exceptiona feat, considering the fact that in the same period, the officer has undergone some major service courses like staff college, FCL, Photo Interpreters Course. He has also done ground tenure as DS in Air Force Intelligence School at Poona.

Squadron Leader Ghosh is an officer with very high integrity and moral fortitude, who does not get dettered by the task assigned to him. Sqn Ldr Ghosh is truly an example of hard work and dedication who at every step inspires and motivates those placed around and below him.

For his excellent professional performance, hardwork, motivation, unflinching loyalty and integrity, the President is please to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Chandra Nath Ghosh.

Squadron Leader Prafullkumar Manohar Velankar while on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depot since 5 Dec 78 has been flight testing Kiran, Gnat and Ajeet aircraft.

During his tenure at this Depot Sqn Ldr Velankar has flown a total of 646.25 hours in flight testing of various types of aircraft. He has had an accident­free record during this time. He has also displayed cool professional competence in the handling of emergencies in the air when he experienced flame-outs on Gnats on three separate occasions, one flameout on Kiran at 5000 feet and one incident of Gnat canopy unlocking in the air. On each occasion he has competently taken the correct emergency action and safely landed the aircraft He has throughout displayed exemplary professionalism and zeal in his job.

He has flown 278 sorties/165.45 hours on Kiran Flight testing during the last nine months in addition to flying on other types of aircraft. He has been meticulous in his testing and has insisted on the highest standards of serviceability before clearing an aircraft. It is a matter of pride that ferry pilots from operating units have accepted all the aircraft cleared by Sqn Ldr Velankar with virtually no observations. For his extremely high professional competence, hard work and outstanding devotion to duty in the best traditions of the service, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Prafulkumar Manohar Velankar.

Squadron Leader Viswanathan Natarajan is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 22 Jul 80. In July 1981 Jaipur area experienced unprecedented floods. Squadron Leader Viswanathan Natarajan conducted the relief operations and under his leadership and guidance 41810 Kgs of food and other supplies were airlifted to stranded villagers. A total 37:15 hours were flown by the unit detachment, of which 23:10 hours were flown by Squadron Leader Viswanathan Natarajan alone. Squadron Leader Natarajan worked tirelessly and it was by his singular determination and dauntless efforts that relief was provided in the shortest possible time to the affected area.

Squadron Leader Natarajan has over 5000 hours of helicopter flying to his credit, out of which 3000 hours have been flown as Captain over hazardous mountainous terrain in the East and in offshore flying over unforgiving seas of West and East Coast. Under his direct supervision as Flight Commander the unit flew a total of over 3000 hours, accident free, in the first year after induction. This was possible only because of Squadron Leader Natarajan's untiring efforts, zeal, devotion to duty, exemplary leadership and understanding of the critical problems in their totality.

For displaying exceptional professional skill, effective managerial ability and undaunted devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Viswanathan Natarajan.

Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Verma is posted since 30 December 80 as Flight Commander of an operational fighter squadron.

The Squadron was re­equipped with a new type of aircraft. Sqn Ldr VK Verma displayed utmost devotion to duty and dedication to work which helped the Squadron in the commencement of regular flying inspite of the various teething problems during the re-equipment. In a very short time, he was able to formulate the training syllabus and various procedures relating to the new type of aircraft, and has proved his high standard of professional knowledge.

Sqn Ldr VK Verma has always taken utmost pride in his work, shown selfless devotion to duty which has been a source of inspiration to his juniors and has earned great admiration from his superiors.

For his utmost devotion to duty, dedication to work and high standard of professional ability, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Verma.

Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria is a UK trained pilot who has been on the posted strength of an operational squadron since 01 Sep 79. When he initially joined the Squadron there were only six UK trained pilots on whom fell the mantle of responsibility to organise and lay the infrastructure of the first Jaguar Squadron. Flt Lt Kumaria proved himself equal to the task. He coped with all demands made of him, volunteered for additional jobs and accomplished these well within specified time frames to the best of his ability.

With his continuous hard work on the ground and in the air, Flt Lt Kumaria soon established himself as a dependable and mature officer. He made rapid strides and was selected to undergo Qualified Weapons Instructor course in UK. With his usual dedication, he commenced studying for the course as soon as his name was recommended. On the course itself, his customary application and methodical approach paid dividends. He stood first and his aggregate marks has set a record that is unlikely to be broken in the near future.

For his dedicated attitude, professional .competence and high standards, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Fight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria.

Captain Karamdeep Singh Aulakh an Air OP Pilot was detailed to carry out an Instrument Flying and circuits and landing sortie in a Cheetah Helicopter on the night of 29 Apr 82. After joining circuit, while commencing baseleg, the officer heard a loud bang accompanied by a bright flash of flame. The helicopter also yawed to the right. He correctly assessed it to be a case engine failure and took prompt and advisable course of action of executing a forced landing. Displaying exceptional flying skill, he avoided high tension cables and other obstacles and executed a smooth touch down in the only clearing with hard surface in the area. There was no injury to the crew or any damage to aircraft or civilian property.

This is the first known instance in the IAF of a helicopter pilot carrying out an entirely successful forced landing on an unprepared surface at night, after an engine failure. Captain. Aulakh's performance is all the more noteworthy in view of his limited flying experience.

For his outstanding professionalism and display of cool courage in handling of extremely dangerous emergency, the President is pleased to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Captain Karamdeep Singh Aulakh.

Flying Officer Subhash Mohan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 30 December 1978. Since then he has been on active flying duties. He has flown nearly 500 hours during this period.

Flying Officer Mohan was a member of the Marut team selected to take part in the Fire Power Demonstration in February 1982. On 10 February he was carrying out a practice mission of rocketry over Sidhwan Khas range in preparation for the Fire Power Demonstration. Immediately after he fired a salvo of rockets and initiated recovery from the dive the pilot felt severe vibrations and partial loss of longitudinal control. Parts of the forward fuselage of the aircraft had broken off thus causing unmanageable longitudinal instability. Flying Officer Mohan assessed the condition instantly and realising that the situation was irretrievable he ejected safely. Any delay in his action would have been fatal. Despite being relatively inexperienced, the pilot displayed remarkable ability to assess a dangerously critical situation and took the correct action immediately. He saved his life which by any means is a valuable Air Force asset, and by doing so he was available to assist the investigating team in ascertaining the cause of the accident, which might not have been possible under different circumstances. Flying Officer Mohan's actions speak highly of the standard of training he has undergone so far and his ability to assimilate instructions.

For displaying maturity and ability to assess critical situations and acting promptly and correctly, the President is pleased to award VAVU SENA MEDAL to Flying Officer Subhash Mohan.

Master Warrant Officer Aaron Patrick was enrolled in the Service in April 1950 and was remustered to the trade of Flight Engineer in 1961. Since then, the Master Warrant Officer has flown over 6760 hrs (inclusive of 1320 hours operational) on six different types of aircraft.

Master Warrant Officer Aaaron Patrick has faired extremely well, professionally by achieving the transport category 'A' on three different type of aircraft viz. C-119L, AN 12, L-1049 in a matter of 14 years prior to being posted to the Aircrew Examining Board on 18 May 75. As an Air Force Examiner, Master Warrant Officer Patrick has displayed a high degree of professionalism and made significant contribution towards maintaining high standards of proficiency among Flight Engineers in Indian Air Force. By his extra ordinary zeal and dedication to duty, the categorisation state percentage of Flight Engineers in Transport Squadrons remained high. During his tenure as an Air Force Examiner, in the last 20 months, the Master Warrant Officer has flown over 1060 hours in aircrew testing on as many as six different types of aircraft. On many an occasion he has handled a large number of categorisation tests in different types of aircraft single handedly, working often beyond the call of duty. The fact that the Master Warrant Officer has done over 677 tests of aircrew and remained out of base over 675 days in his tenure at Air Crew Examining Board is testimony of his sustained hard work and dedication to duty.

For his exceptional professionalism and dedication to duty of highest order, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Master Warrant Officer Aaron Patrick.

Warrant Officer Chandra Gopal Shukla Flight Engineer has rendered 26 years of distinguished service and is an asset to the Indian Air Force. He is a highly motivated flier and has always performed his duties as an aviator with great professional zeal, enthusiasm and fervour.

As a Flight Engineer Warrant Officer Shukla has many a firsts to his credit. In the year 1970, when he crossed 1000 hours of operational flying on Caribou aircraft, he was the first Flt Engr to achieve this coveted figure on Caribou in the Eastern theatre. To date, he is the first and only Flt Engr in the Indian Air Force who has the distinction of flying 2000 operational hours on Caribou aircraft in the Eastern sector. In addition he has 1000 operational hours in the Rajasthan sector on Mi­4 helicopters. His tally of 750 hours of flying on Caribou during the year 1981 was a record in itself. He has thus 3000 operational hours to his credit. His airmanship and professional competence are par excellence. He is always cool and confident in the air. His sense of duty and complete respect for discipline are worthy of emulation by his subordinates. His diligence, hard work and sound professional approach have earned him admiration from his superiors.

For his willingness to be ever ready for flying, devotion to duty and the record amount of operational flying, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Warrant Officer Chandra Copal Shukla.