During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh commanded No. 5 "Tuskers" Squadron, stationed at Agra. The unit equipped with the Canberra bomber, was assigned the triple task of tactical bombing, close support and armed patrolling. Under his able guidance the squadron carried out tactical bombing of various targets to destroy the Pakistan Air Force on the ground. Led by Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh himself, Pak army camp east of Gujarat and airfields at Chaklala, Dab, Murid, Akwal, Risalwala, Wagowal, Sargodha and Peshawar were successfully attacked by his bombers.

The squadron gave close support to the army in Kasur, Khem Karan, Pasrur, Chawinda and Sialkot sectors. Bombs were dropped on the enemy concentrations at all these places. During the period of war the squadron undertook 39 sorties of armed patrolling over Agra, Palam, Ambala, Halwara and Adampur. Most of the operational missions over the enemy territory were carried out during the hours of darkness. The targets were identified in the moon-light. These dangerous operational sorties were undertaken in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire with exceptional courage and determination.

Wing Commander Prem Pal was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for displaying a high sense of duty and gallantry.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 15th April, 1950. Initially, he was a transport pilot and served in a number of transport and communication units. Later, he converted on to jet bomber aircraft, and has since served in all the Canberra bomber units of the Air Force, and commanded one of them.

Group Captain Prem Pal Singh is at present the Staff Officer incharge of operations at a Command Headquarters. He planned the bomber operations during the recent conflict with Pakistan. Taking into account the enemy anti-aircraft dispositions, fighter defences, navigational problems and other relevant factors, he drew up elaborate and detailed plans. He visited all the bomber bases and personally briefed the Squadron Commanders on the tasks allotted to their units. His efforts were to a large extent responsible for the success of our bomber aircraft during the operations. He has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prem Pal Singh MVC AVSM (3871) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 15th April, 1950. Initially, he served as a pilot in transport squadrons and later converted on to Jet bomber aircraft. During the 1965 war with Pakistan, as the Commanding Officer of a Canberra Bomber Squadron, he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for gallantry, and bravery. Subsequently, he served as the Directing Staff of the Defence Services Staff College.

In 1971, Air Marshal Prem Pal Singh was the Staff Officer incharge of operations at Command Headquarters. He meticulously planned the bomber operations in the western sector as well as against Pakistani occupation forces in Bangla Desh and thus contributed to the success of our bomber operations in 1971. For his leadership, drive and devotion to duty in peace as well as war time, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

In 1979 after a successful tenure as an Air Attaché, France and Air Officer Commanding of a major Wing, he was posted to Air Headquarters as Assistant Chief of

the Air Staff Flight Safety and Inspection. During this period, in addition to his Air Force duties he shouldered the responsibilities as the President of the Services Sports Control Board. Besides he was also selected as one of the Vice Presidents of Indian Olympic Associations as well as member of the working Committee of many other sports federations.

For the conduct of IX Asian Games, he was appointed the Chief Administrator of the Prestigious Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. This task involved dexterous handling and coordination between multifarious agendas and was executed in a commendable manner.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he was posted as Senior Air Staff Officer Central Air Command, an appointment which ha presently holds. By his leadership, drive and devotion to duty Air Marshal Pram Pal Singh has rendered distinguished Service of the most exceptional order.