Wing Commander Ramesh Sakhram Benegal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1952. He attended the All Purposes Flying Instructors Course at Flying Instructors School in 1953-54, the 124 Canberra Course in the U.K. in 1957-58 and the Instrument Pilots Instructors Course in the USA in 1965. After serving in operational Squadrons, he was trained as a flying instructor and was employed on instructional duties for several years. He has held with distinction many important appointments, including those of flight commander in an operational Squadron and in the Aircrew Examining Board. He was Mentioned­in­Despatches for his performance during the India­Pakistan conflict, 1965. On successful completion of is tenure as Officer-in-Charge of flying at an Air Force base, he took over command of an operational Squadron in 1968. In this appointment, he has displayed a high degree of professional skill and has undertaken a large number of flights over difficult mountainous terrain in adverse weather conditions both by day and by night.

Flight Lieutenant Gangadhar Rangnath Railkar has been a navigator in a Photo Reconnaissance Squadron since 1962. During the September 1965, operations, he undertook several missions and obtained vital information about the enemy dispositions. He always volunteered for the most difficult sorties and flew several operational missions. The valuable information, which he brought by making reconnaissance flights contributed to a large extent towards our planning and successful execution of operations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Gangadhar Rangnath Railkar displayed exemplary courage and professional skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Gopal Krishna Garud has been a navigator in a Photo Reconnaissance Squadron since 1962. Photo reconnaissance flights are fraught with danger as these have invariably to be flown unescorted in broad day light. During the September 1965, operations, he always volunteered for the most difficult missions and brought valuable information which contributed to a large extent towards the planning and successful execution of operations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Gopal Krishna Garud displayed exemplary courage and professional skill of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Govind Chandra Singh Rajwar, he undertook a large number of hazardous missions and completed them successfully. The information obtained on these missions contributed to a large extent towards our planning and successful execution of operations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Govind Chandra Singh Rajwar displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Throughout, Squadron leader Charanjit Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Mohinder Singh Sandhu flew a number of operational reconnaissance missions over enemy territory. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed for an air mission over Sargodha at night. He carried out this mission successfully.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Mohinder Singh Sandhu displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Nitin Gajanan Junnarkar flew a number of hazardous Photo Reconnaissance mission over enemy territory. He has always completed the task assigned to him to the full satisfaction. The information obtained by him on these missions has contributed to a large extent to the successful conduct of operations.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Nitin Gajanan Junnarkar displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Alagaraja Perumal was tasked on a vital Photographic Reconnaissance mission on 21st May, 1999 near the Line of Control over Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors with two MiG-29 aircraft as escorts.

During the mission, at about 0900 hours, after photographing Batalik sector, he experienced a violent jolt accompanied by uncontrolled yaw and roll. The escort aircraft reported bright flash along with debris flying off and smoke emanating from recce aircraft's starboard engine. The aircraft had been hit by a missile. Despite the grave, life threatening situation, Wing Commander Perumal maintained his cool and displaying exceptional skill and courage, he managed to exit the threat zone. One of the engines was completely lost and the aircraft had suffered severe damage. Radio reception was garbled and intermittent, he could not hear the extent of damage caused by missile hit. The aircraft was behaving abnormally by yawing and rolling violently. Even in this dangerous situation, Wing Commander Perumal decided not to abandon the aircraft but retrieve the valuable equipment and above all the precious “mission photographs” on board. He took a daring decision of recovering crippled aircraft to the nearest airfield at Srinagar. He controlled the aircraft and kept in his cool inspite of the requirement of continuous descent to maintain speed over the hilly terrain. He displayed exceptional courage, determination and flying skill in controlling a crippled asymmetric powered aircraft for 45 minutes before executing a landing at Srinagar.

Wing Commander Alagaraja Perumal displayed gallantry and extraordinary professional courage in recovering damaged aircraft in total disregard to his personal safety.

Squadron Leader Maharaj Krishan Khanna has been a pilot in a squadron since 1959. Since then, he has given a creditable account of his professional ability and has always successfully carried out the tasks assigned to him. He has always volunteered for difficult sorties which proved extremely useful for the Air Force.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Maharaj Krishan Khanna displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Hariman Singh Soorma has been a pilot in a Squadron since October 1962. He has undertaken a number of hazardous operational mission and successfully carried out the tasks assigned to him. Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Hariman Singh Soorma displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Gurbakash Rai Sahni has been a navigator in a Squadron since August 1963. He has always volunteered for difficult missions and has successfully carried out the tasks assigned to him. Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Gurbakash Rai Sahni displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Chandrakant Nijanand Bal has been serving with an operational Squadron since April 1967. He has flown a total of 1,710 hours. On 22nd January 1970, while returning from a mission at 40,000 ft. he observed an excessive voltage reading and immediately isolated the battery. This was followed by a sudden electrical flash and total electrical failure. He was forced to descend and divert to another airfield, flying with the help of a torch and an emergency light and steering with the help of a small emergency compass. During this descent both engines flamed out once and the starboard engine flamed out thrice at low altitude. Relighting of the engines was successful each time only because he had conserved the battery. He ensured a touchdown at the correct speed and at the beginning of the runway without any damage to the aircraft. By his presence of mind and skilful handling of the situation, he not only saved a valuable aircraft, but also the lives of the crew.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Chandrakant Nijanand Bal displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju was serving as Officerin-Charge, Photo Section of an Operational Squadron. The photo section, under his personal supervision, produced over 50 000 prints of vital reconnaissance missions maintaining highest quality control. On the 13th December, 1971, aerial photographs were taken of all approaches to Dacca city, and six thousand two hundred prints with twenty enlargements were delivered the next morning. The information collected through these prints was of immense value to our ground forces in planning their operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit was serving with a Bomber Squadron. He flew a number of operational reconnaissance missions covering vital targets like Chitagong, Cox Bazaar, Sylhet and Dacca. On the 4th December, 1971, he volunteered for night mission over Sargodha and carried it out successfully.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Philip George was serving as Engineering Officer of a Squadron. Throughout the operations, the Unit maintained 100% serviceability. All the aircraft of the Unit operated from various airfields during day and night on operational reconnaissance missions. This achievement was largely due to untiring efforts of Flight Lieutenant Philip George. His qualities of leadership inspired his men to work cheerfully round the clock.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Philip George displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Sergeant Satish Kumar Soni was serving with an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. He was airlifted to Tezpur and Gauhati for servicing of aircraft needed for urgent reconnaissance commitments. On both the occasions he, by working day and night, serviced the aircraft at these locations, and thus enabled all the aircraft to complete the missions successfully.

Throughout, Sergeant Satish Kumar Soni displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

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.

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.

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.

Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh Rai was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1962. He was posted to a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron as a Flight Commander in June, 1973. As a Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Rai carried out the training and supervision of his flight with great zeal and initiative and maintained a high categorization state of aircrew and a very high standard of flight safety. Due to his exceptional organising ability and guidance, his Flight, flew 1,810 hours during the year 1973-74 which is a record of this Squadron ever since its formation. He made efforts to achieve maximum aerial survey task output and has set up a record of surveying 30,000 square miles by Dakota Flight.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh Rai, displayed exceptional organising ability, professional skill and high sense of devotion to duty in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Shyam Sundar Singh Chauhan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2nd August, 1964. A keen and dedicated flier, he has flown over 2700 accident­free hours as Captain. During the period November, 1980 to January, 1981, he played a keen role in planning and execution of sensitive border survey tasks. Flying with tenacity and precision over rugged mountainous terrain, he brought back outstanding results. The information has been of great strategic value in updating our maps and has increased our knowledge of these inaccessible regions.

Wing Commander Dilip Chhotu Sambhare successfully commanded the Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the Indian Air Force from Nov 81 to Jun 84. During this tenure, he demonstrated flying skill of a very high order on Canberra aircraft and a correspondingly high level of airmanship, professional competence and specialist knowledge. Under his command, all survey and photographic tasks assigned to the Squadron were successfully completed. Also, the Squadron achieved a commendable accident­free record during the period under conditions of intensive flying and launching of operations from various bases spread far and wide in India.

Shortage of resources in men and material during his tenure called for additional and concerted effort oh the part of the Squadron to clear the backlog of priority survey tasks. This was made possible not only by his ability to inspire officers and airmen under his command to put in long hours of hard work, but also by his astute management of limited resources.

He has himself flown many hazardous photo reconnaissance missions successfully, in the face of danger to himself and the aircraft, and made available valuable information of national and strategic importance. His understanding of the urgency of these tasks was invariably sound, and he produced reliable results on every occasion in the critical time frame given to him.

For his devotion to duty, dedication to the Service and a high sense of responsibility in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dilip Chhotu Sambhare.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana (13377) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun 75 and is on the posted strength of a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron since 25 Nov 85.

He has 3150 hours of total flying to his credit of which 1850 hrs are operational flying on Canberra aircraft. He is functioning as the Flight Commander of Canberra Flight. During Aug 87, when there were certain indications of enemy intentions in Siachen area, he was called upon to plan and execute Photo reconnaissance mission over the area. Using his thorough knowledge in the field of Photo Reconnaissance operations combined with past experience of coordinating missions involving different types of aircraft, Sqn Ldr Khurana planned Photo Reconnaissance missions with great zeal and dedication. Of the 22 sorties flown for the purpose of planning and execution of these missions, two were flown over the operational area.

The information obtained from these missions was so valuable for our Army element in the field and at Headquarters that it was widely appreciated by the senior Army and Air Force Commanders directly involved with Siachen Operations.

For his exceptional and exemplary professional standards and fearless flying in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana.

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

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

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

Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh (4823) General Duties (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 6th November, 1954.

During his service career, Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh has creditably filled a number of flying appointments. In recognition of his professional ability he was selected to undergo a Pilot Attack Instructors' Course and subsequently was posted as OfficerIncharge of the Pilot Attack Instructors' Flight. Later, he became a successful bomber pilot and in that capacity was sent to Congo in 1961-62 as a member of the United Nations Peace Keeping Contingent. He also took active part in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of 1965 and was 'Mentioned in Despatches'.

Recently while serving with an operational unit, Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh carried out a large number of flights in inclement weather over very hazardous terrain to successfully complete tasks of national importance. Throughout disregarding his personal safety and comfort, he has set a standard of professional skill and devotion to duty for others to emulate.

Squadron Leader Dushyant Singh (5048) General Duties (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 14th January, 1956.

At an early stage in his career, Squadron Leader Singh was selected for conversion on Jet Bomber aircraft. He was member of the Indian Air Force Contingent which formed the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Congo in 1960. He was actively engaged in operations during the Indo-Pakistan conflict in 1965.

Squadron Leader Singh is currently employed with an operational unit of the Air Force. During his tenure he carried out a large number of operational sorties over hazardous terrain in very bad weather conditions, fulfilling a task of national importance.

Flight Lieutenant Govind Chandra Singh Rajwar (8103) General Duties (Navigator) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December 1963. For his accuracy and precision work, he was selected to join an important operational unit of the Air Force which carried out very special tasks.

During his stay at the unit, he has undertaken a number operational sorties both by day and night over inhospitable terrain at high altitudes which require a high degree of navigational skill and presence of mind. In all these flights he contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the tasks were assigned to the unit.

Flight Lieutenant Rajwar's devoted services and high professional skill has been a source of inspiration to other officers in the unit.

207827 Sergeant Jagtar Singh Athwal Fitter II Airframe was enrolled on 29th August, 1951. For the past 12 years he has been continuously working in front-line squadrons. He was Mentioned-in-Despatches for his performance in September, 1965 conflict with Pakistan. He also took active and creditable part in 1971 conflict with Pakistan in the Western Sector. He has been continuously working on supersonic aircraft for the past 8 years.

He was instrumental in maintaining a high standard of serviceability and maintenance efficiency in his trade. His technical skill and professional knowledge along with Practical, methodical and dedicate approach to maintenance activity enabled quick and accurate diagnosis, analysis and rectification of malfunction of aircraft systems.

Sergeant Athwal was one of the five SNCOs posted to a supersonic squadron who formed the nucleus of trained and experienced technicians when the squadron was re-equipped with the latest type of fighter aircraft in December, 1974. He immediately put his undiluted attention to the commitments facing the unit. He was detailed SNCO i/c Daily Servicing Section in January, 1975. It is to his credit that, within a short time, from collection of personnel with diverse experience from different units, he formed a well-knit, hard working and competent team. His cheerful disposition, even in the face of overwhelming odds, without ground equipment and adequate manpower, his Herculean capacity and willingness for hard work, and his faultless personal example, have been a great source of inspiration to all who have come in contact with him. Due to his initiative, organizational ability and professional competence the Squadron has more than adequately met its flying commitment inspite of the odds, achieved a high standard of maintenance and flight safety.

Throughout, Sergeant Jagtar Singh Athwal has constantly displayed professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Suresh Chander Kapoor was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 25 Dec 64. An above average Navigator, he has served for almost five years in Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. During the current tenure he has flown 2600 hours on HS-748 and Dakota aircraft displaying great enthusiasm, zeal and courage.

He has operated from far flung bases on detachments and surveyed vast area including sensitive and hazardous terrain. With his highly skill and devoted performance he brought back treasure of data of an exceptional order.

In his recent tenure he has held multifarious appointments and he is presently functioning as the Navigational leader in HS-748 flight. His firm commitment towards training the younger officers on the nuance of the Air Force life have has a salutatory effect on the latter and has manifested as healthy professionalized out look amongst younger officers in the unit.

For having displayed selfless devotion to duty and stimulating management techniques, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Suresh Chander Kapoor.

Wing Commander Sarabjit Singh was appointed Commanding Officer of a sensitive squadron with effect from 30 Jun 84.

During this period, the squadron was entrusted with many hazardous special recce missions. He organized his resources well and produced excellent results which helped in reevaluation of the threat.

On the home front, he set an enviable growth rate target of 25% for the annual survey effort by the squadron. Despite sudden exodus of senior aircrew, non availability of supervisors in both Canberra and Chitra Flights and poor serviceability of aircraft, he not only met the target figure but also created an all-time record of surveying 5.7 lakh Sq Kms. The Squadron's effort earned the Air Force as revenue of Rs. 2.5 crores for the year 1984-85. The unit's contribution to strategic recce and survey brought tremendous credit to the Indian Air Force.

In his capacity as Commanding Officer, he has shown remarkable acumen for understanding the dynamics of human behaviour. He was able to motivate his officers and men to draw out their best potential. A deep camaraderie combined with respect for service traditions pervades all the ranks in the squadron and has resulted in the highest standard of operational preparedness.

For his professional competence and single minded devotion to duty, which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sarabjit Singh.

Squadron Leader Deepak Gajare was commissioned in the IAF on 22 Jan 72 and is on the posted strength of an Operational Squadron since 10 May 87. He has since been working as a Navigation leader of the Canberra Flight.

He has 4,090 hours of total flying to his credit of which an impressive 2,450 hours are operational. During the period 1987-88, he has flown a record number of successful Canberra Photo reconnaissance missions in highly sensitive and hazardous operational areas. His planning of operational missions has been meticulous. This brought tremendous credit to the IAF, thus enhancing its image with the sister services.

As a keen and enthusiastic flier he has always volunteered himself and led hazardous missions. His sterling leadership, thorough professionalism, undaunted courage and ever smiling attitude to under take the most difficult operational task coupled with precision flying so vital for photo missions single out Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare as an example worthy of emulation by his superiors and subordinates alike.

For his very high professional standards, fearless flying and a record number of successful operational photo reconnaissance missions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare.

Wg Cdr Rajender Khurana was commissioned in the IAF on 02 Jun 73. He is commanding a prestigious Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron since 27 Apr 92.

In 1988, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for successfully leading a task force on reconnaissance missions across the border.

During the last one year, he made numerous innovations in the field of aerial photography and introduced new method for conducting survey close to border areas. He achieved record aerial survey coverage of 5.03 lakh sq km during the last one year earning the IAF a revenue of more than seven crores. Besides the financial savings the innovations would greatly help in enhancing the operational preparedness of our Armed Forces.

Wg Cdr R Khurana conceived and undertook project studies on development of medium range oblique-photography capability with the available vertical camera systems, on Avro and Canberra aircraft and low level high speed photography capability on Canberra aircraft with the available medium/high altitude camera systems. This will be of immense value in hostile air defence environment.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr R Khurana.