Flight Lieutenant Yoginder Prakash has been serving in a Helicopter Unit in the Mizo Hills since November 1968. He has about 1,400 hours of operational flying to his credit under difficult flying conditions in hilly terrain. He has shown remarkable initiative and courage both on the ground and in the air. He has successfully carried out numerous special helicopter borne operations. In evacuating casualties from very small helipads, he has displayed great professional skill. His flying career has been accident-free.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Yoginder Prakash displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971 Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy was commanding a Transport Squadron. He was the Force Commander of his squadron aircraft that took part in the airborne operation on the 11th December, 1971. He planned and organised the operation and led his force with cool courage and earned out the airborne operation with great success.

In this action, Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

Squadron Leader Manohar Lal Behl has been serving as Flight Commander in an Operational Squadron since December, 1969. Under the general supervision of the Squadron Commander, he was responsible for planning and execution of all operation and training commitments of the Squadron. By his untiring efforts, he brought about considerable improvement in the Squadron's operational capability. In spite of difficult conditions, all operational tasks were fulfilled. He has 6,040 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

Group Captain Ranjit Kumar Pal (8666) Flying (Pilot) took over the command of a transport squadron on 26 May 86. He has held Transport aircrew category and instrument rating A/Master Green since Sep 73 and is at present command examiner for Chitra aircraft of an Operational command.

He has on several occasions captained aircraft carrying VVIPs and VIPs including visiting head of states. During this tenure he flew 955 hrs on TU-124 and 3073 hrs on HS - 748 aircraft.

As Commanding Officer of the transport squadron since May 86, GP Capt Pal motivated all his offices and airmen to achieve all round improvement. A keen flier himself, the officer has set an excellent personal example for his subordinates to emulate.

Under Gp Capt Pal's Stewardship the Squadron achieved a service ability state which is higher than the average fleet serviceability of the IAF for Chitra aircraft. The Squadron achieved 100% serviceability for a total of 36 days. During "OPERATION PAWAN" the unit flew a total of 967 hours from Jul to Dec 87.

Gp Capt Pal's able leadership also resulted in the Squadron winning the second position in the Command for the flight Safety achievements in 1987-88. During the same period the Squadron was adjudged the second best transport squadron of the command.

For his continued professional competence and extreme devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt Ranjit Kumar Pal.

Group Captain Rana Biswas (15009) F (P) was commissioned on 10 Jun 1977 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. In 25 years of distinguished service, he has served in frontline transport squadrons of the IAF as a Flying Instructor in various Flying Training Establishments, as the Chief Operations Officer of a flying base and in a staff appointment in an operational Command. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of one of premier transport squadrons of the IAF.

Gp Capt Biswas's exceptional in flying and airborne instructions were recognized at an early stage in his career. He was instrumental in formulation of Standard Operating Procedures for the HS-748 aircraft. His superlative professional acumen and flying skills have served as a template for his successor. He has served in flying training establishments as a Flight Commander and as a Chief Flying Instructor. The exacting standards that he demanded and extracted from the trainees have stood them in good stead in their professional lives.

The squadron presently commanded by Gp Capt Biswas undertakes the onerous task of maintaining lifeline between the Indian mainland and Andaman and Nicobar islands, with the aircraft operating close to the limits of their endurance and performance. Under close supervision of Gp Capt Biswas, the allotted task has been achieved and, more often than not, surpassed, with all commitments being flown safely, smoothly and with enviable efficiency. The Officer has displayed sterling qualities of leadership, initiative and motivational abilities of an exceptionally high order. Under his stewardship, the squadron was adjudged the "Best Transport Combat Squadron" for the year 2000-2001.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Rana Biswas.

Wing Commander Ashutosh Nigam was commissioned in the Air Force in July 63. Since the he has held a variety of field appointments like Engineering Officer, Officer in charge Repair and Servicing Section, Officer in charge Avro Overhaul and Senior Technical Officer of a Transport Squadron.

Wing Commander Nigam was appointed STO the transport Squadron when the Squadron when the Squadron was being converted from Dakota to Avro aircraft. Despite shortage of trained manpower and ground equipment, Wing Commander Nigam, without being disheartened, took stock of the situation. He carefully worked out equipment, procured the minimum required item in the shortest possible time and devoted all his energy to the task of introducing the aircraft to the Squadron and making it fully operational. It is because of his personal involvement, professional skill and initiative that the Squadron not only improved its serviceability state, but also achieved 100% serviceability on many occasions - a Unit record.

To sustain his achievement, he also trained a record number of technicians by carefully planning the training schedule and conducting the classes personally. During his tenure, the Squadron maintained accident/incident free record inspire of flying over 10250 hours. He also improved the average serviceability state. His personal contribution is the main factor which has paved the way for the Sqn to wing the coveted Sqn of the year, safety trophy 1981-82 and for being adjudged the Best Transport/Helicopter Unit in his Command for two successive years (1980-81).

For having displayed single minded devotion to duty and dedication, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Ashutosh Nigam.