Flight Engineer Koshy Thomas has been flying in Jammu and Kashmir since 1962. He has flown 1457 hours of which 1031 hours have been in operations. He has flown a large number of missions to advance landing grounds and dropping zones located in very difficult terrain. On 28th March 1965, during a flight to Leh when the starboard engine of the aircraft failed, he rendered valuable assistance in making a safe and successful single engine landing at Leh.

Throughout, Flight Engineer Koshy Thomas displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Ramesh Chandra Sondhi has been on the strength of a Squadron since November 1965 and is currently employed as a Training Officer. During this period, the operational potential of the squadron was low as experienced crew were gradually posted out. Despite this, he not only completed his own conversion in the shortest possible time but also look upon himself the challenge and worked non-stop to improve the operational potential of the squadron by imparting training of an exceptional standard. He has a total of 7,515 flying hours to his credit. Throughout he has displayed a very high standard of professional skill, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Sergeant Samuel Ponniah James Martin has been serving in a heavy transport squadron since April 1964 as a Flight Gunner and Load Master. Though he joined the squadron as an ab­initio aircrew, his determination, initiative and keenness soon made him one of the best operational aircrew in the squadron. He has flown 2,173 hours of which 1,405 hours, were in the hilly terrain along the border. This senior non­commissioned officer has always cheerfully volunteered for difficult and hazardous flying missions and has shouldered difficult task, on the ground in complete disregard of his personal safety and comforts. He has contributed significantly towards the operational potential of the squadron by formulating new loading and unloading procedures.

Throughout, Flight Sergeant Samuel Ponniah James Martin displayed courage and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney was commanding a Transport Squadron. Although his Squadron was deployed at three places, he remained in constant touch with all these detachments to ensure optimum work-out-put. He led his Squadron in airborne operations over Bangladesh and also took part in the airlift of an Infantry Brigade.

Throughout, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Chandra Kant Dhawan has been serving as a Flight Commander of a heavy transport Squadron. This is his second tenure in the unit. Ever since 1963 he has been undertaking various difficult missions in the Ladakh Sector and has flown 3220 hours out of which 1680 hours were on operational sorties. Squadron Leader Dhawan was previously a fighter pilot. In that capacity he was selected to undergo conversion on Hunter aircraft in the UK, when these aircraft were introduced into service with the IAF. He soon became fully operational on that aircraft. Shortly thereafter, he contacted a rare disease which affected the retina of his eyes. He was taken off flying duties and utilised on various ground assignments. His disease was cured and owing to his persistent efforts he was allowed to return to flying duties, but only on transport aircraft. He qualified as a Captain on Dakota aircraft, but such was the quality of his performance that he was amongst the first few pilots to be selected for training on AN-12 heavy transport aircraft, when these were acquired for the Air Force. He was the only pilot of the rank of Flying Officer to qualify as a day/night captain on this aircraft. At a time when the squadron was in need of more trained crews, he rose to the occasion and successfully completed their operational training within a short period.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he worked round the clock, controlling and coordinating the flying activities of the aircraft of his unit which had been dispersed to many bases around the country. He was also responsible for the training of his crews in new tactics, which went a long way to achieve the role of his unit. In addition, he participated in the Battalion group para drop in Bangladesh.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Chandra Kant Dhawan has displayed exemplary zeal, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Surendra Nath has been engage in operational flying in a heavy transport squadron the Ladakh area since May, 1963. During his present and previous tenures he has completed 1550 hours of operational flying. He was employed as Training Flight Commander in the squadron. With perseverence and professional skill he conducted the training new pilots and familiarised them with the Ladakh sector. This he did with unflinching devotion to duty, has a total 5600 hours of flying on his record, of which 1800 hours are on instructional duties. During operations in December, 1971, he volunteered and participated in the Battalion group Para drops.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Surendra Nath display professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Jndian Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Ramaswamy Govindrajan is on the posted strength of an AN12 Squadron since 20 Dec 81. He has been employed as a flight signaller for the past 30 years on four different types of different transport aircraft. He holds the record of achieving the highest flying category 'A' on all types of aircraft flown by him. Today, he has to his credit 10,200 hours including 3600 hours on operations in J&K, Ladakh in the Northern and Nagaland, NEFA and Mizoram area in the Eastern Sectors. He is currently a Command Examiner on AN12 aircraft. He has trained and brought up junior Flight Signallers Commensurate with the operational role of the Squadron.

For his remarkable professional skill and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to MWO Ramaswamy Govindrajan.

Wg Cdr Dushyant Singh Ahluwalia has been on the posted strength of a Squadron since Aug 91. He has flown 4800 hrs on various transport aircraft including 21 hrs on AN-12.

On 05 Apr 92, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was on a supply dropping sortie to Gapshan DZ. After successful completion of the drop, when close to Leh at an altitude of 8 km, a loud bang was heard from the starboard side followed by a judder. It was reported that number 3 engine was emitting thick black smoke. He then, without undue haste, ordered feathering of number 3 engine. As soon as it was completed, the internal fire warning light of number 4 engine appeared. The flight engineer sought permission to use number 4 engine fire extinguisher. When faced with this grave situation, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia showing remarkable coolness and presence of mind, restrained the flight engineer from operating the fire extinguishers. He instead immediately reduced power on No. 4 engine. There was no visual sign of fire on number 4 engine. He then came overhead Leh and made a correct approach and safe landing on three engines. On subsequent examination, number 3 engine was found to have seized with bearing failure. Any delay in feathering would have resulted in disintegration of the engine.

Throughout the period of emergency, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia displayed cool and competent presence of mind and qualities of airmanship. All this resulted in the saving of a valuable aircraft and precious lives.

For his courage and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr DS Ahluwalia.

Wg Cdr Harjinder Singh Rehncy was commissioned on 18 Apr 64 and has been on the posted strength of AN-12 Squadron since May 88. He is extremely capable and experienced transport pilot having flown over 8500 hrs on various aircraft, of which 5500 hrs are on the AN-12.

On 19 Nov 92, Wg Cdr Rehncy successfully handled a dangerous situation involving multiple emergencies on the AN-12 and landed the aircraft safely at a forward airfield. The aircraft took off from Jaisalmer with passengers and cargo. About 50 miles from Halwara, the aircraft encountered bad weather resulting in drop of oil contents from No. 4 engine. Wg Cdr Rehncy very rightly assessed the situation and feathered the No. 4 engine. In the meantime the oil contents of No. 1 engine started dropping. He maintained his cool and carried out a safe 3 engine landing at Halwara. He switched off No. 1 engine immediately after landing to prevent any damage to the engine due to low pressure/contents. He thus averted a major disaster, saving not only 60 human lives but also a valuable aircraft, in keeping with the highest traditions of the IAF.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr RS Rehncy.

Group Captain Satish Pal Singh (13770-H) Flying (Pilot) is posted as Commanding Officer of a Transport Squadron since 30 Mar 98.

This highly committed Officer in true patriotic spirit motivated his men to work round the clock and ensured that servicing of aircraft was completed well ahead of schedule and that maximum number of aircraft were made available for the tasks of Op Sqn deployment, airlift of army formations, shifting of AD elements, positioning of armament load and augmentation of manpower from far flung places to the theatre of operations. He perceived this requirement well in advance and with keen involvement and correct guidance to maintenance staff ensured that three IL-76s were available and that 100% AN32 were serviceable for all tasks. Accident/Incident free flying of over 1300 hrs by the Sqn during this period and airlift of 3000 tons and 4500 troops bears an eloquent testimony to his meticulous planning and exemplary leadership.

During 'Op Safed Sagar' the threat of enemy AD Fighters and MANPADS loomed large in the Northern Sector. Displaying exceptional degree of operational orientation he devised procedures to ensure minimum exposure of own aircraft and motivated all aircrews for uninterrupted operations in the Valley despite hostile operating environment and inclement weather. Unmindful of his personal comfort and safety he led the Sqn from the front and flew round the clock not only on the IL-76 but also on AN-32 and logged 70 hrs in just 20 days during the initial phase of 'Op Safed Sagar'. His personal example and unflinching devotion to duty motivated his team towards the singular objective of providing total support for 'Op Safed Sagar' which was a true force multiplier and immensely helped the IAF and the Army in attaining their objective.

For his exemplary leadership, devotion to duty and indomitable courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Capt Satish Pal Singh.

Group Captain Dhiraj Kukreja (13130) F (P) assumed command of 25 Sqn, AF on 05Jun95.

Group Captain Dhiraj Kukreja has over 3000 hrs of accident free flying on the AN-32 ac. He is fully qualified in all roles of the ac and has actively participated in all para drop exercises in the past year and a half. He was the WAC dett commander at 4 Wing, for the AB assault exercise "GRAND SLAM" in Mar 96, wherein he successfully led 06 ac for a night drop. He was also the Task Force Commander for "EXERCISE SNOWLION", a high altitude drop at DZ Stakna, involving 24 x AN-32 ac and 01xlL-76 ac. The drop was successful with no injuries attributable to the IAF. He has also undertaken the first night sortie from Chandigarh to Leh and back with the AOC-in-C, WAC, IAF in Oct 96. The sortie was appreciated by the AOC-in-C for being conducted in a very professional manner. He is also qualified on the IL-76 ac and has participated in the "BIG BOY" formation on the Air Force Day and Republic Day earning accolades for the IAF from the viewing dignitaries.

An enthusiastic leader, his zeal and enthusiasm is infectious. Under his guidance and encouragement the Unit achieved 100% serviceability on both fleets in Nov 96 and flew all 10 ac (06xAN-32 & 04xIL-76 ac) simulta neously. The Unit has, in the past one year, also airlifted more than the allotted task in air maintenance operations. This is an achievement considering the low availability of ac since the Unit also under takes other tasks as detailed by HQ WAC, IAF and Air HQ.

Under his command, the Unit has grown from strength to strength and earned appreciations from all, for safe and efficient operations, maintenance and administration. The Unit was declared the "Best Tpt Sqn" in WAC for the year 1995-96.

For his high degree of sincerity and loyalty to serv ice aims, lively enthusiasm and dynamic leader ship, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain D Kukreja.

643557 Master Warrant Officer Jagdish Chander Flt Engr was enrolled in the IAF on 04 Mar 74 in the Eng Fit trade. He remustered to the Flight Engineer trade on 12 Apr 83.

Since then he has flown various aircrafts which include C-119L Packet, AN-32 and IL76 MD and has to his credit a total of 8700 h of flying. He has flown extensively on the IL76 aircraft and has clocked over 5500 h of operational flying on this strategic aircraft of the IAF.

MWO Jagdish Chander achieved Cat 'A' with a supervisory endorsement on the IL-76 aircraft with a short period of time. During his long tenure as an aircrew instructor the MWO has been instrumental in training a large number of trainee Flight Engineers on both AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft and has thereby helped the organization to improve its operational capability. The professional skills and expertise of the MWO have been aptly recognized by inspecting agencies such as the Aircrew Examination Board who have co-opted him as an aircrew examiner on numerous occasions.

His professional skills, depth of knowledge and sense of responsibility were put to a real test during the planning and execution of the exercise GOLDEN EAGLE in 2004. The exercise involved staging of the Mirage-2000 aircraft of the IAF to South Africa and back which required meticulous planning and flawless transport support. The Master Warrant Officer has also participated in various other exercises such as, Op PAWAN, BRASS TRACK, Op MEGHDOOT, Op VIJAY and SAFED SAGAR. He has also flown extensively for the induction and de-induction of T-72 MAIN BATTLE TANK to Jaffna. His dedication and efforts were appreciated during the Bhuj Earthquake operations, Tsunami relief operations to Carnicobar, Chennai and during heavy snowfall relief operations in Jammu & Kashmir. The sincere and whole hearted involvement of the Master Warrant Officer went beyond the professional requirements from a Flight Engineer. His leadership capabilities were evident in his handling of all the responsibilities entrusted to him. The MWO through his thorough professionalism and utmost dedica tion has ensured success of all exercise he has participated in.

For his distinguished service of high order, exemplary dedication to duty and leadership qualities spanning over a long service career of 33 years, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Master Warrant Officer Jagdish Chander.