Wing Commander Vishwanath Balakrishna Swardekar was commissioned in Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 14th October, 1953. He has served with serval fighter and fighter bomber squadrons of the Air Force. He is a qualified flying instructor and has rendered service in several flying tanning units. Wing Commander Swardekar is presently in command of supersonic fighter squadron. During the Indo-Pak conflict of December, 1971, he had wide responsibilities as his squadron was operating in detachments at three separate locations. He ensured that all the task, including fighter escorts and sweep missions were undertaken successfully. The aircraft of his squadron shot down no fewer than three enemy F-104 Starfighters and one MiG­19. He, himself, though heavily burdened with supervision of his three detachments, was always at the forefront of operational missions undertaken by his aircraft. On 16th December, 1971, he was on a mission to escort other aircraft which was to strike at the enemy. One of the aircraft being escorted was hit by enemy ground fire, and the canopy was shattered, the pilot being severely injured. Wing Commander Swardekar joined the crippled aircraft and escorted it for a distance of 70 nautical miles, much of it over enemy territory, back to its base, keeping up the morale of the injured pilot and guiding him back home. He thus saved the pilot and a valuable aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Vishwanath Balakrishna Swardekar has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh Bindra was commanding a detachment of a Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On the 17th December, 1971, while on a combat Air Patrol for giving cover to a strike mission he spotted one enemy F-104 aircraft approaching the airfield. He engaged it before the enemy aircraft could launch an attack on the airfield. Finding tough opposition, the enemy aircraft abandoned the mission and attempted to escape but Squadron Leader Bindra pursued the aircraft and shot it down. In addition to carrying out operational duties, he also ensured a high rate of aircraft serviceability.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Iqbal Singh Bindra displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Niraj Kukreja was serving with a Fighter Squadron. On the 17th December 1971, while he was leading an escort formation for one of our strike missions, he spotted two enemy F-104 aircraft constituting direct threat to the strike mission. He alerted his number two and also informed the leader of the strike mission that he was engaging the enemy aircraft. He skillfully maneuvered his aircraft and got behind one of the F-104’s. After a short air combat he fired both his missiles, as a result of which the enemy aircraft exploded and crashed.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Niraj Kukreja displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah was serving with a detachment of a fighter-bomber Squadron. On the 16th December, 1971, he was detailed to escort an offensive sweep mission. As the leader of the escort, he substantially helped the offensive sweep mission to accomplish the task. While returning to base, he spotted a section of the enemy aircraft approaching our aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah immediately engaged the enemy aircraft and in the ensuing air battle shot down the leader of the enemy formation. Due to shortage of fuel, he was prevented from going after the other enemy aircraft. Despite this handicap he frustrated the efforts of the second enemy aircraft and landed safely without any damage to his own aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

During the operations against Pakistani in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Aruna Kumar Datta flew several operational missions while serving with a detachment of a Fighter Squadron. On the 12th December, 19711, while he was escorting a strike mission, the leader of the escort mission spotted two enemy F-104 aircraft constituting direct threat to our strike force. Both the enemy aircraft were immediately engaged by Flight Lieutenant Datta and his leader. Flight Lieutenant Datta got behind one of the enemy aircraft but it rolled out and attempted to escape. With great skill he manoeuvred his aircraft behind the enemy and fired both his missiles at an interval of 3-4 seconds, and destroyed the enemy aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Aruna Kumar Datta displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant (8157) was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1963. During his stay of about 13 years in various operational Squadrons he has flown a total of about 2000 hours and acquired the highest Instrument Rating on Supersonic Aircraft. On the 17th June, 1976 while imparting Dual combat instruction from the rear seat of a supersonic operational trainer aircraft, he was involved in an accident in which his aircraft sustained extensive damage leading to extreme control difficulty. This was further aggravated by the shattering of the both the front and rear canopies resulting in visual difficulties. The incapacitation of the pilot in front cockpit and complete loss of radio communication made the situation more grave. The dislodging of the drogue parachute from the front seat into the rear seat, partial control of flaps, failure of total main braking system and absence of the periscope made the safe recovery of the aircraft extremely difficult. Notwithstanding the sudden shock, he acted in a cool and a professional manner and recovered the severely damaged aircraft with an incapacitated pilot safely and thus saved a valuable life.

In this action, Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant displayed exemplary courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah has been serving in an operational Squadron since September 1968. He was detailed to fly on an exercise on the night of 16th March 1970.

On completion of the exercise, he rejoined the circuit to land. When he lowered the under carriage on the down wind leg at a height of 500 metres above ground level, his ailerons jammed and the aircraft rolled over to left and began to lose height. However, by dint of sheer force, he regained partial control of the aircraft and managed to get it into straight and level flight at a very low altitude. He then retracted the under­carriage and climbed upto 1,000 metres prior to making a second attempt to land. This he did by skillfully handling the controls, without any damage to the aircraft. Having recovered control of the aircraft, he would have been justified in abandoning it at a safe altitude, in view of the emergency he had experienced earlier. But with courage and skill, he successfully brought down the aircraft safely.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar was the Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron. By sound planning, he ensured that all the Pilots of his Squadron were fully operational by day as well as by night. He carried out a number of Photographic missions deep into the enemy territory in unarmed aircraft and in heavily defended areas.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Ajit Kumar Manohar Raje is serving with an Operational Squadron. On the night of the 11th January, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a practice interception flight. Towards the end of the flight, he suddenly experienced a total failure of all his pressure instruments and as such no information about his altitude, air speed and rate of climb or descent was available. He then found that his artificial horizon and radio altimeter were also not working. At this critical moment, he was faced with the choice of either abandoning the aircraft or carrying out a landing. Inspite of the failure of vital instruments, he chose the latter course in order to save the aircraft. With consummate skill he succeeded in making a safe landing.

Wing Commander Prabhat Kumar Varma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He has been commanding a front line air defence fighter squadron since May, 1972. In 1973, during the adverse weather period, his squadron was required to move to a base which was not fully established and lacked most essential services. By his close supervision and drive, he surmounted all problems and made his unit functional both in flying and technical servicing in the shortest possible time. In 1973, the unit won most of the major sports events and the overall sports trophy in the inter­unit competitions.

Throughout, Wing Commander Prabhat Kumar Varma displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has been on the posted strength of a frontline supersonic squadron since 15th May, 1980. Assuming the responsibilities of a Senior Flight Commander he has constantly strived to improve the operational potential of the Squadron. He ensured that the equipment of the squadron to an advanced variant of MiG21 was expeditiously executed. Further, he organized and planned the squadron flying training in a systematic manner. As a tangible result of his carefully drafted training programme, 10 pilots were progressively to fully operational day and night status in the shortest possible time span possible. He was chiefly instrumental in achieving a record output of over 1700 hours of Squadron flying in little over eight months.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni was commissioned in May, 1965, and he stood first in his course for which he was awarded the Chief of Staff Medal. In subsequent professional courses such as Junior Commander's Course and Fighter Combat Leader's Course, he continued to maintain his top rank. For his flying skill of high order and excellent marksmanship in air to ground weaponry, he was awarded 'Jam Sataj Trophy' and 'Moolgavkar Trophy' respectively during the FCL Course. For professional competence, he was selected to instruct on the staff of the prestigious institution, Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. In recognition of his professional skill and Service, he was awarded commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief 1 (Operational) Group, Indian Air Force, in February, 1976 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in August, 1976. His combat skill was amply demonstrated in Indo-Pak war of 1971 when he shot down a supersonic F­104 Star Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force. For this act of conspicuous gallantry he was awarded Vir Chakra by the President.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Manek Bomanshaw Madon, VM has been in command of a front line fighter squadron since 22 Jun 1983. He has 3600 hours of flying to his credit of which about 2000 hours are on supersonics. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a Qualified Flying Instructor.

Under his command and leadership, the Squadron has made remarkable operational achievements which include a significantly greater flying effort, improved operational status of pilots, an impeccable flying safety record, extraordinary aircraft serviceability and better utilization of aircraft and manpower resources.

During an exercise held in Feb 84, the Squadron flew over 300 hours, accomplished successfully all tasks assigned to it and maintained a 100% serviceability state at detachment.

For these commendable achievements attributable to his leadership, dedication to duty, resourcefulness and ability to produce results, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Bomanshaw Madon.

Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Gujral was commissioned on 31 Dec 1967. He has to his credit 3100 hrs accident-free flying in single engined aircraft. He is a qualified flying instructor with an A-2 category.

During his long and meritorious service, he has held a number of important appointments. He was on the staff of Flying Instructors' School and was Flight Commander of frontline operational Squadron equipped with Trishul aircraft. He has also functioned as Assistant Director Offensive Ops at Air Headquarters. During 1971, the officer was engaged in strikes against the enemy in South Western Sector. During all these assignment, he acquitted himself creditably, displaying a high degree of skill and professionalism. The officer is a graduate, of Defence Service Staff College and Institute of Defence Management. He has now been selected to undergo Higher Air Command Course.

Wg Cdr Gujral has been commanding one of the premier operational Squadrons since June 1985. On taking over command of the Squadron, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to the task of activating his team into a well-knit cohesive force Displaying high organizing ability, dedication and zeal, he brought about a distinct all­round improvement. He not only set a personal example for others, but also ensured that operational and training commitments of the Squadron were fully and successfully met. Under his inspiring leadership, the squadron achieved 100% serviceability aircrew operational status.

For his professional acumen, devotion to duty, ingenuity and zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr JS Gujral.

Wing Commander Pranab Kumar Barbora was commissioned on 13 Jan 70. He has to his credit over 3000 hours of accident-free flying. He is a qualified flying instructor as well as a fighter combat leader.

Wg Cdr Barbora has been in command of an operational squadron since Jun 87. On taking over command of the squadron, he whole-heartedly devoted himself the task of developing his unit into a well-knit and cohesive force. During his command, his squadron flew over 8300 sorties and 4800 hours while maintaining a very high average aircraft serviceability of 78%. Under his leadership, the Squadron achieved 100% serviceability on 4 different occasions. The Squadron achieved a very high pilots operational status of over 90% throughout his tenure. During the Gunnery meet of 1988, the Squadron was adjudged "The Best Overall Squadron".

For his professional acumen and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Pranab Kumar Barbora.

Wing Commander Guriqbal Singh Nijjar took over command of one of the MiG-21 operational Squadrons on 22 May 90, with dual role i.e. Stage-III training of pilots in peace time and full operational role in war. Undaunted by this difficult task of diverse requirements and under severe constraints of adverse factors like weather, limited ac serviceability, shortage of staff pilots and restrictions, Wg Cdr Nijjar set about with drive, initiative and single minded determination.

During his command, the unit logged over 7800 sorties, of which over 5300 sorties were flown in 1990, an all time record for this 21 year old Squadron, all without accident/ serious incidents. Wg Cdr Nijjar's personal contribution has been 850 sorties at an average of 55 per month. Wg Cdr Nijjar led the Squadron from the front and accepted the challenges of Command, head-on.

On the operational front also, the Squadron under his professional leadership, excelled itself, bagging the R/P and Bombing events during the last gunner meet and emerging overall a close second.

Wg Cdr Nijjar is a highly experienced A-2 QFI, with over 5000 hrs of flying to his credit, out of which well over 2000 hrs are on MiG21. His personal and professional example, his great enthusiasm for flying and his untiring capacity for hard work have been a continuous source of inspiration not only to Staff Pilots but also for the impressionable young trainees in his Squadron. His outstanding leadership in the air and ground is worthy of emulation by one and all.

For his dynamic leadership, unflinching and exceptional devotion to duty, meticulous planning and execution of MOFT tasks and very high professional standards, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Nijjar.

On 10 Jul 96, he was authorised to fly a procedures sortie. At an altitude of 6 km, all of a sudden he felt vicious longitudinal jerks accompanied by wild fluctuations of engine parameters. The pilot maintained his cool, reported his emergency on RT and throttled back to reduce the oscillations. Initially the engine did not respond to throttle reduction. On further throttling back, the engine flamed out. Pilot successfully relit the engine. On opening throttle to prove the engine, violent fluctuations recurred and on reducing throttle the engine flamed out again. The pilot relit the engine a second time. He left the throttle at idling this time, correctly analysing that if he advanced the throttle, the same cycle of violent fluctuations and flame out would occur. The pilot executed a flawless landing with the throttle at idling rpm knowing fully well that the engine could malfunction at any time.

After the engine failed the second time, the pilot had an option to eject as minimum power required for a safe recovery was not available. It was a dangerous situation, as after that he would not have had the minimum parameters required for a safe ejection. However disregarding personal safety he, very gallantly chose to recover the aircraft. It was by exercising sound judgment and exceptional flying skill that he landed the aircraft safely Flying Officer S Chaki not only saved the aircraft worth many crores but also provided vital evidence for investigations which would go a long way in instituting remedial measures for the future. In handling the emergency he displayed extraordinary courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For this act of gallantry, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Flying Officer Subroto Chaki.

Wing Commander Satnam Singh was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 26 Dec 76. A Fighter Combat Leader and an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, he has been in command of a MiG-21 Squadron since Jun 95. He has 2300 hours of accident free flying. By his personal example, he has been able to motivate the Squadron to achieve very high standards of professionalism both on the ground and the air.

During the Fire Power Demonstration at Pokharan Range in Oct 95, he successfully led the Squadron team and carried out precision Napalm bombing which was widely acclaimed by the press and foreign dignitaries. During the Command Gunnery Meet, the Squadron won three team events, the individual bombing event and the overall championship. During the Aircrew Examining Board visit in Mar 96, all aircrew obtained exceptional grading in the ground subjects test. He ensured upgradation of operational status of 8 pilots in a record time.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Satnam Singh.

Wing Commander Sunil Kashinath Vidhate (18825) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 13 Jun 87. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a frontl ine Fighter Sqn since Mar 05.

Wg Cdr SK Vidhate has been a Joint Director in the Directorate of Personnel at Air HQ and a directing staff at the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. He is a 'Pilot Attack Instructor', 'Fighter Strike Leader' and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College with Instructor grading. He was commended by AOC-in-C in 2001 for his immense contribution towards enhancement of squadron's war fighting ability. As 'Second in Command' of a MiG27 Sqn he was instrumental in earning his unit a rare distinction of 'Above the Average' grading in operational competence during the inspection by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team in 2003.

This is the first MiG-27 Sqn selected to undergo indigenous avionics upgrade. Wg Cdr Vidhate, with his meticulous planning and resolute commitment, left no stone unturned in ensuring exemplary quality of upgraded aircraft and their efficient induction into Air Force while operating from Ozar, with stretched out resources. Successful induction of MiG-27 upgrade aircraft marks substantial increase in the war waging potential of IAF. Within two months of new induction he through his diligent efforts trained the Sqn pilots on upgrade aircraft and participated in the 'Air armament firing Competition' held in January 2007. In its first ever field trials, the Sqn achieved exceptional results in air to ground firing and was adjudged the best overall squadron in marksmanship while competing with other modern fleets of IAF. This remarkable achievement which boosts the offensive punch of IAF, would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership and professionalism of Wg Cdr Vidhate.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Sunil Kashinath Vidhate.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1966. During the December, 1971 operations, he was posted as the Senior Armament Officer of a Fighter Squadron which operated from a forward airfield in the Western Sector.

On 4th December, 1971 at about 0130 hours the airfield was attacked by the enemy and bombs were dropped on and around the runway. He immediately reached the scene to clear the unexploded bombs to facilitate runway repair. While he was busy with the task, a delay fused bomb exploded within fifteen yards from him. Undeterred, he continued to cover the other unexploded bombs with sand bags and thus ensured that no loss or damage was caused to life or material.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was often required to make available to the Squadron varied type explosive stores and sometimes the type of ordinance load to be carried by the aircraft was changed at short notice but he always undertook and successfully completed all such tasks.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon displayed determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order and set a shining example to those working with him. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.