Air Vice Marshal (then Air Commodore) Minoo Merwan Engineer, MVC, DFC, was posted as AOC to No. 1 Group, which was responsible for operations in NEFA. During the Chinese aggression in Autumn last year, the operational commitments in the area assumed considerable proportions without any increase in the resources available to No. 1 Group. Air Vice Marshal Engineer, a veteran operational commander, faced the heavy task with his usual calm and determination, and personally planned most of the logistic support operations with considerable success.

The helicopter operations in NEFA were also controlled by Air Vice Marshal Engineer in order to achieve maximum utilization of the few helicopters then at his disposal. To infuse full confidence among his pilots in landing at difficult helipads at heights like Tsanghdar (16000 ft), he flew in the first helicopter to land there and organized the evacuation of casualties from that difficult helipad. On another occasion, he remained at our outpost at Walong till the last moment and flew out only when the landing ground was being shelled by the enemy. These operational missions were beyond the call of his normal duties but in carrying them out , he set a fine example at all times for his officers and men to emulate.

The task allotted to the Air Force in NEFA during the Chinese aggression, were carried out with determination and confidence and this was, in large measure, due to the leadership and unflagging zeal displayed by Air Vice Marshal Engineer. By his devotion to duty and sound organizing ability, he has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

During the operations in Goa, Daman and Diu, Air Vice Marshal Erlic W Pinto was A.O.C-IN-C, Operational Command for overall conduct of air operations. His directive was to assist the land forces in the attainment of their objective with the use of minimum force. The risk of casualties to the civil population in air operations was inherent. As a result of meticulous by Air Vice Marshal Pinto and efficient coordination, the air operations in the three enclaves were carried out most successfully.

With the outbreak of the Chinese hostilities in 1962 the air operational commitments assumed vast proportions in J & K area as the land forces were largely dependent upon the Air Force for supplies, ammunitions and evacuation of casualties. The resources at Air Vice Marshal Pinto's disposal remained unaltered. However, he faced the situation with his usual calm and reorganized the units under his command to undertake the intensive logistic support required. To infuse confidence in his officers and men he led many difficult airlift missions with complete disregard to his personal safety. The first landing at forward outpost entailed use of a river bed which is the highest 'airstrip' in the world. In spite of the hazards involved, Air Vice Marshal Pinto decided to proceed on this flight himself to check operating conditions there.

As A.O.C-in-C Operational Command, Air Vice Marshal Pinto has all along displayed initiative, drive and leadership of a very high order.

The services of Group Captain Kailash Chand were loaned to the Government of Republic of Indonesia in 1959. On his arrival, the Minister/C-in-C AURI (Indonesian Air Force) appointed him as an adviser/member of the Auri Reorganisation Committee as well as entrusted him with the task of preparing its expansion plan. With his characteristic efficiency and foresight, Gp Capt Chand soon produced a plan well related and integrated with the re­equipment programme of the Auri which was then changing to Russian aircraft and equipment.

While devising steps to implement the plan, on of the major difficulties he faced was the inadequate training facilities in Indonesia. Gp Capt Chand along with other officers of his team set up selection organizations, established training institutions and worked out their syllabus of service and academic studies. These flourishing institutions are a tribute to his exceptional organizing ability, enthusiasm, zeal and hard work. For the highly specialized trades for which technical facilities could not be locally procured, he formulated schemes under which Auri personnel were trained in India. The training in India of over 2000 Auri personnel is an achievement of considerable significance, especially in the face of very severe rivalries of various other countries having an interest in the military set­up of Indonesia.

Gp Capt Chand and the team of officers under his able guidance progressively prepared Auri under­studies to take over the staff school which the IAF Advisory Group had established. This was done after all the instructional pamphlets, directives, doctrine, operational exercises and detailed manuals had been compiled and translated in Bhasa Indonesia. Apart from raising this institution to a full-fledged staff college, this officer was instrumental in setting up from scratch a Navigational School in 1962.

The success of these assignments was in no small measure due to the planning ability, initiative, and leadership displayed by Gp Capt Chand. In fact, the present organisation of Auri, which is modeled on the IAF pattern, is a visible proof of the strong and perceptible influence which this officer exercised. His untiring efforts for the expansion and consolidation of the Auri were greatly appreciated by the Indonesian Government and press; and these contributions earned for the IAF the gratitude of the Indonesian authorities.

The Air Agreement for technical cooperation between the Air Forces of two Asian countries was entirely a new experiment. Its success largely depended upon the skill, tact and personal leadership of the individuals who were responsible to implement it. Gp Capt Chand showed these sterling qualities in abundant measure and gained completely the confidence of the Auri. His frank and friendly approach and advice on all problems was always appreciated. His sense of dedication, tireless energy and example of hard work inspired others under his command. The existing close relations between IAF and Auri bear ample testimony to the excellent work of this Officer which has throughout been highly commended by the Indonesian authorities. Group Captain Kailash Chand has, thus, rendered distinguished service of a most exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Chandrakant Shantaram Raje has been operating in J & K area with transport units since 1956 and he is now on his third operational tour. He has carried out over 1000 hours on operational in J & K area. He holds a Master Green Instrument Rating and 'A' category on transport aircraft. He was one of the few pilots who flew a large number of sorties uplifting awkward and non-ejectionable loads like trucks, girders and road rollers to remote and high altitude Advance Landing Grounds like Chushul and Fukche.

In October, 1961, one of our Packet aircraft had force­landed at Kargil which is normally only fit for use by Dakotas. Squadron Leader Raje volunteered to retrieve this aircraft. It was an extremely difficult and hazardous task due to the very short length of runway, steep hills on all sides and having only a very narrow valley to climb after take-off. This officer displayed great skill and devotion to duty in bringing out the aircraft safely to base.

In July, 1962, Squadron Leader Raje was associated with the evaluation of the Packet aircraft fitted with Jet Pack and was called upon to land and take­off from the world's highest improvised landing strip at Daulet Beg Oldi, situated at an altitude of 16800 feet. He performed the task admirably. Squadron Leader Chandrakant Shantaram Raje has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Khalsa has been a Flight Commander of one of our Transport Squadrons in J and K area since April , 1962. This is his third operational assignment in this area. During the recent Chinese hostilities, he undertook a number of reconnaissance missions in forward areas in the face of enemy fir. When our troops were retreating from Daulat Beg oldi, he was one of the pilots who successfully dropped essential winter clothing and foodstuffs to them. He has flown about 900 operational hours to which more than 500 hours were during the period April - December 1962.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Khalsa has displayed professional skill, courage and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Bernard Fernandes has been functioning as a Navigation Leader in one of our transport squadrons in J & K area since 1st April 1961. He was responsible for bringing up to operational standards all the junior navigators of the squadron. He did this in record time and it paid rich dividends in the operations in Ladakh in October November 1962.

During the period of actual hostilities he personally led many sorties to reconnoiter new advanced landing grounds and dropping zones as well as to obtain information relating to the invading Chinese forces. On one occasion after one of his own sorties for airlifting AMX tanks Squadron Leader Fernandes, guided another aircraft ot execute a safe landing on the unprepared surface of Chushul aerodrome whose runway had been damaged..

Throughout, Squadron Leader Fernandes displayed initiative, courage and professional skill in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Kaup Mohandas Kamath is a very experienced transport pilot. In addition to his normal duties as a Squadron Commander, he has also acted as an instructor and an examinaer. In the former capacity he has trained almost all the pilots now posted to NO.6 Wing and in the latter he examined more than fifteen Dakota crews in one year. He cheerfully undertook the latter duty in addition to his normal assignment.

Squadron Leader Kamath has shown exceptional devotion to duty and leadership of a high order.

Squadron Leader Samuel Venkatarao was a navigator of a detachment which was detailed for famine relief operations under very adverse weather conditions in the Mizo Hills area in 1960. He contributed greatly towards successful air-drops of more than 300 tons of food at various difficult dropping zones in that area. In October 1961, he was mainly responsible for setting up a detachment at Gauhati at a very short notice. With an average of two Dakotas a day, he ensured the delivery of 500 tons of supplies to the forward post at Towang in one month. The success of the detachment was due to his ingenuity, resourcefulness and ceaseless efforts. He has so far flown over 5730 hours including about 1000 hours by night. He is also an experienced and qualified Navigation instructor and has about 2000 hours of instructional flying to his credit.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Samuel Venkatarao has shown courage, organizational ability and professional skill.

Squadron Leader Iype Kovoor was serving in a Transport Squadron operating in NEFA area in 1962. When the Chinese forces attacked one of the forward posts of the Assam Rifles, our troops had to withdraw and required food and arms urgently. The terrain was unmapped and the weather was wrought and gusty. Despite these hazards, Squadron Leader Kovoor volunteered to air drop the vital supplies to our troops and did so successfully, But for this timely help, they would have been in a difficult situation.

Squadron Leader Kovoor displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Madan Mohan Dutt has been operating with a transport squadron in J & K Area since May, 1961. In October 1962, when the Chinese forces surrounded our forward post at Galwan in Ladakh, the only means of transport of supplies to tis post was by air. Squadron Leader Dutt, with his vast experience of this terrain, volunteered to navigate the first air-drop sortie. The dropping zone was in a very narrow and dangerous area. In spite of this and unfavourable weather conditions, he located the dropping zone and skillfully carried out cent percent successful drops. He undertook many such sorties and set a fine example to his aircrew.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dutt has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Arjan Dev Ralli has been engaged in transport support operations in J & K area since October 1961. During his operational tours he has executed nearly 950 landings at forward airfields and advanced landing grounds.

He has utilized his experience in formulating data for the safe operation of different types of aircraft and has impaired flying instruction to innumerable pilots on these machines. This has supplemented considerably the operational aircrew strength of the Air Force and contributed in large measure ot the capacity of the transport squadrons.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ralli has displayed courage determination and professional skill of a high order.

Squadron Leader Dalip Wikram Chauhan has been engaged in air-transport operations in J & K area since 13th May 1961. During the Chinese aggression on our northern borders, he displayed great courage and devotion to duty in carrying out reconnaissance missions of areas held by the enemy. Squadron leader Chauhan was also assigned the task of airlifting AMX tanks to Chushul. The first 400 yards of the runway at Chushul had been rendered unserviceable and he would have been well justified in returning to the base. Realizing the importance of his mission, he took a calculated risk and decided to land his aircraft thus setting a fine example to other aircrews.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Chauhan has displayed courage, determination and professional, skill of a high order.

Squadron Leader Rishi Prakash Vasisht was in NEFA and J & K areas for a period of seven years. On 14th March, 1963, he was detailed for a supply dropping mission in an An-12 transport aircraft in Ladakh area. While flying, he experienced tremendous strain on the flying controls, owing, as was discovered later, to the snapping of the elevator train cable. The aircraft nosed up violently and started to climb with a dangerous drop in airspeed. At this moment, Squadron Leader Vasisht displayed a commendable sense of airmanship and presence of mind in assessing the cause accurately and taking necessary corrective measures, saving the aircraft and bringing its crew to safety.

Squadron Leader Vasisht displayed courage, devotion to duty and professional skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Sudesh Kumar Dahar has been employed on Flying Instructor's duties at one of our Jet Training Wings for the past five y ears. Since June 1961, he is serving in that Unit as Flight Commander. Out of a total of nearly 3000 hours of flying, he has flown about 1200 hours as an instructor on Jet aircraft. All through his stay at the Jet Training Wing, this officer has set an excellent personal example which is a source of inspiration to his fellow instructors in the performance of their duties. Time and again he had been entrusted with difficult trainees, with all of whom he succeeded in achieving remarkable results.

Flight Lieutenant Dahar has displayed devotion to duty and professional skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant John Philipose has been operating in J & K area with transport units since 1956. He is one of the first few pilots to fly Packet aircraft over Ladakh area in hazardous conditions over difficult hilly terrain. He undertook the task of airlifting heavy and cumbersome engineer stores to our forward airfields and carried out a total of 43 such missions. As these loads were not cable of ejection in the air, each of the sorties was fraught with grave danger. He has flown about 800 operational flying hours.

Flight Lieutenant Philipose was associated with the evaluation and trials of Packet aircraft fitted wit the newly acquired Jet engine, and contributed considerably to the successful landing and take-off at Daulat Beg Oldi.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Philipose has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Kambiranda Muthanna Ponnappa has been operating with transport units in J & K area since 1955, and has flown a total of about 700 operational hours in this area. He was one of the pilots who flew out heavy and cumbersome engineer stores and vehicles to the forward areas. He carried out 25 such missions successfully. As these loads were not capable of ejection in the air, each landing sortie was fraught with grave danger. He also carried out about 250 supply dropping sorties in that area.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Ponnappa has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant John Albert Ratnam Balraj was operating in a Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron in NEFA and NHTA area during 1961/62. He established a highly commendable fighter reconnaissance and ground attack record in operation "Raji" in spite of LMG fire from Naga hostiles. He also spotted two hostile Naga camps in that area and acted as the pathfinder aircraft.

Besides his 45 sorties in operation "Raji", he did 28 sorties in NEFA sector on reconnaissance missions. In another operation he carried out two vital reconnaissance missions around Dhola post.

Flight Lieutenant Balraj displayed courage, leadership and determination in the discharge of his duties.

Flight Lieutenant Martins was serving with a transport squadron operating in NEFA. During the different phases of the battle of Walong, the vital supplies required by the piquets and retreating columns had to be supplied by airdrops. Flight Lieutenant Martins carried out numerous sorties over hazardous and unmapped areas for this purpose. In spite of the danger of anti-aircraft fire from the encircling Chinese troops, he always volunteered to undertake these missions, in complete disregard of his personal safety.

Flight Lieutenant Martins displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Austin Lester Mendanha has been operating with a transport squadron in Jammu & Kashmir area since July 1959. He has carried out about 1400 hours of operational flying on supply-dropping and transport operations. He has also carried out proving flights to our most difficult and advance landing grounds in this area.

On the 28th October, 1962, when the weather was very bad and it was snowing all around Saserbarangazer area, Flt Lt Mendanha in complete disregard of his personal safety, successfully carried out airdrops of vital supplies to our forward posts. Flying as many as 100 hours in a month.,

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Mendanha has displayed courage, devotion to duty and professional skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Priya Dev Kaura was on his second operational tour in Ladakh are,a after having completed the first one in NEFA. Out of a total of about 1400 hours on air transport operations, he had flown about 1200 hours in Ladakh area. In spite of the hazards of flying over difficult and mountainous terrain, and the fact that the aircraft were being operated to the maximum limits, he always volunteered for these difficult operational missions allotted to his Squadron. During the recent Chinese attack on our northern borders, he flew more than 110 hours in one month.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Kaura set a fine example of courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Umesh Kumar Ahuja has been on his fourth operational tour since April 1961, in Jammu and Kahsmir area. In addition to about 70 hours of flying in NEFA area, he has flown about 1300 hours on air transport operations in Ladakh area. During the recent Chinese attack on our northern borders, he flew more than 100 hours in a month. By hard work and skilful handling of his aircraft, he has inspired his colleagues and thus contributed to the high standard of operational efficiency of his unit.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Ahula displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Verinder Puri has been serving in Jammu and Kashmir area since March, 1960, and has so far carried out more than 1000 hours of operational flying in Ladakh including more than 100 hours of operational flying in one month. On 20th October 1962, in the face of extremely bad and turbulent weather conditions near Saserbarangazer, he successfully airdropped essential stores over one of the most difficult dropping zones in this area.

Flight Lieutenant Puri has displayed determination, courage and professional skill of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Nanakkal Narayanan Amrithalingam has been operating as Signals Leader in one of our transport squadrons in J & K area since 1959. He has flown a total of about 1300 operational hours in this area. Undeterred by the hazards involved in the mountainous terrain, he has always volunteered for any difficult mission assigned to his squadron. With his professional ability and enthusiasm, he succeeded in raising the standard of communication in his Squadron to a high degree of efficiency.

On 26th October, 1962, while on a vital supply-dropping mission. The wireless sets in his aircraft became faulty and communications with the control center became impossible. Realizing the importance of his mission, he got down to the rectification of the defects and succeeded in re-establishing communication with the base. But for his presence of mind, the mission might have had to be abandoned and the airlift of the vital supplies to the forward dropping zone would have been delayed.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Amrithalingam displayed professional skill, courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flying Officer Harpal Singh Bedi has been operating with a transport Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir area since 1959. Though relatively junior in service, he has to his credit about 1100 hours of operational flying. During the operations occasioned by the recent Chinese aggression on our northern borders, he flew as many as 100 hours in one month on air transport operations.

Flying Officer Bedi carried out all tasks assigned to him efficiently and displayed professional skill, courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Warrant Officer Kaur Singh Gill [Signaller (Air)] has been operating as a senior Signaller (Air) in a heavy transport squadron since 1955 in NEFA and Jammu and Kashmir areas. During the Chinese invasion of Ladakh, he carried out sustained and regular operational flying of seven to eight hours a day and undertook many difficult missions to forward landing grounds and dropping zones in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In complete disregard of his personal safety, he always volunteered for difficult and dangerous missions.

Throughout, Warrant Officer Gill ahs displayed courage and professional skill of a high order.

Warrant Officer Rachpal Singh [Flt Gunner] has served in Jammu and Kashmir area with a transport Squadron as a Flight Engineer Leader. He has managed his section so commendably that in spite of shortage of manpower, no aircraft has had to be grounded. He always volunteered to fly whenever a flight engineer was needed. During the operations occasioned by the Chinese aggression on our northern border, he flew seven to eight hours a day in aircraft engaged in supply - dropping operations over difficult advanced landing grounds and dropping zones. He was a source of inspiration to other aircrew.

Warrant Officer Rachpal Singh showed professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Warrant Officer Surat Singh Yadav [Flt Engineer] has been operating as a Flight Engineer Leader of a heavy transport Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir area. After the declaration of the emergency, he sometimes flew as many as seven hours a day and completed ten landing sorties at Daulet Beg Oldi, in addition to several other missions which carried him over dropping zones in areas under enemy attack. Being a very experienced fitter in the Jet modified Packet aircraft, he was always in great demand for such assignments. On more than one occasion, with his exceptional professional knowledge, he was able to rectify defects while in the air.

Warrant Officer Surat Singh Yadav always volunteered for difficult missions nad thus set a fine example of dedication to duty, courage and enthusiasm to his men.

Warrant Officer Jagannath Banerjee [Signaller (Air)] has been operating in NEFA, NHTA and Jammu and Kashmir areas for a long period. During the Chinese invasion of Ladakh, he worked fourteen hours a day, including six to eight hours of flying. He undertook several missions to forward landing grounds under enemy attack. In complete disregard of his personal safety, he always volunteered for hazardous missions and set a fine example to his colleagues and was source of inspiration ot them. Throughout, Warrant Officer Jagannath Banerjee displayed courage and devotion to duty.

The services of Wing Commander Subramanyan Chenna Keshu were loaned from the I.A.F. to H.A.L in May, 1960, as Prototype Production Engineer. When the programme for building H.F.-24 prototype production began, this officer was given the task to study the best method of production based on an examination of the drawings of this indigenous supersonic fighter. He was also to study the latest method of manufacture and to produce the parts in the shortest possible time. This officer contributed in a significant manner to the flying of the first Prototype in June 1961 and brought to bear on his task technical and organizational ability of a high order. In addition, in the past 2 ½ years of his service with the H.A.L., the officer has built up a team of engineers and technicians, which is now engaged in the preparation of quantity production of H.F.-24.

Wing Commander Chandrakant Sridhar Naik was appointed, on deputation from I.A.F. as Officer-in-Charge, Flight Test Group HF-24 Project on 1st June, 1960. The officer's task was to create facilities for flight development of the HF-24 Prototype. Such facilities did not exist in the country as this was the first time flight development of a high performance aircraft was undertaken in India. The task involved planning of flight test, working our the most optimum flight test techniques, design and installation of automatic recording equipment in the prototypes, working out the methods of analysis of results, training of raw personnel, etc. Being a completely new field of technical activity no trained personnel were readily available. The time available for creation of facilities was barely nine months. Starting with these severe handicaps, this officer executed his task in a commendable manner and managed to undertaken flight development of Supersonic aircraft. The voluminous data obtained and analysed during the flights of the prototypes have proved to be very accurate and extremely valuable. In the absence of such data the development of the HF-24 aircraft would have been a difficult task. Wing Commander Naik, in executing these tasks, has shown very high engineering skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader M.S. Dandekar was operating in the Walong Sector of NEFA when the Chinese hostilities started in October, 1962. During the battle of Walong contact was lost with the forward troops. It was vital to collect the news about the battle situation and to provide the necessary assistance to our forward troops. Sqn. Ldr. Dandekar volunteered to be dropped at the forward base by the helicopter. He made contact with the Brigade Commander and brought the requisite information and essential directions for the evacuation of casualties. After this trip he kept shuttling between the forward troop and rear guard and this helped in evacuation of casualties and in supplying the urgently required supplies. In those days the forward bases were changing so quickly that it was very hazardous to land at some place. With complete disregard to his personal safety and with selfless devotion to duty, he made possible the evacuation of a large number of casualties which did not hamper the planned withdrawal of the troops. He earned both the gratitude and praise of the troops.

Squadron Leader Meghashyama Sadanand Dandekar has therefore rendered devoted and distinguished service of high order.

Squadron Leader Jagjit Singh Sandhawalia has been the Squadron Engineering Officer of one of our heavy transport squadron in J&K area since April, 1961. In spite of the shortage of manpower and limited resources this officer successfully organized the maintenance facilities for the newly acquired aircraft within a very short time. By his professional skill, devotion to duty and organizing ability he succeeded in achieving and maintaining a high rate of serviceability.

On a number of occasions when the aircraft were stranded at forward airfields, away form base and required engine changes or repairs of Airframe component, he through his leadership and determination got the aircraft airworthy in the shortest possible time. Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 1962, this officer through his untiring efforts brought the serviceability rate of aircraft to a new high figure of 90 percent. But for the commendable effort on the part of Squadron Leader Sandhawalia, it might not have been possible to keep up the schedule of all the vital airlift commitments assigned to them

Throughout the period, this officer has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Achengaden John Chacko is a qualified Navigation Instructor and was employed on navigational duties with of the Air Forces Training Institution for a period of six years without a break. Though the instructional task is monotonous and arduous he carried out his duty with zeal and determination and achieved outstanding results. In fact, pupils trained by him bear a distinct imprint of his professional skill. His devotion to hard work not only inspired his colleagues but also the trainees.

Squadron Leader Chacko has rendered distinguished service of a high order which is in keeping with the best traditions of the I.A.F.

Squadron Leader Eruch Shivax Lala has been employed at the Transport Training Wing of the Indian Air Force. He holds the highest Instructor category and the Instrument rating. He has an accident free record of over 4500 hours of flying.

Since the outbreak of emergency this officer had to undertake training of a much larger number of transport pupils. He accepted this difficult task and produced outstanding results.

By his devotion to duty and singlemindedness Sqn. Ldr. Lala set a fine example to his colleagues and motivated other instructors to achieve similar results. He has, therefore, rendered distinguished service of a high order which is in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader NIJRAM SATRAMDAS BHAGWANANI (4509) Medical During the recent operations in the NEFA, No. 5 Air Force Hospital was flooded with the battle casualties which had poured in from Walong sector. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani was the only surgical specialist available in this hospital, and had to bear the major brunt of this large influx. Some of the casualties had suffered serious gun-shot wounds involving thoracic (Chest) and abdominal regions which required skilful surgery. The magnitude and the complexity of the task would have baffled any exper ienced surgeon. However, Squadron Leader Bhagwanani faced the situation with courage and untiring zeal and great devotion. He worked round the clock on his operation table, in complete disregard to his personal comfort and physical requirement. But for his perseverance, organizational ability and devotion, many of our soldiers who were brought to the hospital in a precarious condition would not have survived. Squadron Leader Nijram Satramdas Bhagwanani in performing this praise-worthy task has shown professional skill and devotion of a very high order.

Flight Lieutenant Mangatil Karakad Chandrasekhar is qualified flying instructor employed at one of the Transport Training Wings for the past three years. This young officer has a brilliant record of flying hours in short service career and holds the highest transport category and instrument rating.

During the emergency this officer undertook the additional training commitment and displayed sense of dedication, responsibility and preserved for long hours to achieve outstanding results. In addition, he flew on many missions to ALGs airlifting urgently required troops and material both by day and night to forward area.

Throughout this period, Flt. Lt. Chandrasekhar unmindful of his personal safety and physical strain, rendered valuable service which was in keeping with the best traditions of the Air Force.

Pilot Officer Clement Martin has been operating in J&K since 1952. He has been the Squadron Engineering Officer since 1961. In spite of limited resources and shortage of manpower, this officer successfully organized the maintenance of Packet aircraft. The perseverance and high standard of professional skill he achieved a high rate of serviceability throughout. Recently when 24 Packet aircraft were allotted to the squadron, Plt. Offr Martin with the technicians under his control worked over 14 hours a day with single-minded devotion to bring the aircraft under the I.A.F. schedule servicing with minimum of delay. The speed with the task was completed is a tribute of his able guidance, man-management and inspiring leadership.

Throughout the period, this officer has rendered distinguished service of a high order by his exemplary devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Bhanwar Lal Arora is on his third tenure operational tour in J & K area.

During the outbreak of hostilities in October, 1962, this Warrant Officer was faced with the difficult problem of maintaining high rate of serviceability, without which it would have not been possible for the unit to keep up the heavy schedule of airlift allotted to it. In spite of depleted manpower and shortage of spares, he set about his task with determination and through his untiring efforts, exceptional management and personal example he maintained a high rate of serviceability which enabled the squadron to conduct sustain operations over a critical period.

Master Warrant Officer Arora has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, in the face of heavy odds.

Flight Sergeant Kanai Chandra Ghosh F.II.A. has served in the NEFA and J&K area for the last 8 years. During the recent intensity of the transport operations in J&K area, the senior N.C.O. though responsible for only first line servicing, had to undertake the task of frequent engine changes and replacement of power recovery turbines and carburetors tasks which demanded a high degree of professional skill and supervision. In spite of the fact that he belonged to the trade of Fitter Air-Frames, he skillfully completed the above demands and maintained a high rate of serviceability with a relatively low manning level.

Apart from his hard and arduous daily routine at the base, Flt. Sgt. Ghosh had to keep moving frequently to forward landing grounds such as Chushul and Leh. He skillfully carried out 28 engine changes at the forward airfields where due to intense climate conditions normal working routine is very difficult. Some of these assignments were beyond the call of his normal duty and were cheerfully accepted by this Senior N.C.O. The fact that there was not a single take-off reject at these forward airfields is ample testimony to the high standard of technical efficiency of this Senior N.C.O.

By his devotion to duty in utter disregard to his personal comforts, he set such a fine example to his men that they put in work for 12 to 14 hours a day under extremely difficult conditions. His example was an inspiration to his ground crews. This Senior N.C.O. apart from showing great professional skill has also displayed devotion to duty and work of a very high order.

Flight Sergeant Kuppuswamy Krishnamachari was incharge of servicing section of a Helicopter detachment serving in NEFA area. At the outbreak of the Chinese hostilities the detachment was faced with heavy commitment of evacuation of casualties and reinforcing our forward troops with the urgently required arms and ammunition. To meet this commitment it was essential that a high rate of serviceability of these aircraft is maintained.

Flight Sergeant Krishnamachari worked more than 18 hours a day during that critical period and ensured that all aircraft were kept serviceable. His zeal, determination and single minded devotion to duty were a source of inspiration to other airmen. But for his effort the heavy commitment that the detachment was called upon to undertake would not have been possible.