Wing Commander William MacDonald Goodman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as General Duties (Pilot) on I April 1949.

On I September 1965, Pakistan launched a strong armour attack in the Chhamb sector with a view to cut the Indian communication lines to Kashmir. This posed a great threat to Indian security. Wing Commander Goodman, commanding No.31 Squadron flying the Mystere IVa fighter bombers at Pathankot, was entrusted with the task of destroying enemy tanks and troop concentrations in the Chhamb sector.

The squadron immediately went into action and blunted the enemy offensive by destroying his tanks and armoured vehicles. Between 2 and 8 September, the squadron undertook many reconnaissance and ground attack missions in the area. These included rocketing of tank concentrations at Troti and Chhamb and strafing of enemy positions at Jaurian.

On 9 September the Squadron did the more commendable work. A photo recce and strike mission was undertaken between Kasur and Raiwind by two aircraft. They attacked a train carrying tanks and destroyed twenty of them. This was followed by an attack on a tank and heavy gun concentration at Chawinda. Many of these reconnaissance and ground attack missions were led by Wing Commander Goodman himself in the face of heavy air and ground opposition. He was a source of inspiration to all ranks under his command. Under his guidance the Squadron maintained a very high standard of serviceability which contributed to a number if successful strikes on enemy positions. Wing Commander Goodman was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for conspicuous gallantry, leadership and professional skill.

During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh commanded No. 5 "Tuskers" Squadron, stationed at Agra. The unit equipped with the Canberra bomber, was assigned the triple task of tactical bombing, close support and armed patrolling. Under his able guidance the squadron carried out tactical bombing of various targets to destroy the Pakistan Air Force on the ground. Led by Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh himself, Pak army camp east of Gujarat and airfields at Chaklala, Dab, Murid, Akwal, Risalwala, Wagowal, Sargodha and Peshawar were successfully attacked by his bombers.

The squadron gave close support to the army in Kasur, Khem Karan, Pasrur, Chawinda and Sialkot sectors. Bombs were dropped on the enemy concentrations at all these places. During the period of war the squadron undertook 39 sorties of armed patrolling over Agra, Palam, Ambala, Halwara and Adampur. Most of the operational missions over the enemy territory were carried out during the hours of darkness. The targets were identified in the moon-light. These dangerous operational sorties were undertaken in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire with exceptional courage and determination.

Wing Commander Prem Pal was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for displaying a high sense of duty and gallantry.

During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Squadron Leader Gautam was commanding the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit (JBCU) flying Canberra bombers at Agra. On the outbreak of the hostilities he was assigned many difficult and dangerous missions into enemy territory at short notice. He undertook six offensive, tactical and close support missions deep into enemy territory between 6 and 21 September 1965, notwithstanding the heavy ground fire and Pak Sabre jet attacks.

These missions included reconnaissance into enemy territory, bombing of Akwal and Gujarat airfields and strafing of enemy concentrations in Gujarat and Chawinda areas. For displaying exceptional courage, determination and devotion to duty he was decorated with Maha Vir Chakra.