Air Marshal Trilok Nath Ghadiok was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in March, 1943. He saw action in the J & K Operation 1947 when as a Flight Commander of a transport support Squadron, his courage and valour won him a Vir Chakra. Later, he distinguished himself as Commander of a transport base responsible for air maintenance in the Jammu and Kashmir and Leh area. His personal example, perseverance, meticulous planning and unity of purpose led to better interServices relationship and enabled the Wing to accomplish its task with unqualified success.

In his long Service career, he competently held many staff appointments of Command of Wings, Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational command, Chief Instructor of the Defence Services Staff College and Director of Personnel at Air Headquarters. During January 1970 to September 1973, he was the Air Attaché in our Embassy in Moscow, where he acquitted himself creditably. A graduate of the National Defence College, he is today its Commandant.

Air Marshal Trilok Nath Ghadiok has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Achutha Viswanathan was commissioned in 1949 in the Technical Armament Branch of the Air Force. During his service career he has held several important staff appointments with distinction. As Director of Armament with his flair for design and development work, he achieved commendable results in the indigenisation of explosive stores and development of a rocket system. He has also helped in successfully completing a number of development projects. By his constant endeavour for indigenistion, he has effected considerable savings in foreign exchange and reduced dependence on foreign aid. As Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command, he was instrumental in achieving substantial improvement in aircraft serviceability by his initiative and guidance for which he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1976.

As Air Officer Engineering and Systems of Maintenance Command, he introduced a number of new measures of quality control which paid dividends and improved the overall production capability of the Base Repair Depots. By his relentless efforts and perseverance he has succeeded in augmenting the production substantially at the Base Repair Depots.

Air Vice Marshal Achutha Viswanathan has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Davendra Nath Gupta was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Air Force on 6th August, 1943. In 1948, as medical officer of a Transport Squadron, he was closely associated with para-trooper training and casualty evacuation in the Kashmir operations. He became a graded medical specialist in 1952 and subsequently, a Member of the Royal College of Physicians, London and Edinburgh. He was also awarded the Greig medal for his outstanding performance in the DTM&H examination (1975) of Edinburgh University. He became a classified specialist in 1958 and was appointed the first adviser in medicine in the Indian Air Force in 1962. He was specially selected to command Air Force Hospital Kanpur in addition to his professional duties. During his command from 1963 to 1967, this Hospital achieved the distinction of being one of the finest in the Armed Forces, and rendered yeoman service to war casualties during the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1965. In recognition of his outstanding service during this period, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. After his distinguished service as Assistant Director of Medical Services in two Infantry Divisions, he was appointed Assistant Director of Medical Services and posted as Medical Adviser in our High Commission at London from November 1968 to February, 1972. On return to India, he was specially selected to undergo the National Defence College course in 1972. He was thereafter appointed Principal Medical Officer, Headquarters, Western Air Command in May, 1973. Later, he was appointed Director of Medical Services (Air) in the rank of Air Vice Marshal. Under his command, the medical services of the Air Force have made great strides. Stringent measures have been adopted for implementing utmost economy without compromising quality of medical care. His personal attention to details have resulted in streamlining of medical board procedures and review of medical standards. Under his guidance, an overall improvement has been achieved in 1976 in controlling the incidence of preventable diseases and lowering of sickness rate. During his service career, besides distinguishing himself through brilliant academic achievements, he has exhibited outstanding professional competence and administrative ability. In the various professional and administrative appointments that he held, he has been meticulous, uncompromising and unrelenting where standards of health and hygiene are concerned thus setting a very high example of medical ethics, code of conduct and performance.

Air Vice Marshal Davendra Nath Gupta has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1964. He served as in Squadron pilot in an operational fighter squadron for six years. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he flew 20 operational missions deep into enemy territory with unflagging zeal and complete disregard for personal safety. For this he was mentioned in Despatches. An excellent fighter Squadron Pilot during his entire service period, he later volunteered for flight testing and made a significant contribution to test flying and the development of indigenous aircraft and systems.

On the 28th September, 1976, he was flight testing an aircraft to examine a specific problem area which he himself had identified on two previous flights. During the course of this flight-test, the aircraft experienced a structural failure resulting in complete loss of control. Squadron leader Deepak Yadav sacrificed his life in his cause of test flying.

Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav thus displayed conspicuous courage, determination and devotion the duty of a high order.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran was commissioned in the Air Force in the Technical Signals Branch, now Aeronautical Engineering Electronics in 1950. He proved an asset in the various appointments he held in the units/ Commands and in organisations outside Air Force. A competent Technical Officer and a versatile field Engineer, he excelled particularly in Installation and System Engineering activities. While in the Maintenance Command as Incharge of the repair and overhaul aspects of communication and radar equipment, he established, with his experience and deep understanding of the field conditions, a sound system for ensuring serviceability and base support facilities for Navigation and Radar aids, operating in different sectors of the country. Early in 1966, he was entrusted with the task of installing certain complex communication and electronic equipment. Neither the installation techniques nor the training facilities were available for these equipment. Undeterred by the formidable problems posed by the task, he took up the challenge and with single minded devotion, successfully installed the equipment on schedule.

In 1971, he was specially selected to join the Radar and Communication Project Organisation, a system Engineering Group, and entrusted with the responsibility of planning, installation and commissioning of reliable and secure tropo/Line of Sight Communication and Radio facilities in the Air Defence Ground Environment System. He was able to complete the task of site survey and system engineering of far flung remote and inaccessible mountainous areas of the country in the time schedule. Similarly in the selection installation and commissioning of High Power Radars and associated peripherals, he effectively, organi­zed the installation and maintenance teams to undertake the activities in the field. His selfless devotion to duty earned him the admiration and affection of the officers and staff who worked with him.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Errasseri Pathayapurayil Radhakrishnan Nair joined the Air Force in 1950. He has an excellent record of over 4,500 flying hours, has been an examiner on Super Constellation aircraft and a QNI with an 'A­2' Instructor's category. He was also given an 'A' Transport category, the highest flying proficiency award obtainable. In AVSM 1978 1970, when the Air Force Academy was being built and the personnel were still living under canvas, he was selected to be the Base Commander and made directly responsible for the administration of the Station and also for the rapid build­up of the technical and other facilities by the target date set for the inauguration of the Academy by the President. He accomplished the task by the target date. Subsequently, he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of Headquarters Maritime Air Operations at a time when the formation was entrusted with important responsibility of Air operations in support of the ONGC. The Standard Operating Procedure worked out during his tenure and the overall supervision exercised by his formation resulted in the successful accomplishment of every ONGC task. The excellent flight safety record achieved by the Helicopter unit also contributed towards this accomplishment. In December, 1975, on completion of the National Defence College Course, he was appointed as the Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command. Inspite of various handicaps, Air Commodore Nair, by effective man management and by personal example, soon created in his staff a devoted and highly motivated team. His tremendous capacity for sustained work and ability to establish harmonious and effective relationship with both superiors and subordinates, brought about remarkable improvements in the functioning of the Stations of Maintenance Command in practically every field of activity within his responsibility. As a result the offence rate in the Command has dropped sharply. His most remarkable achievement is in the field of flight safety where, as Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer, he has direct responsibility. Here the total accident rate (for 10,000 hrs) dropped from about 41 in 1975 to 22.5 in 1976 which is an outstanding achievement by any standard.

Air Commodore Erasseri Pathayapurayil Radhakrishnan Nair has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Hari Vinayak Phatak was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force in 1942. After distinguishing himself in varied assignments in administrative fields, he was given the command of an Equipment Depot in August, 1974, where he excelled in all aspects of command and control. At the time of his assuming command of the Depot, the market conditions in the country were very unstable as a result of which normal supply of many items through the DGS&D was greatly dislocated. In particular, the procurement of clothing items was of major importance for that Equipment Dept. He launched a major programme of large scale local purchases of essential items. During his tenure, the purchases which were barely Rs. 7 lakhs in 1973-74 reached and all time record of Rs. 36 lakhs in 1975 -76. As a result, the supply position improved radically. This achievement was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the various Commands at the Commanders Conference held in December, 1976. Reduction in the number of Discrepancy Reports concerning clothing items was another major task which he implemented. By formulating and introducing a series of new measures and personally monitoring their implementation, the number of incoming Discrepancy Report dropped from 243 in 1974-75 to 82 in 1976. In Command of Air Force Station, Avadi, the production at one of its lodger units under his supervision and guidance, improved radically and for the first time the unit was able to fully accomplish its allotted task. In the process, nearly Rs. 4 lakhs worth of spares lying idle and considered obsolete, were also utilised. During his tenure as Station Commander, he achieved a remarkable degree of improvement in prac­tically all spheres of the Depot's activities. The standard of discipline amongst both service and civilians personnel was also exemplary and it was largely as a result of his efforts that the Station won the award of the Best Administered formation in Maintenance Command.

Air Commodore Hari Vinayak Phatak has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Brijpal Singh Sikand assumed command of a fighter Wing of the Air Force in February, 1976. Since then he has devoted himself towards improving the operational and the administrative potential of his station. He observed that children of all ranks were facing hardship in getting admission and commuting to schools in the nearby townships. He solved this problem by setting up an Air Force School at the Wing in record time, where today 800 children are studying. As a welfare measure, he founded another school at his station where children of poor parents are provided totally free education including books, uniforms and free mid-day meals. In November, 1976, his station was entrusted with the task of organising a President's Colour Presentation Ceremony to three Air Force Squadrons. For this parade, the station had to absorb an additional 1000 men and 100 officers. He personally supervised each and every detail of this prestigious parade which was most impressive and flawlessly conducted. In the field of operations, he introduced night flying at his base and enabled the Squadrons located at the Wing to enhance their operational status. During 1976, his Squadrons flew a total of 4500 hours with only one accident. He also set up the Ground Examining Board and Mobile Conversion Flight for aircraft at his base without any additional assistance whatsoever. This station was also entrusted with a task of carrying out retromod on all aircraft on a type in Western Air Command. It was due to his great organisational ability and his professional direction that this task was accomplished in record time without a single mishap. He has been on field appointments for the last nine years and during this period, he has commanded two Stations, one Squadron and one Tactical Air Centre. He is an active and able fighter pilot.

Air Commodore Brijpal Singh Sikand has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar was in command of a Fighter Wing of the Air Force which has heavy flying activity throughout the year. From the day of assuming command, he devoted himself to the work of enhancing the operational potential of his base. During his tenure, a new Weapon was introduced whose lethality necessitated the defining of operating methods for causing the maximum damage to an enemy, without compromising the safety of our own forces. He examined all the intricacies of the problem and was solely responsible for the formulation of an operating procedure for the employment of this new Weapons System which has now been accepted as a Standard Operating Procedure. He also readjusted the available resources and fabricated a fail safe MF communication system. This facility provides a standby method to cater for the worst case of total failure of other communications.

Environmental peculiarities of his base required time control over Technical and Flying activities for safe flying. He adhered to and achieved the highest, standards of flying and maintenance discipline. His dedicated involvement has enhanced safety consciousness in Air and Ground Crew which has led to an effective flight safety programme, reduction in the rate of accidents and in avoidance of wastage of valuable fighting equipment. He was also able to achieve a formidable flying task of 8993 hours on fighters without a single accident. It is to his great credit that he reduced the station accident rate from 15 to zero.

Air Commodore Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Prithi Singh is Commanding a major fighter base of the Air Force since 16th July, 1976. A highly qualified test pilot, he has wide experience on seventy types of aircraft and has made a significant contribution to the production testing of aircraft and various important flight evaluation trials for the Indian Air Force. He has flown 4383 hours without a single avoidable accident. He has set a high standard of flying and has given a lead to his subordinates by his personal example. In addition to the control of the aircraft based at his Wing he is responsible for coordinating the Armament Training of most of the Squadrons in Western Air Command. He has carried out both these tasks in an exemplary manner and has consistently achieved the highest standards in both the fields. Simultaneously, he has personally conducted flight trials of indigenously manufactured equipment fitted on various aircraft which has contributed to our operational potential.

While he was in command of the base, a few of our other airfields were closed for repairs. This entailed the induction of an additional force at his base which accentuated the problem of maintaining a close control over their movements. He reorganised his navigational and other aids and ensured the smooth conduct of the heavy flying activity. During the same period, he also coordinated and conducted a successful fire power demonstration. His contribution in making the Flight Safety Programme at the Station extremely effective has been creditable.

Group Captain Prithi Singh has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Dayashankar Mishra was commissioned in the Air Force in 1951. He has successfully completed a post­graduate course in aircraft design at the College of Aeronautics in the United Kingdom. During his long service, he has held important appointments of the Chief Technical Instructor at Air Force Technical College, Senior Technical Staff Officer and Chief of Aircraft Production in a Base Repair Depot with

great distinction, in recognition of which, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1972. Group Captain Mishra was posted to a Base Repair Depot in April, 1974, when the Depot was at its formative stage. He competently handled all problems and completed the formation of the unit in a smooth and efficient manner, enabling the Base Repair Depot to undertake the major servicing of modern fighter aircraft by April, 1975. The stipulated task for major servicing of aircraft for the year 1976-77 increased one and a half times to operational necessity. This called for not only revised planning on the utilisation of resources and manpower but more hours of extra work on the part of everyone concerned. Due to his professional competence and ingenious management of men and resources, the Base Repair Depot achieved, in full, the revised production target assigned to it. The Depot also won the coveted Annual Trophy for the Best Base Repair Depot in Maintenance Command.

Group Captain Dayashankar Mishra has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Sergeant Venkata Ramiah Kantheti has been on the posted strength of a Fighter Wing of the Air Force, operating high performance aircraft including a type training squadron, since 15th January, 1975. Besides his section duties, he was employed as runway controller wherein he amply displayed his exceptionally keen observation, alertness, clear understanding AVSM 1978-79 of situation and dedication. By giving timely warning to pilots and the controllers, Sergeant Venkata Ramiah Kantheti helped in averting many untoward situations.

On 8th August 1975, he noticed that the flaps of an aircraft had not been lowered for landing. His prompt and timely action thus averted a flapless landing. On 28th August, 1975, when an aircraft lowered flaps for take off, he informed the pilot that a metal strip was hanging from the flap region and sent him back to dispersal as it would have fouled the flaps during its upward travel after take off. On 11th September, 1975, he prevented a dangerous situation when during the engine run up at the Take Off point, an aircraft was seen emitting smoke. He asked the pilot to switch off the engine and promptly dispatched the crash tender to handle the situation. On 7th February, 1976, he saw an aircraft approaching for landing without flaps and his timely report on Radio Telephone helped the pilot in taking the correct action. On 26th June 1976, when an aircraft was unsticking, he noticed tyre tread pieces flying off from the aircraft and ensured the safety of the aircraft by promptly informing the pilot on Radio Telephone to take correct action. On 26th September, 1976, he averted an accident by disallowing an aircraft to take off when he noticed that one of the four airbrakes was sticking out. Again, on 26th November, 1976, he averted a similar accident to another aircraft.

In his daily duties Sergeant Kantheri has displayed a high sense of responsibility, exceptional devotion to duty and professional skill. His vigilance as runway controller has greatly contributed in eliminating the bird strike accidents on his base.

Sergeant Venkata Ramiah Kantheti has thus rendered distinguished services of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Kailash Singh Parihar (9071) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 25th December, 1964 and since then he has flown 2197 accident free hours on various Aircraft. In August, 1976, there were unprecedented floods in Loni River in Jodhpur District and a number of villages were isolated. The fury of the river did not permit plying of rescue boats. The Air Force was, therefore, called in aid of civil power to effect rescue of marooned villagers. Sqn Ldr Parihar volunteered to rescue the marooned villagers. On arrival at the village it was discovered that many houses in and around Lamba Village had been washed away and that sixty villagers had taken shelter on top of the village temple. The front portion of the temple had been washed away and it was feared that the rest of the building might collapse at any time endangering the lives of all the persons.

As it was not possible to land the helicopter on the temple top, Squadron Leader Parihar decided to effect the evacuation by directing the hovering helicopter from the temple top and simultaneously assisting these people to board. Knowing fully well that a slight slip might be fatal, he jumped on to the edge of the temple top from the helicopter which was hovering at a considerable height. Taking his position, he marshaled the hovering helicopters to correct positions near the temple roof one after the other. The helicopter made about 18 shuttle flight and evacuated all the 60 people.

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

Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1964 and served as the Squadron Pilot. As a Flight Commander in an operational helicopter unit where he flew over 1650 hours while carrying out casualty evacuations, relief operations, and logistics support missions and flight of dignitary over hazardous terrain with great efficiency. He volunteered for the Flight Inspectors course in 1971-72 and on the basis of his performance and aptitude, he was selected for the Experimental Test Pilot's Course in France in 1974 which he completed with a high merit. He was posted to Air craft and Systems Testing Establishment in 1975. He took great interest in development and testing of fixed wing aircraft and regularly assisted in their flight testing. On 28th September, 1976 while assisting Sqn. Ldr Deepak Yadav in the conduct of a flight trial, the aircraft suffered structural failure leading to complete loss of control. Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal was killed in the ensuing crash thereby sacrificing his life in the cause of test flying.

Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal has thus displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty.

Due to unusually heavy rains on 24th and 25th November 1976, low lying areas of Madras city were inundated and a large number of citizens were marooned. On 25th November, 1976 Squadron Leader Shivacharan Singh Tomar of Air Force station Avadi was called upon to assist the civil police in the evacuation of marooned people. In the absence of any other satisfactory arrangement, he used some dinghies as make-shift boats. The extremely limited capacity of dinghies, the difficult conditions due to floods and incessant rains and the handicaps caused by the darkness in the evening did not deter Squadron Leader Tomar from undertaking the rescue operations. He ceaselessly continued the operations throughout day and night on 25th and 26th November 1976 and was able to rescue three hundred and sixty-seven persons.

In these operations, Squadron Leader Shivacharan Singh Tomar displayed great initiative, skill, courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Corporal Rishi Kesh Tiwari was enrolled in the Air Force in 1963. On the 10th December, 1976 at about 1900 hours, while going from his billet to his mess, he heard the sound of a gun-shot. He proceeded to the place from where the shot had been fired. He saw a Defense Security Corps sepoy with a rifle and heard him ordering four persons to stand in a line and subsequently firing one round which injured one of the four persons. He shouted at the sepoy and unmindful of his own safety, ran towards him to prevent him from firing him any more. Before he could reach him, the sepoy fired another round injuring one more person. Corporal Tiwari caught the sepoy from behind and pulled him down. He was immediately joined by the other two persons and the rifle was snatched away from him

In this action, Corporal Rishi Kesh Tiwari displayed exemplary courage, initiative, presence of mind and sense of public duty of a high order.

Corporal Ram Prasad, Aircraft Hand General Duties is in the Air Force since 18th May, 1975. On the night of 28th February, 1977, at about 2330 hrs, a fire broke out in the quarter of L/Nk LR Soni. L/Nk LR Soni was then away and his wife and three children were sleeping in the house. By the time Mrs. Soni discovered the fire, it had already assumed serious proportions and she ran out of the house to shout for help. Corporal Ram Prasad was the first to respond and by the time he reached the scene, the whole house was engulfed in flames and smoke. Smti. Soni was in a state of shock and was crying that her three small children were in the flaming house. Corporal Ram Prasad in utter disregard for his personal safety went thrice into the burning house and one by one brought out three children who were trapped inside.

In this action, Corporal Ram Prasad displayed exemplary courage, presence of mind, determination and a high sense of public duty.

On 15th October 1977, Squadron Leader Sidhu was ordered to evacuate Sir Edmund Hillary the leader of “Ocean to sky Expedition” who was lying critically ill at the base camp located at a height 17,5000 feet above Mean Sea Level. A veteran of many causality evacuation missions, Squadron Leader Sidhu could easily comprehend the gravity of the situation. He planned his mission immaculately, got airborne and spotted snow covered gorge on which Sir Edmund Hillary was perched, would make evacuation extremely hazardous. As he adroitly maneuvered the helicopter so that it was inches above the ground, loose and scattered snow started flying all around and caused a mini blizzard. Undeterred by this, he kept the helicopter stationery by maintaining a perfect hover, at the altitude 17,5000 feet till his copilot jumped down and helped Sir Edmund Hillary into the helicopter. In this action Squadron Leader Sukhmander Singh Sidhu displayed great courage, determination and professional skill of high order.

Group Captain Surjit Singh Malhotra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He has been serving as the Commanding Officer of Air Headquarters Communication Squadron since March, 1976. During the very first year of his command, he brought about appreciable improvements in all round performance and efficiency of the Squadron. The Squadron flew a total of 5,292 accident­free hours maintaining a high state of serviceability. He also ensured that the aircrew training was vigorously progressed. This enabled the Squadron to achieve hundredpercent aircrew categorisation and remain fully operational. Under his able guidance, the Squadron also completed its tasks connected with the transportation of dignitaries and undertook all the transport support missions assigned to it. Group Captain Malhotra has over 7,300 hours of unblemished accidentfree service flying to his credit. He has flown six types of operational aircraft and has held highest transport category 'A' on no less than four types. At present, he holds 'A' category on two types of aircraft in current use. This is commendable achievement particularly when he has been on ground tenure for nearly seven years during his service.

Group Captain Surjit Singh Malhotra has thus displayed high professional skill, determination and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Daya Krishan Dhiman was serving as Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron. While on duty as flying supervisor in the Air Traffic Control, he was called upon to assist an aircraft Pilot who was involved in a grave situation of loss of power controls and all hydraulic services, failure of both generators with impending total loss of electric supply and loss of speed control due to throttle being stuck at 98% RPM. It was a unique and challenging situation and to avoid a serious accident, it was necessary to land the aircraft immediately. The advice tendered by Wing Cdr Dhiman to the pilot of the aircraft at that moment, which enabled the latter to accomplish safe recovery of the aircraft, is a proof of his sound professional competence. This also subsequently led to the discovery of the cause of the aircraft failure. As Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Dhiman raised by his hard work, the operational potential of the unit both on the ground and the air. Although his unit is equipped with old aircraft with enormous maintenance and operational problems, he overcame all the handicaps and enabled his unit to achieve outstanding operational training standards.

Wing Commander Daya Krishan Dhiman has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion lo duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Srinivaspuram Krishna swamy served in Tactical and Air Combat Development Establishment for one year. During this period, he performed the duties of a Flight Commander and a staff pilot and conducted Fighter Combat Leaders' course. As Flight Commander, he carried out the difficult tusk of running the Daily Servicing Section, often working round the clock with a view to ensuring a high standard of performance. He used his professional knowledge as a test pilot to guide airmen/ technicians working under him and motivate them, by personal example, to work hard. It was because of his deep involvement with the maintenance activities of the Daily Servicing Section and also the Repair and Servicing Section, that the establishment was able to meet its commitments. In the air also, he was able to assist in the wide range of complicated operational flying tasks of the establishment. His contribution has not been confined to this establishment alone, he has often been called upon to carry out special test flights on such aircraft as had developed peculiar snags and were unsafe for flying even by experienced Squadron Pilots. Despite the hazards involved in such flights and considering that he is not employed on test flying duties, he has always accepted these commitments willingly and executed the flights ensuring maximum safe by both to the pilot and the aircraft. Because of his deep knowledge, he was asked to give special lectures on aerodynamics to all pilots, even at other bases and thus promoted among them a higher consciousness of flight safety.

Wing Commander Srinivaspuram Krishnaswamy has thus displayed high professional skill, competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1961. He qualified as flying instructor in 1965 and carried out this onerous task with distinction. Because of his flying skill and professional knowledge he was appointed Station Instrument Rating Instructor in 1966. He distinguished himself in his instructional tenure by qualifying for 'A' category in 1967. He subsequently served with distinction on the staff of Flying Instructors' School and at an operational aircraft conversion unit. He has to his credit a record of 3,500 hours of accident-free flying hours. On completion of his Defence Services Staff College Course with distinction, he was selected for assignment in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements at Air Headquarters. During the tenure, he was called upon to prepare Air Staff requirements for combat aircraft and major systems and carry out subjective analysis and assessment of contemporary weapon system being considered for induction in the Indian Air Force. In addition, he was assigned special concept ional time-bound tasks, which were successfully accomplished by him. He also maintained tactful and effective liaison with various agencies in the Research and Development Organisation and the Aircraft Industry which has helped the Air Force in finalizing major acquisitions and indigenous schemes.

Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Singh has thus displayed professional competence, diligence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Mehta was on the posted strength of a transport Squadron for two years and was employed in the capacity of Flight Commander. Unmindful of his personal comfort, he ceaselessly worked for long hours in coordinating and supervising the air maintenance task given to the squadron and completed it ahead of schedule. He himself flew a total of over 900 hours, out of which 550 hours were flown on operational missions in Nagaland and Mizoram. He has to his credit, a total of 4,784 hours of flying out of which 2,010 hours have been flown on operational missions over mountainous terrain and under adverse weather condition. He is an 'A' category transport pilot with Master Green instrument rating. With his professional competence and organisining ability, he has brought about all round improvement in the categorisation state of pilots in the squadron. He accompanied them on such flights, trained them and brought them up for categorization. His personal involvement has motivated his subordinates to give their best to the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Gopal Krishan Mehta has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon has been commanding a Helicopter Flight since 5th December, 1975. During his tenure, the unit has undertaken ever-increasing commitments in connection with the Oil and Natural Gas Commission's off-shore tasks, the successful completion of which have brought laurels to the Air Force. Undeterred by the shortage of pilots, Squadron Leader Dhillon himself took the heavy flying commitments and carried out 600 hours of flying on support mission in connection with the drilling operations of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission.

As Unit Commander, Squadron Leader Dhillon ensured all personnel under him worked as a team and completed all tasks assigned to them to the complete satisfaction of the higher authorities. He has flown over 150 sorties on duties connected with the transportation of dignitaries in far-flung areas of the country as well as abroad. He has to his credit a total of 5,200 hours of flying on jets and helicopters.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

On 21st May, 1977, while on an instruc tional sortie in local flying area on an aircraft, Squadron Leader Swaran Singh Banga experienced a flame out at a height of 2500 meters as a result of technical failure. Relighting efforts were not successful. There was sufficient height for safe ejection by both occupants of the aircraft. But in older to save the valuable aircraft, Squadron Leader Banga decided to force land on a runway under construction at a critical distance. He remained fully composed throughout the emergency and executed a well judged forcedlanding against heavy odds which included manoeuvering skillfully to avoid bulldozers playing on the runway just seconds before touchdown.

In this action, Squadron Leader Swaran Singh Banga displayed outstanding courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Thakur Ramanuj Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October. 1966. He has to his credit a total of 2,740 hours of accident-free flying. On 14th October, 1977, Flight Lieutenant Singh was ordered to evacuate Sir Edmund Hillary, the Everest Hero and the leader of the "Ocean to Sky Expedition", who was reportedly lying critically ill near Manna helipad. Flight Lieutenant Singh immediately got airborne and, using his professional skill and immaculate planning, reached the helipad in a record time. On arrival at the helipad, be was told that Sir Edmund Hillary was lying at the base camp, located at approximately 17,5000 feet above mean sea level on Nar Parbat. The weather was extremely turbulent and the whole area between 11,500 and 19,000 feet was covered with clouds. In utter disregard to his own safety, he got airborne and made an attempt to reach the base camp. He exhibited exceptional skill in this search but his efforts were thwarted due to clouds near the base camp. He continued to make efforts to rescue Sir Edmund Hillary till the last light when he was forced to return.

On 15th October, 1977, Flight Lieutenant Singh was detailed to fly as a co-pilot for the same mission. The helicopter got airborne at first light. Weather condition by now had slightly improved and the crew reconnoitered the area. After 15 minutes of flying, it was Flight Lieutenant Singh, who first located Sir Edmund Hillary at a height of 17,500 feet above mean sea level. With a continuous commentary, he assisted the captain in bringing the helicopter to hover close to the casualty. The terrain did not permit a landing or winching. Disregarding his personal safety, Flight Lieutenant Singh jumped out of the hovering aircraft and assisted Sir Edmund Hillary to board the hovering aircraft and got in after him. Thereafter, he made Sir Edmund Hillary comfortable and also helped the Captain in flying the aircraft back to base.

Flight Lieutenant Thakur Ramanuj Singh displayed high standard of flying skill, exemplary courage and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Mirza Murtuza Ali is posted as Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit since 5th January, 1975. He has been responsible for execution of all flying task of the unit as well as training or aircrew. This being a type conversion unit of the Air Force, it fell on Flight Lieutenant Ali, to organise and execute conversion of the pilots. Besides supervision, this entailed a tremendous amount of instructional work, both in the air and on the ground. He devoted himself, whole-heartedly to the task and with his professional skill, perseverance and sustained hard work was able to train 25 pilots on type, which is an exceptionally high number by any standards. He involved himself closely with all aspects of flying activities in the unit. With his effective supervision, he contributed significantly towards the unit's performance of 2214 hours of accident free flying in 1976. He set an example to his colleagues and juniors by flying 631 hours himself during the same period. He holds a current B/ Master Green category.

Flight Lieutenant Mirza Murtuza Ali has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Master Warrant Officer Jagdish Chandra Munjal has been working as a Flight Signaller in a transport squadron of the Air Force since June, 1973. He has a total of 9800 hours of flying to his credit, out of which 2320 hours are on operational flying. He has always been in forefront in carrying out all arduous and difficult missions and has set a very high standard of airmanship. It is mainly due to his relentless efforts and untiring zeal that he achieved the rare distinction of flying a total of over 720 hours in one year and of' over 2100 hours on transport aircraft in three years.

Waster Warrant Officer Jagdish Chandra Munjal has thus displayed professional competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sushil Kumar Mukherjee joined the Army Medical Corps on 15 October, 1948 and was seconded to the Air Force on 6 November 1948. He distinguished himself by standing first in primary and advanced Aviation Medicine Courses.

As Assistant Director of Medical Services (Flight Safety), he developed improved techniques for investigating medical aspects of aircraft accidents and formulated several measures to reduce human error factors. While serving with the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (Air), he was responsible for the development, evaluation and drawing up specification for various items of flying clothing, safety and survival equipment thereby effecting considerable savings of foreign exchange. In his capacity as the Deputy Principal Medical Officer, Western Air Command, he also prepared lecture notes for the guidance of aircrew and squadron medial officers. As Senior Advisor in Aviation Medicine he has guided various aviation medicine research projects and has also made valuable contribution in the field of aviation medicine.

For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Sushil Kumar Mukherjee.0020

Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan was commissioned in the Accountant Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 1950. Group Captain Gopalan has displayed great foresight, perspicacity and maturity in tackling complex accounting problems. His attempts to improve budgetary planning and control in Units are resulting in optimisation of resources. His studies and recommenda- tions on the contractual purchases at Units have led to considerable savings and greater benefits to the Units. He has also refined and improved the system of performance analysis of accounting function which has been in the Air Force since 1973-74 and made it a reliable yardstick for measuring the absolute perfor mance of individual Units and the compara tive performance of various Units.

His judicious interpretation of regulations has achieved economy in expenditure, while meeting service requirements fully. His organising ability is exceptional and he has been a source of inspiration to all Officers. Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 7 September 1953. During his tenure with the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements, he showed sound technical knowledge extraordinary zeal and extreme capacity for hard work in dealing with the large volume and range of work. Displaying a high sense of initiative and with untiring efforts, he, in a short period of time, acquired a high degree of competence even in the fields other than that of his specialisation.

Group Captain Nehra was called upon to carry out analytical studies of design/project reports of a number of development projects relating to aircraft/ systems designs. Owing to his recognised merit in the field of aircraft flight testing, the officer has been repeatedly selected for evaluation of aircraft/systems considered for induction in the IAF.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra during his stay in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements has throughout displayed outstanding professional competence, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty. The officer has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Nand Kishore Shankarrao Ambegaonkar was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 30 November 1955. During the period that Wing Commander Ambegaonkar worked as Chief Instructor, the Transport Training Wing underwent a change from Dakota to HS-748 aircraft for training. This transition phase was a difficult period replete with innumerable Flying and maintenance problems. It was entirely due to his relentless endeavours and untiring zeal that the changeover was remarkably smooth and without any serious delay in training schedules.

Wing Commander Ambegaonkar has 8,400 accident-free flying hours to his credit. He holds an 'A-2' instructional category on both Dakota and HS-748 aircraft, and 'A' Master Green Transport rating. It was under his personal guidance and control that the training schedules were recast and the entire training machinery streamlined, which helped a great deal in elevating the standard of training.

Throughout, Wing Commander Nand Kishore Shankarrao Ambegaonkar has displayed outstanding professional skill, high organizing ability, devotion to duty and zeal and capacity for sustained hard work. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Prabhakar Mukundrao Achalkar was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of Indian Air Force on 20 May 1957. He has been working as the Chief Engineering Officer of a Fighter Wing since October 1973. He is a qualified single-engine pilot and has flown over 150 hours on sophisticated helicopters. With unremitting efforts, efficient organization and conduct of the Maintenance Control Centre, he has ensured unhindered flow of aircraft spares. This has resulted in sustaining an average serviceability of 70% on types 77 and 96 aircraft. By his initiative, hard work and professional skill, he has maintained and, wherever necessary, fabricated ground equipment to ensure unfettered flying operations.

Wing Commander Achalkar has worked long hours with determination and has displayed an exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and professional competence. His innovative spirit and dedication, which are in the highest traditions of the Air Force, have contributed to the enhancement of the operational potential of the Wing.

For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Wing Commander Prabhakar Mukundrao Achalkar Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Sundaram Kalyan Sundaram was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Air Force in November 1968.

He has been the Chief Engineering Officer of the Air Force Academy since 16 September 1976. Undeterred by the high Aircraft-onGround rate of rotables and ARS spares, and the problems faced on the tail plane, nosewheel assembly and canopies, Wing Commander Sundaram displayed intelligent planning, effective material management, high devotion to duty an cordial relationship with HAL, thus raising the serviceability progressively to 70%. Wing Commander Sundaram Kalyan Sundaram has all along deployed outstanding work, intelligence, management ability and a high sense of devotion to duty and has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Pritam Singh joined the Indian Air Force as an airman on 22 November, 1943. He was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 30 December 1959.

His first tenure was a Fighter Controller from March 1960 to August 1963 at a Signals Unit in the most active sector in Punjab. Whilst at Air Headquarters, he dedicated himself to his task whole heartedly and contributed a great deal to the consolidation of Air Defence System of number of Signals Units integration of Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons and the formulation and issue of Air Defence Air Staff Instructions, directives, procedures and connected Air Publications.

Throughout his service career, Squadron Leader Pritam Singh has displayed high sense of loyalty, exemplary devotion to duty and a high level of professional knowledge and skill.

In recognition of the distinguished service of a high order rendered by Squadron Leader Pritam Singh the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Corporal Vamsa Vardhana Audipudi joined the Air Force in November 1962. He has been responsible far setting up and operating the servicing bays of radio and radar equipment of a sophisticated jet trainer aircraft.

By his diligent application and thorough professional knowledge, devotion to duty and zeal, Corporal Audipudi not only rectified many complicated snags on the aircraft, but devised and executed a modification altering the internal circuiting. This not only removed certain basic snags but also solved the intercommunication problem of the operators and greatly improved the radio performance, thus leading to increased efficiency and greater flight safety.

Corporal Vamsa Vardhana Audipudi's ingenuity, technical skill, devotion to duty and hard work have been a worthy example to others and are in the best traditions of the Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Corporal George Chacko, Airframe Fitter joined the Air Force on 26 June 1963. His professional knowledge as a Non-commissioned Officer, of aircraft systems, snag rectifications, the numerous modifications, Special Technical Instructions and other Technical Orders is outstanding.

During the period February-March 1976, when all fighter aircraft were grounded for special checks, Corporal George, with a small gang of technicians, worked relentlessly for long hours, unmindful of his personal comfort. During these special checks on the aircraft he came across a number of difficult technical problems. With his superior theoretical and practical knowledge, professional skill and determination, he devised a number of jigs and rigs to solve the problems. He thus made a number of these aircraft serviceable within the shortest possible time.

Corporal George Chacko has an excellent record of achievements in the past. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.