Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar has been in Command of an operational supersonic fighter squadron since May, 1979. He was commissioned in December, 1960 and has since held a number of important appointments.

During his active squadron service, he acquired a fully operational status on jet fighters which included Vampire, Hunter, Gnat and MiG-21. He has to his credit 2000 accident free flying hours on these aircraft. By dint of hard work, he has completed the Pilot Attack Instructor, the Fighter Combat Leader, and the Defence Services Staff College Courses. His performance during Indo-Pak Conflicts, 1965 and 1971 was commendable. He was appointed founder member of Tactics and Development Establishment and served as flying inspector at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. During this period he endeavoured for and achieved high standards of combat training. As inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, he raised the operational readiness and effectiveness of our fighter squadrons through his personal supervision and guidance.

On his return from a tenure abroad, he was put in Command of an operational MiG21 Squadron where he worked hard to build up the combat potential of his Squadron. As a result, his Squadron achieved the distinction of being as the second­best Squadron for Instrument Rating Trophy.

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar thus displayed professional skill, qualities of able leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu was serving as a Flight Commander in a fighter Squadron before he took over as Commding Officer of another fighter Squadron from 18th October 1979. During his tenure as a senior Flight Commander, he smoothly accomplished the re-equipment of his Squadron by a more sophisticated aircraft. Through his organizing ability and dedicated efforts, the Sqaudron achieved operational status within a few months and successfully completed its Air Defence duties on deployment under an operational group for over two months from February to April 1979.

Subsequently as Squadron Commander he ensured for his Squadon a very high standard of operational efficiency and an accident free record. Earlier, during the period 1967 to 1969, he was commended thrice by the Chief of the Air Staff and once each by AOCin­C Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarters 1 Ops Group, for high performance and dedication.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill, a pilot with many accomplishments, has to his credit over 9000 accident free hours. He was commissioned in 1962 and was one of the few young pilots in 1963 to be selected for conversion training in a foreign country. He attained the status of a fully operational pilot with a 'B' 'Green' category with a year. He consolidated his flying experience and flew over 2000 hours as Captain mostly in the operational areas of J & K. This valuable experience gained by him helped in formulating the Standard Operating Procedures which are at present in use for safe flying in these areas.

In 1967, Squadron Leader Gill became a qualified flying instructor. During this tenure he flew a total of 3000 instructional hours. During Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he participated in several bombing missions on the front. Due to shortage of Qualified Flying Instructors in the Squaron, he was entrusted with additional tas of training new pilots, which he carried out competently.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill has thus displayed professional competence and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has to his credit a total of 3900 hours of accident free flying sicne January 1970 of which 500 hours were flown in the Eastern Sector alone. During 1971 operations, while posted as the Adjutant of an Air Observation Post Flight, he voluntarily undertook seventeen operational sorties in Krishak Aircraft.

Within a short period of 5 years as a flying instructor, Squdron Leader Naidu flew 1620 instructional hours on the Kiran and HS-748 Aircraft. In his present tenure of three years at Transport Training Wing, he has flown over 2000 hours while simultaneously carrying out supervisory duties as Flight Commander and, at time, as Chief Flying Instructor. He has displayed a missionary zeal in training his pupil and put in devoted and concerted effort to improve their professional standard, both on the ground and in the air. His achievements besides his large numbers of flying hours include Routine Transport Role category "A/ Master Green", Instructional Category 'A-2' and Command Examiner on HS-748 aircraft.

As a supervisor and Command Examiner, Squadron Leader Naidu discharged his duties most effectively. Within the short span of his tenure, he enabled his trainees, staff pilots and instructors in the Unit to achieve a high standard of operational status. He has also contributed to a great extent in updating the standard Operational Procedures, Training Notes and in Standardised Flying Procedures, which have greatly enhanced the efficiency of the unit.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilties and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon was serving with a Transport Squadron since January 1975 before he took over as Flight Engineer Leader on 1st January 1980. He qualified as a Flight Engineer in October 1955 and has since been employed in various operational units and types of transport aircraft. He has flown a total of over 8,300 hours on different types of aircraft including over 2000 hours on operational missions.

Master Warrant Officer Menon has been holding 'A' category on Super Constellation aircraft since 1977. As a Flight Engineer, he displayed a very high degree of professional skill and devotion to duty. His professional knowledge and presence of mind enbled him to tae timely action during inflight emergencies, contributed greatly to the high Flight Safety record of the Squadron and was appreciated by the Air Headquarters. On several occasions, he provided able guidance to ground technicians in rectifying snags especially at out stations. His high professional competence has enabled the Squadron to meet various commitments in time.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon has thus displayed profesioanl competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.