Air Marshal Douglas George King-Lee, AVSM (3040) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1944 and has held many important command and staff assignments during his long meritorious service in the Air Force. His command appointments included the command of an important air base, a Tactical Air Centre, a Base Repair Depot, an Air Defence Control Centre, HQ Maritime Air Operations, Bombay and J & K area. His important staff appointments included Air Adviser to our High Commission in Bangladesh, Senior Air Staff Officer of Training Command and presently, Commandant of the National Defence College.

Air Marshal King-Lee during his service career has undergone a large number of professional courses - both in India and abroad - which includes Flying Instructors course at UK, Defence Services Staff College course at Wellington, Senior Officers Management course at Secunderabad and the National Defence College course.

During his tenure as OC of a Base Repair Depot, production rose to a level which had not been achieved ever before at that particular Depot. As Air Defence Commander of Eastern Sector during Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 he displayed exceptional qualities of supervision and leadership by maximum utilisation of available resources. Thereafter as Air Adviser to our High Commission in Bangladesh during the critical period from 1972-76, he displayed a rare combination of professionalism as well as diplomacy in extremely delicate handling of sensitive matters.

With vast experience as an instructor, both in the air and on the ground, and having held important assignments, Air Marshal King-Lee as Senior Air Staff Officer, Training Command, constantly reviewed training syllabi for every branch and trade and was thus instrumental in re-shaping the training in the IAF. During this period the Flying Training establishments had the lowest ever wastage rate among trainee pilots without compromising our standards.

Air Marshal King-Lee in his long career in the Indian Air Force has shown outstanding qualities of dynamic leadership and organisational, managerial and professional competence of a very high order.

Air Marshal Douglas George King-Lee has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Balwant Wickram Chauhan, AVSM (3352) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1946. He was graded an above average Pilot on completion of his flying training and started his flying career on transport aircraft. He has so far flown 25 different types of aircraft including jets.

This Officer spent the early years of his flying career in Air Headquarters Communications Squadron where he was engaged in flying VVIPs within and outside India. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian Air Force Officer to obtain 'A' Category on transport aircraft. He is also the only officer of the Indian Air Force who has served with the Queen's Flight of the Royal Air Force. He was the leader of the Team for supply dropping trials from AVRO 748 aircraft in J & K and Ladakh. Air Marshal Chauhan has held various Command and Staff appointments with credit. As a member of the Aircrew Examining Board in the early days after its formation, he applied his professional skill and knowledge of aircraft in evolving sound testing procedures for aircrew, thereby ensuring the highest standards of flying amongst the flying crew of the Indian Air Force.

He has also served with distinction at an important establishment where, in addition to his normal duties involving supervision of operations, technical, equipment and administrative departments of his organisation, Air Marshal Chauhan undertook a number of difficult and risky operations, particularly in the 1971 operations against Pakistan when he flew 34 hours on special operational missions.

As Commandant of Air Force Academy, Air Marshal Chauhan with meticulous planning and utilisation of manpower, aircraft and equipment, ensured a very high standard of training.

With vast experience as an instructor both in the air and on the ground and having held important assignments, Air Marshal Chauhan, as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, reshaped the training in the Indian Air Force and achieved laudable results. He has been instrumental in successfully increasing the intakes at the training establishments. Over his entire career as a Pilot and as a Staff Officer, Air Marshal Balwant Wickram Chauhan has established himself as a leader of men, an organiser and an administrator of a very high ability. He has always worked with a spirit of dedication and exemplary devotion to duty.

Air Marshal Balwant Wickram Chauhan has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jagdish Raj Bhasin, AVSM, VM (3591) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in July, 1949. During his long service career, he has held a variety of Command and Staff appointments with distinction at various levels including policy making levels. In the varied posts held by him, he has distinguished himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

His command appointments include the command of two front line fighter Squadrons, where he accomplished high rate of aircraft serviceability, enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency.

As Air Officer Commanding of a major operational base Air Marshal Bhasin, within a very short time, was able to integrate his command of multi Squadron force into an efficient team achieving lowest ever aircraft accident rate, while maintaining a high serviceability and utilisation rate. In addition to heavy air maintenance tasks, his base was also called upon to undertake relief operations after the devastating earthquake in Himachal Pradesh in January/February 1975 and during floods in August, 1975. The air efforts in both these relief operations had won high acclaim and enhanced the prestige of the Air Force. This was possible because of the excellent planning and leadership displayed by Air Marshal Bhasin.

In recent years, this officer, has held with distinction the important appointments of Director of Offensive Ops at Air Headquarters in the rank of Air Commodore and the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command in the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

In his present appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Air Command, he has displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and planning. By his dedicated and dynamic approach he has ensured a very high state of operational preparedness within his command, inspite of serious difficulties in the form of fuel and power shortages and diminishing spares backing for ageing aircraft. Through his close monitoring of ground maintenance, flying and allied activities, Air Marshal Bhasin has been instrumental in building up an operational infrastructure of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jagdish Raj Bhasin has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Loreto Pestana Pereira (3705) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Air Force in 1945. The Officer graduated from the Defence Services Staff College in 1959. As a member of the Maintenance Planning Teams and as Deputy Air Adviser at High Commission for India in London he effectively provided

the required spares support to the existing and newly inducted aircraft. One of the pioneers in management training in the Air Force, he helped build up the Institute of Defence Management in its early formative years and then functioned, with distinction, as Director of the Defence Institute of Work Study.

Air Vice Marshal Pereira has been responsible for successful logistics planning connected with induction of new weapon systems. His able and inspiring guidance has helped sustain a high serviceability rate of trainer aircraft despite the ageing of the HT-2 aircraft. In field of Logistics Management, he not only introduced major improvements in the 'on-going' schemes but has effectively put to use exceptional conceptual and innovative skills in evolving new and better supply organisation and procedures. The most notable of these changes are revision of maximum potential establishment for strategic items; direct supply and return of rotables between the repair agencies and operational units; introduction of automatic replenishment of airmen's clothings and streamlining provisioning and purchase procedures.

Air Vice Marshal Loreto Pestana Pereira has thus shown outstanding qualities of leadership, conceptual ability and professional competence. With a spirit of dedication and exemplary sense of duty he has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Loreto Pestana Pereira has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Vajjha Sriman Narayana Murthy (3587) Medical (Retired) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps in 1948 and after a brief period of service in the Army was seconded to the Indian Air Force. Air Vice Marshal Murthy, in spite of his being older in age had the determination to go through the flying training in 1950 and became a fully qualified pilot of the Indian Air Force. He was one of the first few

Medical Officers in country to have achieved this distinction.

Air Vice Marshal Murthy was sent abroad for post-graduate studies from where he qualified as a Otolaryngologist and he was classified in this specialty in 1960. While serving at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, he designed an 'Anechoic' Chamber for a specialised examination of pilots which resulted in considerable saving of foreign exchange.

In 1978 Air Vice Marshal Murthy was appointed as President of Central Medical Establishment of the Indian Air Force dealing with medical evaluation of civil and military aircrew where he performed a sensitive task in a judicious and tactful manner and brought about further improvements. He was appointed as a consultant in the specialty of Otolaryngology for the Armed Forces in view of his long experience. The Officer's contribution in the field of Aviation Otolaryngology has been most outstanding and meritorious. His extensive research on the effects of noise, vibration and disorientation in flight and on ground has been a tremendous help in improving the flying and operational efficiency.

Air Vice Marshal Vajjha Sriman Narayana Murthy (Retired) has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

On the 21st November, 1981, Flight Lieutenant Sankara Iyer Chandrashekhar (13436) Administrative was proceeding by train on his annual leave to Madras by LucknowJhansi Express and was travelling in a First Class compartment along with three other copassengers, all Railway employees. At about 2330 Hours when the train was between Malana and Lalpur railway stations (59 KMs from Kanpur), four armed robbers forced their way into their compartment. One of the passengers was stabbed. Awakened by the disturbance and responding immediately to the victim’s cries for help, Flight Lieutenant Chandrasekhar jumped down from his berth and grappled with the armed robbers while also attempting to pull the alarm chain. At this stage, one of the intruders shot the officer on his right temple at close range with a country made revolver killing him on the spot. Immediately thereafter, the armed robbers escaped under the cover of darkness without inflicting any further injury to the passengers. The circumstances under which Flight Lieutenant Chandrashekar gave his life were obviously such that only a person with abundant courage and steeped in the highest traditions of ‘Service before self’ could respond in the manner he did. Knowing fully well that he was facing a group of desperados not only armed with lethal weapons, but also unhesitating in using them, the officer reacted with reflexes of a well trained and disciplined member of the Air Force.

During the entire episode Flight Lieutenant Sankara Iyer Chandrashekhar displayed conspicuous bravery and courage of the highest order and laid down his life in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia, AVSM, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in 1951 and has served in the Indian Air Force with distinction, ability and devotion to duty. In 1973, he was awarded AVSM for successful planning of systems design of a highly advanced communication system and Air Defence Ground Environ mental system for the Air Force.

Air Commodore K.S. Bhatia was selected for a highly specialised assignment abroad because of his exceptional expertise and achievements in planning systems. He enhanced the prestige of the Air Force by his contribution to the work of the National Radar Council, where he was called upon to head a number of important working groups with many eminent scientists as members. In 1978, though this Officer belonged to electronic stream, be was posted as Chief Engineering Officer of an operational base. He showed his exceptional ability by combining his technical skill and managerial ability and achieved a high rate of serviceability of all the Squadrons on the station on a particular day.

In 1979, he was posted to command one of the Base Repair Depots. This officer with his exceptional qualities, high level technical skill and leadership, completed the task of the Depot allotted for the year. For this achievement, the Repair Depot was awarded the 'Best BRD Trophy' for 1979-80.

During 1980 the Depot was given a challenging commitment of setting up of the Repair and Overhaul task of a new missile system. This task was completed ahead of schedule and in the very first year, one complete major overhaul was carried out on one of the systems, without upsetting the other tasks. As a result, the depot was awarded for a second time the “Best BRD Trophy" for 1980-81.

Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia has continued to achieve most outstanding results of great value to the Air Force in the various assignments given to him and has shown dynamism, tenacity and high degree of leadership. He has become a source of inspiration and an example for technical officers.

Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia, AVSM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commdore Upkar Singh, AVSM (4658) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 16 Jan 54. In the early stages of his career, he became known as a highly competent fighter pilot and there were many predictions made on his future value to the Service. These Predictions have been translated into facts purely because of his professional quality, his progressive attitude and his special flare for fine, enlightened leadership.

He commanded a MiG-21 Squadron, filled several operational staff appointments and because of the distinguished quality of service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1971.

In 1978 he was posted to command a large MiG fighter Wing in the Northern Sector. There were twelve lodger units on the base and it was expected that both operational and administrative health of the Wing would progress satisfactorily under his control.

In the event after two years under his command, the Wing has attained standards far in excess of what was expected. For two years running, the base has won the trophy for Best Operational Wing in Western Air Command, and the MiG Squadrons it houses have flown the most in the Command with the least accident rate, also for two years running. Administrative activity and the management and generation of amenities has also been of positively outstanding quality. In fact, this base has won the WAC trophy for the 'Best Wing in Administration' in 1980. These achievements imply a consistently high performance and created attitude on the part of most of its personnel over a very wide spectrum of activities. In this connection, the enthusiasm and cheerfulness of Personnel at all levels in noteworthy and is a powerful manifestation of superior leadership.

The Wing has become a show piece in the Command and figures in the tours made by most foreign dignitaries to Air Force units and in the various demonstrations laid on for visiting professional teams.

It very clear that the outstanding conditions of the Wing is a source of pride to the service and is almost wholly attributable to the outstanding abilities and leadership of Air Commodore Upkar Singh, who has thereby set a very fine example of how a senior commander should operate.

Air Commodore Upkar Singh, AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 15 Jul 1950. Since then he has served as Engineering Officer of transport as well as fighter Squadrons, Officer-in-charge Avro Assembly, Chief Technical Officer of a large fighter base, Deputy Air Attaché in the Embassy of India at Paris, Officer Commanding of an important Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Command and recently he has taken over as Air Officer-in-Charge of Engineering and Systems at Headquarters Maintenance Command. Air Vice Marshal Rao is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and he successfully completed Senior Defence Management Course at the Institute of Defence Management.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao was closely associated with the maintenance planning for introduction of new types of fighter as well as helicopters. His contribution was of immense value for the smooth introduction of four different types of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters in the Indian Air Force during its formative years.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao during his tenure as Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot successfully completed the challenging task of meeting the production targets of a large number of rotables for our aircraft. AVSM 1981-82

He not only brought about remarkable improvements in the functioning of the BRD but also carried out modifications of far reaching strategic importance on two types of front line fighter aircraft.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao was Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Command from November 78 to June 81. During this period the air officer had contributed significantly to the overall improvement of aircraft serviceability in the Command. He had done this by keen and deep personal involvement in maintenance matters to keep aircraft flying to the maximum extent possible. The aircraft fleets in the Command included Canberras and Packets which are very old aircraft.

Notable achievements in the maintenance field are the clearance of prolonged aircraft on ground (AOG aircraft). In 1979 and in 1980 a very large number of aircraft, which had been on prolonged AOG were cleared.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri, VM Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 15th March, 1952 and has over 4700 hours of flying to his credit. During his tenure of about 30 years he has handled a wide and varied range of assignments and held with distinction a number of important positions including command of two front line fighter squadrons, examiner in the Aircrew Examining Board, Deputy Director and Examiner in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspections, Director of Air Defence, Director of Intelligence, Station Commander and Air Officer Commanding, of a large Air Force Station. It is to his credit that in all these important assignments handled by him, he has left his mark with his hard work, intelligent and analytical approach, drive and initiative, professional skill and administrative ability. While commanding an operational fighter squadron he was personally involved in the modification for release of armament stores from the type of aircraft in his squadron, thereby enhancing its fire power. This major modification had not only enhanced the fire power of the Indian Air Force but also saved a large amount of foreign exchange.

He has been in command of a large Air Force Station, since January 1979. During this period there has been significant and noticeable improvement in the performance of all operational, technical and administrative AVSM 1982 activities. These improvements have come about in great measure due to his keen involvement in all the multifarious activities of the Wing. A system of making a comparative assessment of performance of all units in this command was instituted in 1979 and trophies awarded to winners. Of the trophies awarded for 1979 his Station has won the trophy for being the best station in maintenance, best in administration and also for best in sports. Its performance in 1980 resulted in the award for best overall in the Central Air Command again going to his Station, and it also the won the best in maintenance trophy.

Air Vice Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Commodore Arvind Dalaya was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. His first posting was to a fighter Squadron where he was assessed as an above average pilot. After this he completed a tenure as a Flying Instructor. Later he had the distinction of commanding three helicopter units and was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1965 for his participation in the Sialkot Sector. He was also assessed as an exceptional helicopter pilot.

Shortly afterwards, he commanded an establishment which was responsible for the receipt assembly and air test of the then latest fighter aircraft being acquired by the Air Force from abroad. All these aircraft were delivered to the earmarked Squadrons on schedule and without a single accident. For his dedicated work, he was commended by the CAS in 1971.

Immediately after this, he was entrusted with a task to carry out trial landings on water in the Chetak helicopter for the first time. He completed these trials single handed, and without sophisticated aids, on the Arabian Sea and evaluated the performance of the helicopter for landing on water. He then trained the entire newly formed helicopter unit in this task in order to enable them to operate at Bombay High.

In 1977, he was given command of a large Air Force Station. In this assignment, due to his total involvement in every aspect of the functioning of the Station, he ensured that the multifarious commitments and functions entrusted to the Station were always accomplished with a high degree of efficiency. It was during this period that the Station was called upon to assist the flood victims of Delhi area. It was because of his untiring effort and inspired leadership that prompt relief measures were undertaken to provide succour and rehabilitation to the affected villagers. His efforts earned the Air Force the praise of the public as well as the press.

In January, 1979, he took over as the Director of Personnel Services at Air Headquarters, an appointment responsible for a varied spectrum of activities ranging from Ceremonials, Publicity, Welfare, Honours and Awards, Bands, Catering, Dress, Disciplinary cases, Appeals, Writ Petitions, Provost, Benevolent Fund, Central Welfare Fund, etc.

Inspite of the heavy pressure of work involved, he always displayed a capacity for sustained and systematic hard work to achieve results.

Air Commodore Arvind Dalaya, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1954. Right at the start of his career, he showed a great potential, when with hardly one year of service he was adjudged Cat 'A' Bomb Aimer by Armament Training Wing. Since then he has flown over 4700 hours in a variety of Bomber, Interdictor and Transport aircraft. He has had the rare distinction of obtaining the highest professional category possible on all these aircraft. As a Navigator and Bomb Aimer, he led his Squadron(s) in a number of Joint/Combined exercises, Fire Power Demonstrations and Republic Day Flypasts with distinction.

During the period 1948 to 1962 he flew a number of operational missions as escort to a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. Later, as a member of our Canberra Detachment which was part of the United Nations Forces in Congo, he displayed rare courage and dedication by flying as many as 30 Operational missions.

In 1963, he was specially selected for assignment in Air Headquarters Communications Squadron because of his professional excellence. He was probably the first Navigator from Bomber Stream to be selected for such an assignment. During his long stay with Air Headquarters Communications Squadron, he was Navigation Leader for three years and held Cat 'A' (highest possible) on all the transport aircraft held on charge of the Squadron.

In June, 1976, then Group Captain, he was posted as Station Commander, Air Force Station, Begumpet where besides Ab initio training of Navigators and Air Signallers, Advance Navigation Courses are also conducted. As a Commander, he displayed rare qualities of leadership and inspite of limited resources all the assigned tasks including requirements of Flight Safety were met in full. Notwithstanding his onerous responsibilities as a Commander he set a personal example in professionalism by continuing to maintain Cat 'A' in Transport Support role.

It was during his tenure as Station Commander that coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were hit by a devastating cyclone in November 1977. As overall in charge of Air activity in support of rescue operations, he, with his exemplary zeal, exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and capacity for hard work, ensured successful completion of this tremendous task.

In September, 1979, he was posted to South Western Air Command in his present assignment as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration. In this appointment, he has displayed great initiative, devotion to duty and professionalism. During this period a number of Squadrons and new Weapon Systems were inducted in this Command - some of these at very short notice. Credit for successful accomplishment of these tasks goes entirely to his leadership and meticulous planning.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Padam Sen Kapur, took over as Air Officer Logistics Management at HQ Maintenance Command with effect from 4 August 1980. His area of responsibilities covered inventory management of first and second line spares held at stock holding depots, Air Stores Parks and third and fourth line spares held at Overhaul Supply Depots and Support Wings of BRDs. He also looked after the mechanical transport requirements of Maintenance Command units and Repair and Overhaul of Specialist MT vehicles. In addition he was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining close liaison with HAL Factories, Air India, Indian Airlines and other Public Sector undertakings.

His in­depth knowledge on all logistic activities like ware­housing, storage, maintenance, provisioning, inventory management and control, transportation, purchase procedures etc. was the basis for making major recommendations and forwarding the proposals which have led to an improvement in the working of logistic functions in this Headquarters and have also contributed in achieving economy and optimal supply system in the Air Force.

Air Commodore Padam Sen Kapur, VSM, (Retd.) has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has been Air Officer Commanding of one of the operational Wings. The Wing is responsible for exercising operational and functional control over Fighter Squadrons, Helicopter Unit, Air Observation Post Flight and Range Unit. Under his command the Wing has steadily registered an all­round increase in operational preparedness. There has also been a marked increase in the utilisation rate of aircraft. The flying environment has improved and this has enabled the Squadrons to fulfill training tasks/exercises. A Fighter Squadron and a Helicopter Unit have won squadron of the year' trophies. All flying units have attained Fully Operational and Instrument Rating status. The Wing was able to achieve the laid down percentages of serviceability in respect of all aircraft. A high Radio Navigational and serviceability was maintained throughout the year. MT serviceability was optimum. During this short span of time, the Wing was able to complete all works services sanctioned within the specified frame which resulted improved water supply, power supply, recreational facilities, working environment and living conditions. Resurfacing of link taxi track was also completed and an independent feeder line from nearby city was commissioned. Nonpublic funds registered a large growth rate. Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has brought about worthwhile changes in day to day functioning of the Station and the quality of life of personnel due to his steadfast performance of duties.

Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He was posted to a Fighter Squadron and on completion of his tenure was detailed to undergo the Flying Instructors Course. On completion of his Instructional tenure the officer held a number of varied posts, distinguishing himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

He commanded a front line fighter squadron where he accomplished enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency. Subsequently as the Command Training Officer (Flying) in Headquarters Training Command, Air Commodore Allen with meticulous planning and optimum utilisation of aircraft, manpower and equipment reshaped the training, achieving creditable results without compromise in the training standards.

In recent years Air Commodore Allen was in Command of an Operational Signals Unit. Immediately on taking over the unit he was faced with various Operational Maintenance and Administrative difficulties due to the unit's location, in extremely difficult terrain. Air Commodore Allen with great determination and unflinching devotion to duty organised the unit to meet the existing and changing challenges with limited resources at his disposal. With dedicated hard work, he brought the unit's operational effectiveness to its peak, despite constraints of communication, maintenance and manning. During his tenure there was a vast improvement in the operational functioning of the unit, in that the serviceability of radar was maintained at 99.2 per cent and outstanding categorisation of Fighter Controllers was achieved, by imparting continuous theoretical and practical training, and the Operation Room was re-organised to meet operational commitments.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain P. M. Sundaram has held a wide variety of appointments as a specialist medical officer in the Indian Air Force. He has been in charge of the Department of Acceleration Physiology at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore from 1969 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1975. During his tenure at the Institute of Aviation Medicine he has carried out many research projects independently which are of direct benefit to the Air Force. His work led to the standardisation of the technique of determination of G threshold of pilots which is currently being followed. In this study he was also able to establish a correlation between Pilot's G threshold and their anthropometric measurements. Group Captain P.M. Sundaram completed the project on design and development of the Universal cockpit at the Institute of Aviation Medicine which is a versatile tool for human engineering problems in relation to fitness of aircrew with disabilities.

During his tenure as DPMO (Aviation Medicine) at Western Air Command, Group Captain Sundaram was responsible for streamlining the Casualty Air Evacuation Procedures and was instrumental in bringing out the publication of Casualty Air Evacuation which is still in current use. He carried out a survey of survival packs with a view to provide aircrew with all survival aids in the event of an emergency situation. Similarly he also carried out a detailed study of use of ear defenders by personnel so as to contribute to the hearing conservation programme of the Air Force.

Group Captain P. M. Sundaram has also successfully completed the tenure as Officerin­Charge Aero Bio Engineering Unit in the R & D Organisation. During his tenure he was responsible for the development and indigenisation of various items of flying clothing, safety and survival equipment. More particularly it was during his tenure that indigenous oxygen masks were produced in bulk thus saving valuable foreign exchange. Specific requirement of development of G loaded helmet for the Ajeet Aircraft was carried out under his guidance and supervision.

Group Captain P.M. Sundaram has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Brijesh Dhar Jayal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 8 Oct 1955. His entire service has been marked with outstanding professionalism in every field of activity that he has been involved in. Whether as a Pilot Attack Instructor, a first line fighter Squadron Commander, a test pilot or as a staff officer, his performance has always been of a very high and exceptional order. As a test pilot Group Captain Jayal was associated with trials on various types of aircraft. His approach to test flying has always been intelligent and constructive throughout and his analytical assessments highly valuable. He was responsible for working out the radii of action and take­off techniques in various configurations in respect of a supersonic aircraft, and successfully evolved its gunnery technique and helped in the adoption of the right and simple type of gun sight. He was responsible for pinpointing the faults of a trainer aircraft safe for flying. For his contribution in test flying he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in January 1969 and in January 1974 was awarded a Bar to Vayu Sena Medal for his significant contribution to military aviation.

Group Captain Jayal has been the leader of the Jaguar Project Team in the U.K. since April 1979. In this capacity, he has played an extremely important role in the implementation of all the agreements for the acquisition and very rapid induction of Jaguar aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Throughout the conduct of countless operational and technical aspects of this wideranging mandate he displayed an intensely farsighted anticipation, an extremely painstaking thoroughness and tremendous dedication. All his dealings with the manufacturers, their sub­contractors and the British Ministry of Defence were marked by a remarkably high degree of professionalism and negotiating skill which generated in these organizations a very high regard and admiration for the Indian Air Force. Further, his endeavours were constantly directed towards the singleminded purpose of safeguarding our long term technical and financial interests in the execution of this immense investment.

Group Captain Brijesh Dhar Jayal, VM & Bar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Srinivasan Krishnaswamy (5149) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Air Force in April, 1956.

During more than 25 years of service; the officer has served in various assignments, initially on instructional duties at various training institutions, including the National Defence Academy and subsequently on staff appointments. While his performance, throughout, has been outstanding, his contribution to the Air Force has been of special significance in two of his important appointments.

Firstly, as Assistant/Officiating Deputy Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters, in the early 70s, the officer, by his acumen for identifying weak areas and suggesting remedial measures, made substantial contribution towards bringing about a remarkable improvement in the security environment at various operational Stations just before the commencement of the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971. He also codified the instructions and procedures for handling the highly sensitive tasks entrusted to the Directorate of Intelligence thereby enhancing the efficacy of security/counter-intelligence operations in the Air Force.

More recently, in his present appointment as the Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, an appointment which he has held for more than three years now, the officer has brought in a high degree of improvement in the staff work by his involvement, maturity and the highest norms of inter­personal relations. By virtue of his professional and un­biased approach to the wide spectrum of subjects referred to the Chief of the Air Staff, he has rendered invaluable staff assistance to the Chief of the Air Staff.

Group Captain Srinivasan Krishnaswamy has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain, then Wing Commander, Dinanath Nadkarni, VM, was

specially selected to command, the first Jaguar Squadron. On returning to India after training he took up the task of setting up the squadron and training pilots. He worked long hours to plan, formulate and execute training of pilots, laid down drills and training syllabi. In a short period, with limited resources in terms of aircraft and associated equipment he was able to declare 12 pilots fully operational. In addition, he simultaneously undertook the training of new pilots locally, thereby saving valuable foreign exchange. During the same period he was also involved in ferrying of aircraft from UK and was largely responsible in laying down briefings, procedures and orders for safe conduct of ferries.

By his hard work and total involvement he was able to put the squadron on a very strong and firm footing in a short time. He also ensured a total flight safety environment whereby with limited resources the squadron flew well over a thousand hours without accident. Throughout Group Captain Dinanath Nadkarni has displayed remarkable qualities of leadership, dedication and loyalty of a very high order.

Group Captain Dinanath Nadkarni, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

On the 23rd May, 1980, Flying Officer Suresh Gattu was authorized to fly as No. 2 in a two aircraft sector reconnaissance sortie. At the end of the sortie, after peel off overhead, while turning onto downwind, Flying Officer Suresh Gattu found his flight instruments flicker and become unserviceable. His radio telephone faded out at this stage. He tried lowering undercarriage unsuccessfully by normal means. The cone was stuck and all attempts to retract it manually were of no avail. Flaps also failed to lower. The trimmer was also stuck and inoperative and there were no light indications in the cockpit. Flying Officer Suresh Gattu lowered the undercarriage by emergency method and made a flapless approach. After touch down he put off HP cock and operated the tail chute. The tail chute did not operate and he was left with maxarette braking also inoperative (his threshold speed was 300 kmph, it being a flapless approach). Flying Officer Suresh Gattu brought the aircraft to a stop safely by the end of the runway and with scant regard to his personal safety when odds pitched against him were very high, saved a costly aircraft.

Flying Officer Suresh Gattu thus displayed a high degree of professional skill, competence and devotion to duty.

On the 17th September, 1980, Squadron Leader Adhip Banerjee (11592) Flying (Pilot), who is a test pilot, was detailed to carry out an air test on Hunter aircraft. During the descent after the air test while breaking clouds at 1000 feet a vulture hit the front windshield of the aircraft. The impact shattered the canopy causing an explosion and resulted in the depressurization of the cockpit and very strong air blast. The vulture came through the wind shield and hit him directly on the face. The impact was fortunately taken by the visor and helmet. His visor and the front canopy were badly smudged with blood and pulp of the bird as a result of which the Pilot's frontal vision was completely obstructed. At this juncture, Squadron Leader Adhip Banerjee displayed great presence of mind and resolve to bring the aircraft to base safely. He immediately got on to instruments which he could barely see. Since there were clouds above and ground was only 1000 feet below, utmost flying skill and accuracy was necessary to maneuver the aircraft.

The pilot dropped speed and checked up all other aircraft systems while turning to downwind on mental DR. Since the noise level in the cockpit was very high due to air flow, Squadron Leader Banerjee transmitted the extent of damage of the aircraft and asked Air Traffic Control to fire green cartridge on finals. After dropping speed, barely keeping his eyes open, he sighted the runway with great difficulty and carried out a smooth landing saving costly aircraft from destruction.

Squadron Leader Adhip Banerjee thus displayed a very high standard of flying skill and presence of mind in bringing the aircraft safely back in complete disregard of his personal safety.

On the 18th September, 1980, Squadron Leader Om Prakash Shugal was detailed for an air maintenance supply landing sortie to one of the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the Eastern Sector in a two engine transport aircraft. After take off from ALG on his return flight to base, the starboard engine failed without any prior warning or indication. He immediately turned towards the ALG to carry out an emergency landing and at the same time tried to find the possible cause of engine failure. He had barely coped with the emergency when the port engine started to back fire heavily resulting in loss of power. Under the circumstances he was left with no choice but to draw on remaining power from the port engine as long as was possible so as to reach the ALG. Because of the misbehavior of the port engine he had to eventually switch it off. He nursed whatever power was available from his live engine to make a successful emergency landing at the ALG which is surrounded by inhospitable terrain and thick jungles. Crash landing would have resulted in total destruction of the aircraft and certain death for all on board which included the crew members and nine passengers.

The directional control during the critical stage of approach to ALG became most difficult due to heavy backfire and erratic power from starboard engine. By displaying cool courage in the face of near disaster, Squadron Leader Shugal coped admirably with the situation and with judicious selection of flaps on the final approach in conditions of total loss of power, the successful landing was executed.

Squadron Leader Om Prakash Shugal thus displayed exceptional cool mindedness, superb airmanship and exemplary courage.

On the 20th September, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Dhulappa Navale (13602) Flying (Pilot), was called upon to fly a VIP for reconnaissance in and around the flood affected areas of Orissa. After landing at GUNPUR, the VIP started talking to people around the helicopter. While doing so, a section of crowd started shouting slogans against him. The agitation picked up momentum and soon the agitators starting closing in on the VIP. Flight Lieutenant Navale on seeing the imminent crisis, forced his way through the crowd and with total disregard to personal safety, stood like a wall between the crowd on the one side and the VIP and the helicopter behind him. The agitating public, not only manhandled Flight Lieutenant Navale but took him and the VIP away from the helicopter which was damaged.

Flight Lieutenant Navale and the VIP returned after the mob fury had mellowed down. He quickly assessed the extent of damaged and while doing so one of the agitators told him to take off and leave the VIP behind. He took advantage of the situation and took off. He immediately landed back and quickly pulled up the VIP and flew him safely to GOPALPUR.

Had Flight Lieutenant Navale not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further breakdown in law and order situation.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Dhulappa Navale displayed determination, courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 25th January, 1981, Corporal Darshan Singh Brar, Workshop Fitter, along with his wife, boarded the Kalka-Ferozpur Frontier Mail at Chandigarh for Bhatinda to attend the marriage of his sister-in-law. At about 0015 hours, when the train left Barnala Railway Station, three hoodlums entered the compartment in which Corporal Brar was traveling. Two of them were armed with knives and the third one had a country made pistol. The robbers started waking up the passengers and demanded all the cash and valuables in their possession. Corporal Brar and his wife were also woken up by one of the miscreants who, brandishing a knife, asked them to hand over all their cash and valuables. Instead of submitting to the threats like other passengers, Corporal Brar resisted and put up a fight. Even though he was unarmed, Corporal Brar caught hold of one of the dacoits and shouted to the other passengers to get up and resist the robbers boldly. Unfortunately, due to general scare, none of the passengers put up any resistance and Corporal Brar continued to fight single handed. While he was about to overpower one of the robbers, the man with the gun hearing the calls of his companion, joined in and fired at Corporal Brar at a close range. Corporal Brar slumped down and collapsed immediately.

The courage and heroic fight put up by Corporal Darsahn Singh Brar with the hoodlums was not only in self defence but was also aimed at saving the other passengers and his ultimate sacrifice is in the best traditions of the service.

On the 26th August, 1981, Flying Officer Jankiraman Balasubramanian (15558) Flying (Pilot), took off for an air dropping sortie in Eastern Sector. The Dropping Zone was one of the Southern-most low lying dropping Zone. The flight was uneventful till the aircraft reached the dropping Zone. On his very first run for the drop, Flying Officer Balasubramanian heard a loud backfiring noise from his port engine followed by severe vibrations and smoke. Flying Officer Balasubramanian quickly checked his engine instruments and confirmed the failure of port engine. He not only controlled the aircraft at this critical stage of flight but avoided the hill in front of him in a cool, confident and courageous manner and simultaneously shut down the port engine. Flying Officer Balasubramanian found that his aircraft was not climbing on one engine. He quickly ejected the load and managed to gain the badly needed height of 1500' which was his minimum escape route height. He flew the stricken aircraft on one engine for over one hour over hilly terrain fighting turbulence and keeping a hawk's eye on the temperature of his live engine. He thus succeeded in bringing the aircraft back to base and made a perfect touch down.

Flying Officer Jankiraman Balasubramanian, with his flying experience of only 270 hours, handled the grave emergency in an exemplary and professional manner and thus saved eight valuable lives on board.

On 24th May, 1981, information was received that some members of a Japanese mountaineering expedition were in a precarious condition, a few hundred feet short of Nun Kun Peak at a height of 6300 metres. On 25th May, 1981, several attempts to land a helicopter had to be abandoned due to very high density altitude.

Captain Ranjit Singh Dev was detailed to carry out the task on the 26th May, 1981. Along with Captain P. C. Bhandari as copilot, he took off at 0530 hours from Srinagar airfield for Nun Kun. On reaching the area, Captain Dev saw that he would have to land in a totally unprepared and restricted snow surface between two peaks at 23,800 feet which is 800 ft. above the service ceiling of the aircraft. The place was interspersed with deep crevasses and covered with lose snow. Aware of this and assessing that he would have only marginal reserve of power even if the helicopter was flown single pilot, he landed at the Advance base camp and dropped the co-pilot. He took off alone for challenging mission fully aware of the risks involved to rescue the mountaineers, who were in a serious condition.

The cloud and turbulent weather and snow covered made the mission extremely dangerous. Having located the casualties after many attempts, Captain Dev landed in a small area between the two peaks. As the helicopter was landed the exhausted mountaineers came out of their tent dragging their unconscious companion. With considerable effort the first casualty was kept in the helicopter. He then took off and picked up the co-pilot from Advance Base Camp and landed at Kargil with marginal fuel.

Captain Dev again got airborne to rescue the remaining mountaineers. The rise in temperature at the site had raised the density altitude and increased the already high turbulence level. He landed at the same spot on two subsequent sorties and evacuated the remaining mountaineers with all their equipment.

Captain Ranjit Singh Dev thus displayed a very high degree of professional competence, determination, courage and devotion to duty.

On the 21st July, 1981, Squadron Leader Gurcharan Singh Madan (10452), Flying (Pilot) of 117 HU, was detailed as Captain to fly of Chetak Helicopter from Bareilly to Gauchar with an enroute halt at Haldwani for refueling. About 10 minutes of take off from Haldwani, his helicopter suddenly pitched up and started rolling to the right. It immediately developed severe vibrations and the control column started snatching in all directions. The severity of pitch, roll and vibrations was so great that he along with co-pilot had difficulty in retaining a grip on the control column and impossible to read the instruments. The movement of the stick was so vicious that it repeatedly hit their legs, badly lacerating them. The Helicopter was out of control and a crash was imminent.

Sqn Ldr Madan with commendable presence of mind and cool courage analysed the emergency and came to conclusion that the existing condition could only be outcome of a failure of rotor head system as had been the case with two earlier fatal accidents. He immediately decided to force land the helicopter on whatever open space he could find. With this intention, he lowered the collective pitch. By this action the vibrations reduced slightly and he could retain grip on the control column with a great effort. A marginal control of the helicopter was thus achieved. With the control of the helicopter hanging in a very delicate balance, Sqn Ldr Madan brought down the stricken helicopter to a small clearing for landing. The moment he raised the collective to cushion the landing shock, the vibration again became very severe. It was only his superlative flying skill, exemplary courage and tenacity of purpose which helped him to land helicopter with minimal damage.

In making this extremely difficult recovery of helicopter without excessive damage, Squadron Leader Gurcharan Singh Mann had not only saved a valuable aircraft and the lives of his co-pilot and his own but has made the investigation of the cause of this failure possible which in future will save further accidents.

Squadron Leader Gurcharan Singh Mann thus displayed exemplary courage, extremely high standard of flying skill and devotion to duty of high order.

On the 19th June, 1981, 256161 Junior Warrant Officer Ghasi Ram Bagaria, Radar Fitter, was traveling by 17 UP Sawai Madhopur-Loharu Mail Train. At Sikar, a gang of dacoits armed with lathis, knives and daggers, boarded the train and started indiscriminately bashing up the unwary passengers. Junior Warrant Officer Ghasi Ram Bagaria single handedly, traded blows with the desperadoes for the protection of the lives and property of cotravelers and sustained injuries. The injuries that JWO received were so grave that he had to be hospitalized for 18 days with multiple head injury in the Government Hospital, Jhunjhunu. This brave act of his was greatly appreciated by the Superintendent of Police, Jhunjhunu and various outside agencies.

25616 Junior Warrant Officer Ghasi Ram Bagaria thus displayed conspicuous courage and bravery.

On the 27th August, 1981, Wing Commander Jasminder Sing Kahlon was detailed to extricate the body of one Mr. MASAZUMI KASHI who had died as a result of a fall from the Drung area of Zanskar valley in Ladakh. In spite of the extremely inhospitable weather conditions and at the very great altitude of over 17,500 ft. Wing Commander Kahlon landed his CHEETAH helicopter on the right skid keeping the left skid suspended in the air while his copilot and a guide carried the body from the crevasse and put it into the helicopter, he maintained this position at great risk to his person and the helicopter.

Wing Commander Jasminder Sing Kahlon, thus, displayed conspicuous courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Unni Krishnan Palat (12733) Accounts, was specially selected for a High Altitude, “Paratroopers Nanda Devi Expedition”, as advisor cum specialist in Air Borne Operations and leader of a Sub Patrol. The task entailed recce of general area Nanda Devi, climbing various passes, glaciers, ridges, high points and attempt the highest peak of Nanda Devi Main 25645 ft. and Nanda Devi East 24391 ft.

Apart from carrying out his own task and responsibilities, he provided intimate support on a number of occasions to other Patrols when operating on technical hazardous route at height above 18000 ft. by personally carrying and delivering their mostly critical needed items to such spots, where carriage of extra ounce mattered.

On 14th September, 1981, he was almost killed by a falling rock when the impact was taken by his rucksack. Undeterred by the incident, he continued to provide support and facilitated in speedy road opening. Subsequently when the responsibility of fixing the most hazardous route at height between 21000 to 22000 ft. was placed on him, he achieved the same most successfully, against many odds, mainly due to his willed perseverance, sustained courage and exemplary leadership.

On 27th September, 1981, he exhibited a tremendous spirit of sacrifice by handing the entire food and fuel to the other patrol, when they demanded, and he along with his team remained hungry for almost 24 hours.

On 6th October, 1981, he organized a detailed and thorough search and rescue mission, involving prolonged strenuous activity at high altitudes to locate two members of the expedition and returned only after ascertaining that they had met with a fatal accident. The very next day, knowing fully well the dangerous route ahead and undeterred by the incidents, he not only completed the Recce task on schedule but repeated the ascent to Nanda Devi East from different route, and successfully climbed the summit at 1430 hours on the 7th October, 1981. By doing so, his patrol comprising 11 members was the first ever to achieve a rare distinction to scaling the prestigious and technically most difficult Nanda Devi East (24391 ft.)

Flight Lieutenant Unni Krishnan Palat has thus displayed exemplary sustained courage, spirit of selfless sacrifice and an exceptional devotion to duty.

In the autumn of 1981, the Army organized an expedition to Nanda Devi. The main task assigned to the expedition was to attempt the highest twin peaks of Nanda Devi Main 25,645 ft and Nanda Devi East 24,391 ft., which amounted to launching two major expeditions on separate axis i.e., then West and East, respectively. Flight Lieutenant Pazhangat Venugopalan was specially selected to lead Sub Patrol No.2 of the West Patrol.

Throughout the expedition, Flt Lt Venugopalan displayed selfless devotion above and beyond call of duty and courage of very high order. On one occasion when one of the members absolutely exhausted, dehydrated and frost bitten was located after 8 days, Flt Lt Venugoplan took care of him and parted with one of his crampons and gave it to other members who had none and took the personal risk of escorting him down to Camp II with only one crampon covering the treacherous descent on the steep and hazardous cooks comb ridge. Survival of the said member is purely attributed to this quick evacuation.

Once again, Flt Lt Venugopalan displayed exceptional courage, dedication and selfless sacrifice when on the 16th October, 1981, just 400 ft. short of summit, he felt blurring of his vision and became totally blind. When NK Gyasi Ram was helping to climb the last vertical rock, the anchor of the rope that was fixed gave away and Flt Lt Venugoplan slipped about 100' but was lucky to survive certain death. Because of this miraculous escape and the fact that the expedition had already had four fatal accidents of similar nature, he would have been fully justified to call off the mission but instead he insisted and encouraged other members to complete the mission. In a state of total blindness knowing fully well that a single wrong step could be fatal, or if the weather had turned worse or the other members did not return he might be frozen to death, Flt Lt Venugopalan for the sake of success of the mission voluntarily chose to stay back alone and thus displayed courage of an exceptionally high order at the gravest risk to his life. He sustained very severe frost bite – as a result of which he lost parts of 6 fingers and 8 toes.

Flight Lieutenant Pazhangat Venugopalan displayed total dedication and devotion to duty, tremendous team spirit, selfless spirit of sacrifice, and exemplary courage.

On the 29th January, 1982, Wing Commander Baljit Singh Chhoker (7018) Flying (Pilot) was authorized to carry out an air test on a Chetak Helicopter at a forward helipad in North Sikkim after a major component change. He was also authorized to ferry the aircraft back to the base subject to its serviceability. The helicopter was found to be fully serviceable throughout ground run, hover check and air test by the pilots.

Fully satisfied with the serviceability of aircraft Wg Cdr Chhokar who is highly experienced and a Test Pilot on type took off from helipad for the base. After flying for 5 minutes at a height of 17,500' (i.e., 1500' AGL), lateral oscillations of low amplitude and low frequency were observed by him. Wg Cdr Chhokar, sensing it to be unusual, decided to return to the helipad. At this stage lateral oscillations increased in amplitude, became divergent and cyclic flew out of the pilot's hands and started churning. The aircraft started pitching up and down. Reacting to grave emergency where loss in lateral as well as pitch axis was felt, he decided to force land the aircraft immediately and attempted a distress call. Partial control of the aircraft was regained just before landing and a smooth touch down in a totally inhospitable terrain was executed.

Further investigation revealed sudden failure of one of the three spacer cable from both ends. Earlier cases of such damage to the aircraft had invariably resulted into loss of the helicopter as well as the pilots. In making this extremely difficult recovery of the helicopter, Wg Cdr Chhoker had not only saved a valuable aircraft and lives of his co-pilot and his own but had made the investigation of the cause of the failure possible which in future will save further accidents.

Wing Commander Baljit Singh Chhoker thus displayed exemplary courage, devotion to duty and extremely high standard of flying skill in the best tradition of the Air Force. '

Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay was commissioned on the 31st May, 1961. Since then he has been in various fighter Squadrons. On assuming command of a supersonic squadron in July 1979, Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay took stock of his resources and with single mindedness, meticulous planning and optimum utilization of each resource, he was able to complete 200 hours of inspection on almost all his new aircraft which had fallen due for inspection at the same period. Due to this faultless planning, the serviceability has gradually picked up and for the last year it was at an all time high figure of 70.13% average. His unit has also achieved 100% serviceability five times during this period. During this period, the Squadron achieved a flying output of 2943 hours. This entire flying has been achieved without a single accident and the Squadron has maintained accident­free record for the last three years. The Squadron won the Arjuna 1979 trophy for being the best fighter Squadron in the Western Air Command in interSquadron Gunnery Meet and was adjudged the fighter Squadron for 1979 of WAC. In 1980, this Squadron also had an accident-free year and won two trophies the first for being the best Fighter Squadron in WAC and another for being best in Maintenance.

On 9th February, 1981, Wing Commander Sanjiv Sahay was leading a medium level strike mission in front guns for ex­Arjuna. After pulling out of the dive, after a front gun attack on SK Range he heard a thud on his aircraft. He experienced a high frequency vibrations setting in and he decided to turn to base giving a call that he suspected a hit by bullet ricochet. He climbed up and decided to carry out an immediate landing by doing a descending circuit. He lowered his undercarriage in line with the landing dumb­bell. He commenced his turn on to finals and throttled back to 85% RPM at 1.3 Km with the intention of lowering full flaps after having turned and aligned with the runway. As soon as he throttled back, he heard a cracking sound from the rear. At this stage, his engine flamed out. At the time of flame out, the height was 1.3 Km. He immediately put the relight switch "ON" observing his height, distance out and speed that the relight would at least take 15 to 20 seconds, he decided to eject. The aircraft was pointing towards the domestic area of HALWARA airfield. He turned right, pulled the aircraft up gently and when the aircraft was facing the green fields, he ejected. Wing Commander Sahay avoided a catastrophe by turning away from populated area. By this courageous act, in such a critical stage, Wing Commander Sahay has set a brilliant example of this presence of mind, bravery and professional acumen.

Wing Commander Sahay has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership, courage and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishna swamy was in Command of one the fighter Squadrons since January, 1978. He has a total flying of 3300 hours on 29 different type of aircraft. He is a test pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader of very high caliber.

As the Commanding Officer of a Squadron, he converted both flights equipped with different type of aircraft on the specialized role in a very short time of just seven months. All Squadron aircrew were also made fully operational during the same period. Also under his able leadership the Squadron trained large number of the pilots on Fighter Combat Leader course in specialized role, which has resulted in great improvements in Fighter tactics in the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy has thus displayed professional competence, leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force on 21st June, 1960. During the two decades of his dedicated service, he has held various important and challenging appointments with distinction. For this outstanding contribution in the raising of a modern base repair dept, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977. As Deputy Director incharge of maintenance of MiG-21 fleet since July 1978, his whole hearted involvement, intelligent planning and effective management of the weapon system have yielded remarkable results.

Wing Commander Madhava Rao found that a large number of aircraft were falling due for replacement of nose and main undercarriages on life expiry. He arranged for fatigue tests to be carried out within the country, as a result of which it was possible to safely increase the life of the undercarriages to coincide with the life expiry of aircraft. Thus, grounding of a large number of aircraft was avoided and savings of several lakhs of rupees in foreign exchange was affected.

A large number of costly components of MiG-21 aircraft were nearing completion of calendar life specified by the manufacturers. Wing Commander Madhava Rao initiated an extensive programme of scientific tests and trials for ascertaining the safe calendar life of these components. As a result of this extraordinary measure, it was possible to fix the calendar life to 15 years and thereby improve the availability of rotoables for smooth sustenance of the fleet.

A very serious problem, which had almost defied solution, was that of corrosion of MiG engines in the saline atmosphere of the Air Force Stations. Wing Commander Madhava Rao arranged close monitoring of various preventive methods on the engine. Finally, with the help of the specialists of HAL, a long term solution has been evolved. Implementation of this preventive measure has shown very encouraging results. Having carried out a detailed study of the various causes of engine flame out, Wing Commander Madhava Rao has initiated a number of pre ventive and corrective measures in conjunc tion with the manufacturers, overhaul agency and the operating units. During the past nine months, there has not been a single case of engine flame out in the air or on the ground. He has served the cause of MiG-21 fleet in exemplary manner.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of exceptional order.

Group Captain Om Kumar Chhabra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 7th February, 1959. He has to his credit over 7300 Hours of accident-free flying, out of which over 2500 hours have been in maritime role and over 3000 hours on instructional flying. He had the distinction of being awarded Master Green rating as a young pilot in less than six years of service on super constellation aircraft. He has, today, the distinction of being one of the few A­1 instructors in the Air Force. In addition, he holds 'A' Master Green on Dakotas, Super Constellations and HS-748 which, in the Air Force, is the highest achievement, a pilot can aspire for.

Group Captain Chhabra has been commanding one of the transport squadrons since July, 1979. Since October, 1979, shortage of aviation gas of 100/130 octane began to have an adverse effect. It was therefore decided to induct HS-748 for air maintenance role. Though the serial trials on this aircraft have been carrying out since 1972, no conclusive data was available to find out the fitness of this aircraft for this purpose. The challenging task of finding out its feasibility for operations in the Eastern Sector was entrusted to Group Captain Chhabra. He carried out the trials flying in narrow valleys and difficult terrain, even in turbulent conditions. It was because of the dedication to duty and flying acumen of the officer that the worthiness of this aircraft is now being effectively utilized for air maintenance operations/role.

Group Captain Om Kumar Chhabra has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Manmohan Singh Vasudeva was commissioned in May, 1961. During the past twenty years he has achieved fully operational status on three different fighter aircraft, namely Hunter, Gnat and MiG-21. The officer has more than 800 accident-free flying hours on MiG-21 aircraft. He has served in four MiG squadrons as senior pilot, Flight Commander and subsequently as Squadron Commander. Also, he has spent over a year and half on production testing flying five types of aircraft, including transport type. He has, in addition, successfully completed the Defence Services Staff College and Surface to Air Guided Weapon courses and is a Fighter Combat Leader of recognized repute.

In January, 1978, the officer was posted to a forward base as Chief Operations Officer. Undaunted by the handicap of being the only officer posted to Ops wing he undertook with drive and determination, the reorgisation of the entire Ops Wing to gear it to undertake fighter operations, continuing the air maintenance operations from the base amounting to the total task of the entire Air Command. Initially single-handed and later aided by another officer posted in as Station Flight Safety Officer, he set up the Base Ops Complex, including Strike Cell, Intelligence Room and Ground Liaison Section, initiated provisioning of arrester barriers and laying of soft ground arresters, and forced the pace for completion of the Airfield Lighting. The fact that the newly arrived fighter squadron won the Inter Unit Gunnery and Air Force Instrument Flying Trophy in that first year of its stay at the base speaks volumes for Wing Commander Vasudevas's exceptional Organisational ability, leadership and managerial skills.

Subsequently in November, 1979, he was appointed Squadron Commander of the same squadron. During his tenure in 1980 the Squadron with only half the strength of a fighter aircraft achieved the same amount of annual flying as in the previous three years. This noteworthy achievement was possible due to Wing Commander Vasudeva's personal example, great enthusiasm for flying his unlimited capacity for hard work and his outstanding leadership in the air and on the ground. In addition, there has been no aircraft accident on the Station during his tenure as COO, and in the squadron during his tenure as officer commanding. Considering the fact that nine different types of aircrafts operate daily from this base, this is an achievement worthy of special mention. Also, he has been responsible for the activation of the nearby Air to Ground Firing Range for night armament firing and has successfully trained many pilots in the difficult and specialized night strike role.

Wing Commander Manmohan Singh Vasudeva has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra Kaushik has been on the posted strength of the Helicopter Unit, Air Force, since 28th August, 1978. During a crisis due to shortage of fuel for Dakota and Caribou aircraft, the unit under his command was called upon to undertake the task of air maintenance in the entire Eastern region. He rose to the occasion and did a commendable job in keeping all the air maintained posts in the Sector supplied with essential commodities, equipment, in addition to other multifarious commitments like VVIP helilifts, flood relief operation and communication flights.

Wing Commander Kaushik was also instrumental in suggesting and eventually accomplishing the task of carrying out air maintenance operations from focal points closer to the air maintained posts, thereby reducing the flying time by 35 per cent to 50 per cent. He had also undertaken the task of training the pilots of a Helicopter Unit on Mi-8 Helicopters. He has been a pioneer on Mi-8 Helicopters ever since their evaluation and induction into the service. He has made a very valuable contribution into the firm establishment of standard operating procedures on the Mi-8 Helicopters.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra Kaushik has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Sridharan has been in Command of a Helicopter Unit since March, 1979. He has to his credit a total of 5300 hours of flying, out of which 4611 hours were flown without a single accident. He is a Flight Inspector and qualified Flying Instructor holding 'A' Category.

On the 20th September, 1980, one of the helicopters from his unit had met with an accident and had turned outside down in Nanak Sagar Lake. He was flying in the area and was aware of the fact that the four aircrew were marooned and one of them did not know swimming. He therefore, landing his helicopter in the shortest possible time next to the ill fated helicopter and directed his copilot to throw his turban to rescue the marooned aircrew. When this action failed, with great presence of mind, he manoeuvred his helicopter very close to the other helicopter and picked up all the four aircrew, two at a time. By this courageous action and total disregard for his personal safety, he saved the lives of four valuable aircrew.

Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Sridharan has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Ajit Singh Mann was on the posted strength of one of the transport Squadrons in the Eastern Sector for over four years. During his flying career he has flown over 5125 hours out of which 2805 were flown on operational commitments in the most hazardous and difficult mountainous terrain of Ladakh, Nagaland, NEFA, and Mizo Hills. This entire flying has been accident­free. He has carried out numerous trials of initial reconnaissance and acceptance of new dropping zones. Professionally he has achieved exceptional standard in instrument flying and upgraded his rating to Master Green. He is a Right Hand Seat Check Pilot who has been instrumental in training young Squadron Pilots and upgrading the operational qualifications of a large number of Pilots. He brought up the Pilot categorization state to 97.5% and has been maintaining it.

The Squadron has an accident­free record for the last three years with maximum flying hours to its credit. During this period the Squadron carried out 24,515 hours of flying and there was no other transport Squadron in the Air Force with such flying record. Squadron has won the flight safety trophy for the three consecutive years. This remarkable achievement has been primarily due to untiring efforts by him as senior most flight commander of the Squadron.

Wing Commander Ajit Singh Mann has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Shyam Sundar Singh Chauhan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2nd August, 1964. A keen and dedicated flier, he has flown over 2700 accident­free hours as Captain. During the period November, 1980 to January, 1981, he played a keen role in planning and execution of sensitive border survey tasks. Flying with tenacity and precision over rugged mountainous terrain, he brought back outstanding results. The information has been of great strategic value in updating our maps and has increased our knowledge of these inaccessible regions.

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

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

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

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has been on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots (BRD) since January 1978 as Officer i/c Test Flight. He is one of the few test Pilots qualified for production test flying on both Rotary Wing (Chetak and Cheetah) and Fixed Wing (Krishak, HT-2 and Otter) aircraft and probably the only test pilot currently employed in these multi type production testing duties. During the production year 1979-80, he test flew 31 aircraft and during 1980-81 36 aircraft single handed. During these two years, he has also test flown and cleared 77 storage aircraft which were ferried out from this depot to various units. During this period, he has test flown 1005 hours and has cleared a total of 105 production aircraft and 112 storage aircraft. This entire performance has been without a single incident or accident which speaks very highly of his superlative professional competence and exceptional airmanship.

During last two years this depot has not received a single complaint about produced aircraft from operators, which speaks volumes about the standard of flight testing for each aircraft. His exceptional devotion to duty, his dynamic and objective approach to problems, his personal involvement during rectification and human touch in dealing with technicians have been a constant source of inspiration to the technical personnel of this depot and have been in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar underwent No. 2 Experimental Test Pilots Course at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment in 1997-78. From October, 1978 to January, 1981, he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft System Testing Establishment. Being an A-2 category qualified flying instructor with considerable experience he was detailed as the project Pilot for HPT32 Piston engine basic trainer aircraft under development at HAL (Bangalore Complex). He took extremely active part in prototype Testing of this aircraft including high risk tests such as stalling, spinning, engine air starts with the propeller stopped and aerobatics. He used his experience to great advantage to offer very constructive suggestions and remedial measures to the designers at HAL. He also worked extremely hard with rare dedication to monitor the progress on the two prototype aircraft under testing. This often entailed working well beyond the normal working hours and flying at all hours of the day. In addition to the onerous responsibility of being the project pilot on HPT-32 aircraft, he carried out a number of service trials on Marut, Ajeet, Iskra and MiG aircraft. He was always eager to undertake new testing assignments without any regard to personal comfort or safety. He has accumulated 2277 hours of accident-free flying on 18 different types of aircraft and holds the highest instrument rating of Master Green.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

On 13th October, 1980, Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam was authorized to fly an instructional sortie with Flight Lieutenant DS Karnik in a Kiran aircraft. The sortie was to consist of Air Instruction exercises, general handling aerobatics and PFL. After getting airborne at 0700 hours the sortie proceeded uneventfully until the roller take off following a Practice Force Landing (PFL). After the roller take off, the aircraft turned onto downwind for an engine assisted approach and a full stop landing. With this in mind, the undercarriage had been left down. After rolling out on downwind, the pupil officer who had the control commenced vital actions. Just then a small thud was heard and this was followed by engine rumbling noise. The speed was seen to be decreasing. The pupil instinctively opened throttle to maintain speed but found no response to throttle movement. Realising the gravity of situation Squadron Leader Shyam immediately took over the controls. By this time they had flown just past the cross runway. Taking stock of serious situation, Squadron Leader Shyam immediately turned right to assess the possibility of forced landing on runway 30 failing which he decided that they would have to eject. At this time he realized that the engine had not flamed out and that a little partial power was still available. He skillfully maneuvered the aircraft on to approach and executed a safe landing on the cross runway.

Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Vikas Shridhar Krandikar is undergoing Test Pilot's Course (Rotary Wing) at Istres in France. On the 28th November, 1980, he took off in a helicopter, Alouette III, for a training sortie. The purpose of the training sortie was measurement of forces of flying controls when serves are switched off. The Crew of the helicopter included one test engineer Mr. Mouilleron (French National) and an experimentor Mr. Meyer (French National).

For exercise, the Pilot stablised at 2500' AGL with serves off. Flight Lieutenant Krandikar asked the test engineer to reduce the fuel flow to verify the effect of rotor RPM on the flying controls. The test engineer Mr. Mouillern erroneously pulled back the fuel flow lever (both these levers are situated side by side). This action of the engineer resulted in unforeseen and complete loss of power.

Flight Lieutenant Krandikar reacted correctly in the emergency. He put on the serves and commenced an auto rotation descent. During the descent, the engineer attempted a relight the engine but it was not successful. Flight Lieutenant Krandikar asked the engineer to switch of all electrics and made a successful autorotation landing on a nearby field. The helicopter was not damaged and was flown back to base after some checks. The crew were not hurt.

Flight Lieutenant Krandikar, test Pilot under training in France reacted coolely to an emergency situation in the air and executed a very successful emergency landing of the helicopter. By this action, this pilot displayed exceptional qualities of airmanship. The successful emergency landing carried out by the pilot has enhanced the reputation of Indian Air Force in a foreign country like France.

Flight Lieutenant Vikas Shridhar Krandikar has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Ajit Singh, Flight Engineer, is on the posted strength of one of the Transport Squadrons of the Indian Air Force.

He has a total of 4793 flying hours to his credit out of which 1884 hours are on AN-12 aircraft. Warrant Officer Ajit Singh has done total of 1907 hours of operational flying, out of which 1121 hours have been over the hazardous terrain of Ladakh Area. On various occasions he has averted serious accidents/incidents by his keen observations and call and professional handling of emergencies. To cite one, on 25th February, 1979, while starting No. 3 engine of an AN-12 aircraft, he noted the fire warning light coming on. His actions were so prompt and correct that even before the ground crew noted the fire, he had rejected the start and taken necessary action. Under his guidance, the fire was put out, thus saving a very valuable aircraft. He has won the 'GOOD SHOW' award from the Directorate of Flight Safety and has been adjudged 'Best in Trade Proficiency' at this wing.

Warrant Officer Ajit Singh has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Korampeth Narayanan Nair has been a Flight Engineer since 1961 and has a total of 5650 flying hours to his credit. Out of this more than 1000 hours were done on operational areas. He has flown AN-12, Super Constellation and Packet aircraft and is holding Category 'A' since 1980.

Master Warrant Officer Nair is one of the officers who initially set up the infrastructure for training Flight Engineers at Paratroopers Training School. He is an experienced flight engineer of exceptional tact and ability for which he was entrusted the important task of training flight engineers for the Indian Navy. He completed the training in record time thereby further strengthening inter-service bonds and brotherhood.

Master Warrant Officer Korampeth Narayanan Nair has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Subharatnam Kasinath has been on the posted strength of Indian Air Force Jaguar Project Team at Warton as its Logistics Member since 30 April 1979. Because of the very rapid induction on the Jaguar into the Indian Air Force, even before its arrival, a large volume of Logistics activity had already commenced. He involved himself closely with the Divisional Spares Department at British Aerospace and within a short period of time had streamlined the procedures to ensure that all our requirements were being met in a smooth and phased manner. Inspite of being severely handicapped in terms of additional staff, he has worked single handedly to monitor all activities which have encompassed not only the Spares supplies but also Repairables and Warranty interests. To be able to tackle such multifarious activities has involved not only grit and determination but also extremely hard work sustained over the last two years. It is to his credit that not only has he kept pace with the output of a big Department, which is manned by over a dozen specialists and helped by a Computer, but has actually stayed ahead monitoring their activities. It is this total involvement in the task that has resulted in his often spotting errors or problem areas, well before they have reached proportions affecting the Air Force's operational or maintenance activities. The Logistics task of introducing a new Weapon System is in today's terms mammoth and being in the fore front Wing Commander Kasinath has displayed devotion to duty, diligence and professional competence on an exceptionally high order. His performance has earned him, and in turn the Indian Air Force, deep respect from all those in British Aerospace who have seen his work first hand. The smooth and rapid induction of the aircraft into the Indian Air Force's Inventory is in no small measure the result of his sustained efforts over the two years period.

For displaying professional skill, dedication, devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order, the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subharatnam Kasinath.

Wing Commander Shahid Ali Khan Durrani was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 1958 and is on the strength of Services Sports Control Board since April 1978.

Prior to joining this Board, he was the Commanding Officer of the newly raised Air Force School of Physical Fitness, Sambre. Himself a hockey player and a sportsman of repute, he with his single-minded devotion to duty and long hours of hard work, organized the unit, drew up the syllabi for various subjects wrote précis, established an efficient gymnasium and other infrastructure for games and sports activities. It goes to the credit of this officer that within the short period of two years the unit which had just been started was judged the best administered unit in the Training Command.

Because of his outstanding sportsmanship and his deep knowledge of the services sportsmen as well as games, the Chiefs of Staff Committee appointed Wing Commander Durrani as the Chief-de-Mission for the Services contingent for the tour of Malaysia and Singapore during April/May 79. Under his able leadership, the contingent consisting of 36 sportsmen not only won many hockey and football matches also far exceeded the expectations of Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India, in establishing friendly relations with the Armed Forces of these countries. His performance during this tour won high praise from our High Commissioners in Malaysia and Singapore as well as the Service Attaches in these countries.

In August 1980, in a special meeting of the General Body, the Board of Cricket Control in India selected Wg Cdr Durrani as the Manager of the Indian Cricket team for their tour to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. This was the first time ever that a serving Armed Forces Officer was selected as a Manager the Cricket team going on a tour abroad. The honour is all the more significant as this was the first time that a non-test cricketer was chosen as a Manager of an Indian Cricket Team.

His deft and adroit handling of some very delicate and explosive situations that had arisen, and relaxed and genial behaviour was highly commended by our High Commissioners and the Indian and foreign press.

Wing Commander Durrani has all along displayed absolute loyalty, outstanding devotion to duty and unflagging zeal in tasks entrusted to him. His capacity for sustained hard work well beyond the call of duty is a shining example for others to emulate. For distinguished service of high ordered, the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Shahid Ali Khan Durrani.