On the 8th May, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Sumit Mukerji was flying an instructional Instrument Flying sorties. At a height of 4900 metres, he experienced a front bearing failure and shortly engine seizure took place. Till then, no reliable statistics were available on the rate of descent of aircraft experienced with seized engine and different configuration of aircraft using undercarriage and flaps. With a totally professional approach, unmindful of great danger to his own life, Flight Lieutenant Mukerji passed on to the flying control the various rates of descent he experienced with and without undercarriage. Despite a very high rate of descent, he through his fine airmanship managed to land the aircraft and thereby saved a valuable aircraft from certain destruction. He also helped in collecting valuable data on the situations that follow an engine seizure.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Sumit Mukerji displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

Group Captain S Mukerji, SC (12925) F (P) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 22 Jan 72. He has held the important appointments of Directing Staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment and Defence Services Staff College, as well as Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG 29 Squadron. He was awarded Shurya Chakra in 1981. He has more than 3500 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

Gp Capt S Mukerji was appointed the CO of a Squadron in May 94. During his tenure, Gp Capt Mukerji was personally responsible for successful completion of two important tasks assigned to his Squadron. The first task of Mid Life Extension programme of aircraft, entailed a task force consisting of a team of Russian Specialists and IAF technicians & officers. The most important task of air testing & proving the air worthiness of each aircraft after modifications, which is normally the purview of the Test Pilots, was solely left to him. The successful and timely completion of the programme was mainly due to the meticulous planning and supervision by Gp Capt Mukerji.

The second task of photographing the Total Solar Eclipse entailed close team work with scientists of the Udaipur Solar Observatory. Gp Capt Mukerji led the team in planning & execution of the task which demanded the need to fly the aircraft with great precision & accuracy as well as split second timing to capture the sun at the exact moment of Totality and was successfully executed.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Sumit Mukerji.