Squadron Leader Kodendera Cariappa Cariappa was commissioned in the Air Force in May, 1957. He did 1000 hours of operational flying before undergoing the Flying Instructors' course in 1963. He stood first in merit in flying at Flying Instructors' School. At the flying training school where he was posted during 1963-65, he flew over 1000 hours and proved himself as an outstanding instructor. During the 1965 operations, while serving in a fighter squadron, he carried out several missions at a great personal risk before he was shot down and taken prisoner of war. Since taking over as Officer Commanding of a Helicopter Unit in February 1969, he devoted himself to the task of bringing the squadron to a high state of operational efficiency and readiness. Under his inspiring leadership, the squadron's pilots have carried out long hours of day and night flying. He has carried out dangerous missions over Mizo Hills and Nagaland areas without regard for his personal safety. He streamlined the administration of the unit which yielded immediate results by way of improved functional efficiency.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Kodendera Cariappa Cariappa displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Air Marshal Kodendera Cariappa Cariappa, VM was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 29 May 1957. As a young pilot, he qualified as a flying instructor. While on an instructional tenure he was attached to a fighter squadron to participate in the 1965 operations. He was shot down on an operational mission and taken prisoner of war. Released with injuries in a POW exchange after the war, he converted onto helicopters before being selected by the then CAS to be his ADC. Thereafter, he commanded a helicopter squadron before and during the 1971 war. For his performance in command of the squadron, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in January 1973. After regaining his medical category, he reverted to the fighter stream and also commanded a fighter squadron. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), he served as directing staff of the College of Air Warfare. He successfully commanded a fighter base and was selected by the CAS to be his Air Assistant. Thereafter, he was specially selected to undergo the course at prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in England. On return to India he was appointed Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Gwalior.

On promotion to Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC. Later he was the Air Officer Commanding, Advance Headquarters, Western Air Command, where he contributed significantly to the overall operational plans.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he successfully held the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Eastern Air Command (EAC). Inspite of disturbed insurgency conditions, he provided a fresh impetus into the operational plans and their modes of implementation. The Air Officer presently holds the vital appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command. In this appointment, he brings to bear his vast operational and staff experience to maintain this command in peak operational readiness.

Air Marshal Kodendera Cariappa Cariappa, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.