Air Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgavkar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1940. During World War II, he served with two Fighter Squadrons and saw action on the Burma Front. Soon after the Pakistani Aggression in J & K in 1947 he took over command of the Operational Wing at a forward base. He planned and directed the Air Operations and personally led a number of operational missions against the enemy with outstanding success. For his acts of gallantry during these operations, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Air Marshal Moolgavkar has held with distinction important appointments of Air Adviser to our High Commission in the United Kingdom, Senior Staff Officer at Western Air Command, Director of Policy and Plans at Air Headquarters, Air Officer-in-Charge Western India, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command and Commandant, National Defence College. In all these assignments, he has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and dedication and has set high standards in raising the operational efficiency in the Service. At National Defence College he introduced many developments in the teaching curriculum and studies to give this institution the prestige and honour that it enjoys today.

In April, 1973, Air Marshal Moolgavkar took over as Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Western Air Command, and by his untiring efforts brought about improvements in combat efficiency of the units and stations placed under his Command. His sense of dedication and involvement has been a source of inspiration to all his commanders. It was during his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, that the Western Air Command produced spectacular results in the field of Flight Safety. In most of his assignments, Air Marshal Moolgavkar had to undertake pioneering work either in establishing new organisations intimately connected with the operational role of the Air Force or in bringing about improvements in the conduct of operations in a new theatre of responsibility.

Throughout, Air Marshal Moolgavkar rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Commodore Davendra Nath Gupta was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1943. During his services career, he has distinguished himself not only by brilliant academic achievements, but also by outstanding professional competence and administrative abilities. Early in his career, as the medical officer of a Transport Squadron, he was closely associated with para­troopers training and casualty evacuation during the operations against Pakistani Aggression in J&K, 1947. In 1952, he became a Medical Specialist after completing the senior medical officers' course. Later, he obtained his membership of Royal College of Physicians, London and Edinburgh and was awarded the Greig Medal for his outstanding performance in the DTM&H Examination (1957) of Edinburgh University. His sustained efforts and high reputation as a specialist eventually won him the appointment in 1962 of the first Adviser in Medicine in the Indian Air Force. After a successful tenure at the newly acquired No.8 Air Force Hospital, Air Commodore Gupta commanded No. 7 Air Force Hospital from 1963 to 1967. It was during his stewardship that this hospital became one of the finest in the Armed Forces. For his painstaking efforts, high professional ability and great flair for organisation and administration, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. After a six­year tenure with, the Army during which he held the appointment of ADMS, officiating Medical Adviser in the Indian High Commission in the UK and successfully completing the National Defence College Course, he has come back to the Air Force as the Principal Medical Officer of HQ, Western Air Command. As the Principal Medical Officer he inspired in his officers and men a positive participation by planning and effective execution relating to medical services, bringing about an all round improvement.

Throughout, Air Commodore Davendra Nath Gupta has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1943. After completing a tour of operational flying in Burma, he became a flying instructor. He holds the highest flying instructor's category and has held many staff and command appointments with distinction. He has been the Director of Systems Evaluation in Air Headquarters since early 1970. He has been responsible for the success of the Directorate and its contribution to increased effectiveness, economy and efficiency in various spheres of Air Force activity. He has also been responsible for a large number of studies ranging from the evaluation of Air Force effort during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, the optimum constitution of a Fighter Squadron the optimisation of resources at flying wings and the rationalisation of organisation and establishments at Air Headquarters and the Commands. These studies have generated a systems approach in the Air Force and led to significant savings in manpower, material and other resources and to an increase in the operational potential of units. As a pioneer flying instructor and Officer Commanding of Flying Instructors School, he was instrumental in the implementation and success of the categorisation scheme which is the basic foundation of the high standards of flying instruction. At operational stations, he ensured very high level of operational efficiency of Squadrons and Signals Units.

Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Peter Dennis Antony Albuquerque was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has held with credit important staff appointments at Air Headquarters and has commanded a Base Repair Depot. Towards the end of 1972, a decision was taken to form the “Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology" for imparting education in management science to senior Technical Officers of the Air Force. The instructional staff consisting of only four members of the directing staff, was provided in the establishment, although a variety of subjects is required to be taught on management science. The task of setting up this Faculty and to commence the first course in April, 1973 was assigned to Group Captain Albuquerque in February. 1973. He set about his task with great vigour and zeal and with the help of his three other officers, was ready to commence the first Senior Technical Officers' Management Course right on schedule in April, 1973. Undaunted by the heavy odds, particularly due to shortage of time and lack of a adequate funds and man­power he cheerfully led his team of officers, and worked for very long hours every day and gave concrete shape to the plans which he so methodically prepared to establish this first ever Air Force institution for modern management training. For this purpose, he had to maintain public relations with other management institutions in the country to draw upon their experience and expertise during this very vital formative period of the Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology. Throughout the period of his tenure as Officer-in-Charge Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology, he has been personally conducting and directing classes, discussions and lectures, and quite often going on tours with the participating officers, for heir project studies at far flung places, to give his personal guidance to them.

Group Captain Peter Dennis Antony Albuquerque has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Ball was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has held a number of important appointments at units, Western Air Command and Air Headquarters and has acquitted himself creditably. He served as the Commanding Officer of a major Base Repair Depot from October, 1971 to June, 1974. During this period, he introduced various modern management concepts which have brought about marked improvement in production. A number of major development programmes, like installation of Dacca Doppler Navigational System, Radio Altimeter for aircraft, and AVSM 1975 production of Antenna Lifting Jacks, Compressor Test Rig and High Voltage Rectifiers for Radar have been successfully completed or progressed. Under his guidance, the Depot also embarked upon the project concerning Material Identification Classification and Inventory Reduction. Commendable results have also been achieved in the field of market research and indigenous substitution of signals spares and components. By his exceptional devotion to duty, sound professional ability and leadership, Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Bali has achieved outstanding results in production which have increase the operational potential of the units.

Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Bali has thus rendered distinguished service an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sanat Kumar Mitra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He served with distinction in a number of operational units and has commanded two operational Squadrons. He assumed command of an operational Wing in March, 1973. He has made determined efforts to raise the flying standard of the Wing. All flying tasks allotted to the Station have been accomplished with unqualified success. Under his dynamic leadership and able guidance, the Squadrons of the Wing have maintained a cent per cent categorised state of all aircrew. One of the Squadrons of the Wing won the Chief of the Air Staff's trophy for the best categorised squadrons for two years running i.e., 1972-73 and 1973-74. Except for one successful forced landing due to engine failure, the Station has maintained an accident­free record during his command. Aircraft serviceability of the Wing is of a very high order and it was only during his tenure that the Maintenance Control Centre and Central Repair and Servicing Section were organised and set up. This has resulted in reducing the 'down' time of aircraft due to inspection and rectification and thus considerably enhancing the Station's operational efficiency. Due to shortage of funds works services for preparation of football and hockey fields of his Station were held in abeyance. On a self-help basis, with extreme resourcefulness and initiative, he has successfully cleared up a jungle and has prepared hockey and football fields, all at no cost. This has saved the Government a sum of Rs. 70,000/ In addition to this, he has started, during his tenure, a Co­operative AVSM 1975-76 Store, a nursery school, Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, Gymnasium and Cinema. All these efforts for the well being of the Station personnel have raised their morale to the highest peak.

Throughout, Group Captain, Sanat Kumar Mitra has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Man Mohan Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1951. He has held with distinction, many important flying appointments including the Command of fighter Squadrons and an operational flying station. He was awarded Vir Chakra for his acts of gallantry during the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971. While commanding a Fighter Station, he set to work with commendable energy and perseverance in the face of numerous difficulties and brought his Squadrons to a high state of offensive preparedness. His dynamic leadership, personal endeavour and persistent efforts, have paid rich dividends. A Pilot of outstanding calibre, his unflagging zeal and understanding have earned an excellent inter­service support and co­operation. By his outstanding leadership in flying, administrative and technical preparations he has brought his Wing to a very high level of combat efficiency.

Throughout, Group Captain Man Mohan Singh has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Partha Kumar Dey was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. He has been on the posted strength of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment since February, 1973, as the Chief Test Pilot. He has been associated with Flight Testing assignments since 1958. As a test pilot, he has held many important posts such as the Indian Air Force representative Test Pilot with Folland Aircraft Ltd. for the Gnat Development and as Test Pilot with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the development of indigenous aircraft. He has participated in the flight test development of a number of prototype such as Gnat, Marut, Kiran, Pushpak, Krishak and Jet Packet. He has made an extremely valuable contribution to the design and development of aircraft and systems within the country. He has flown various types of aircraft which included evaluation of a number of supersonic advanced aircraft of widely varying designs. He has flown 1100 hours on flight testing of indigenous aircraft and equipment. During his tenures as test pilot he has been in a number of difficult and hazardous situations. He has coped successfully with the situations without a single incident of loss or damage to the aircraft and equipment under development. He has successfully commanded two operational squadrons. He has also been on the Directing Staff of the Defence Services Staff College. In the present appointment as the Chief Test Pilot, he has shown extreme devotion to duty and made an outstanding contribution to the aeronautical development in the country in general and flight testing in particular.

Throughout, Wing Commander Partha Kumar Dey has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Sandhu was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He was employed on test flying duties from March, 1968 to May, 1974. During this period, he served as a Test Pilot in different establishments such as Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit, Base Repair Depot and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore and Nasik Divisions, and has served in a wide variety of assignments in test flying. In addition to aircraft evaluation, he has also participated in important development trials and user trials on various armament and avionics to ascertain the suitability of such hardware against the Air Force requirements. His flying standard has been consistently above the average and he has shown great depth of professional knowledge, maturity and balanced judgment in his assessment of various aircraft and systems tested by him. During his tenure at Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit he has actively associated with the development and flight evaluation of the Marut aircraft. During an incident, involving serious systems malfunction, he showed great presence of mind and devotion to duty. In order to save the aircraft and obtain vital information on the type of malfunctioning he stayed with the aircraft and tried to control it beyond the call of duty, sustaining injuries in the process. He abandoned the aircraft only when he had tried all available means to save it and has obtained information on the fault which later enabled remedial action. In his tenure at a Base Repair Depot, he tested wide variety of aircraft and brought to bear his excellent professional capabilities on improving the performance standards of the aircraft being delivered from the depot. During this tenure, he flew 400 hours in testing a wide variety of aircraft. He was posted to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore, from January, 1971 to April, 1972. During this tenure he participated in development as well as production of all aircraft designed and produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. He flew a total of 327 test flying hours during this short period. He was then posted to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Nasik Division from May, 1972 to May 1974. During this time he was one of the only two pilots who carried out all production and testing requirements. Throughout, Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Sandhu has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon (7741) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1962. He has been serving as the Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit since March, 1974.

On the 24th January, 1975, he was detailed to carry out the earth quake relief operations in Himachal Pradesh. The weather on this day was extremely inclement and the hostile terrain made flying efforts an extremely hazardous. With a deep sense of devotion, relentless zeal and determination, he executed his task with true professionalism. Throughout that day he braved and battled against weather and terrain and delivered his vital loads of relief material and evacuated those in need of urgent medical attention. During subsequent missions, he executed daring landings at untried helipads and precision drops at miniature Dropping Zones. During these operations he flew a total of 32 stories and airlifted and large quantities of material which resulted in timely relief to the affected people.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajinder Pal Singh Dhillon displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Verinder Puri was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in August, 1956. After graduating as a Flying Instructor, he carried out instructional duties in various capacities and has a very impressive accidentfree 7,500 total hours of flying, out of which 3,500 are instructional. He achieved a proud record of three of his pupils winning the coveted Flying Trophy. He served with Aircrew Examining Board and held the highest category on three different types of aircraft and for three years he was testing pilots on the three types. He carried out his duties with great dedication and exceptional devotion to duty and was responsible to a large extent in maintaining the operational preparedness of the Transport Squadrons in the Indian Air Force. While serving at the Flying Instructors' School, Squadron Leader Puri was given the additional task of training some junior pilots on a new aircraft. He prepared all the Standard Operational Procedures and evolved the syllabus and procedures for converting these pilots. He inspired his colleagues and the airmen to a high pitch, completed the task well in time without any untoward incident.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Verinder Puri displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh Rai was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1962. He was posted to a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron as a Flight Commander in June, 1973. As a Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Rai carried out the training and supervision of his flight with great zeal and initiative and maintained a high categorization state of aircrew and a very high standard of flight safety. Due to his exceptional organising ability and guidance, his Flight, flew 1,810 hours during the year 1973-74 which is a record of this Squadron ever since its formation. He made efforts to achieve maximum aerial survey task output and has set up a record of surveying 30,000 square miles by Dakota Flight.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jagbir Singh Rai, displayed exceptional organising ability, professional skill and high sense of devotion to duty in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Vidya Bhushan Vasisht was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He has been serving as the Commanding Officer of a Squadron since August, 1971. He was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his acts of gallantry during IndoPak Conflict in 1971. During the year, 1973, the Squadron had shown outstanding improvement in all-round efficiency. Not only had the Squadron completed its monthly Air maintenance tasks but had also accomplished all the transport support missions and addi ­tional commitments given to his Squadron efficiently in spite of handicaps. Simultaneously, aircrew training was vigorously progressed and a high percentage of aircrew was brought to fully operational state. In addition to the Command of his own Squadron, Wing Commander Vasisht was also responsible for the co­ordination and planning of all air maintenance tasks allotted to his Wing. He was also primarily responsible for rewriting the complete standard operating procedure for air maintenance in his area and also the procedures for paratrooping in unfamiliar areas. Wing Commander Vasisht has brought the Squadron to its present state of efficiency by sheer hard work, perseverance and determination.

Throughout Wing Commander Vidya Bhushan Vasisht displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Suresh Chand was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He attended the Flying Instructors Course in 1962 and the Defence Services Staff College Course in 1967. He has flown over 1300 hours of instructional flying out of a total of 5350 accident-free flying hours. He assumed Command of the Paratroopers School in March 1971 and within a few months brought up the Operational preparedness of the Unit. In addition, he organized and successfully completed the paratroop training of a number of Transport Squadrons and of Transport Training Wing. This went a long way towards the success of airborne assault during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971. Wing Commander Suresh Chand contributed towards the operational efficiency of the Transport Fleet and the Army Airborne Forces by developing fresh techniques in paratrooping and undertaking trials of new airborne equipment. He was responsible for setting up of an all time record of paratrooping by his unit.

Throughout, Wing Commander Suresh Chand displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Madhukar Shantaram Jatar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He has been commanding a front line strike Squadron since March, 1972. His devotion to work has led to successful accomplishment of all tasks assigned to him well in time under difficult and trying conditions. A flier of exceptional merit, Wing Commander Jatar stands out as an officer worthy of emulation, who brought to bear his experience in all his work which has led to high operational efficiency of the squadron.

Throughout, Wing Commander Madhukar Shantaram Jatar displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Edwin Godfrey Salins was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. Since March, 1972, he has been commanding a Fighter Squadron. He has to his credit a total of 4375 hours of accident-free flying on various types of aircraft, out of which, he had done 3728 hours on single engine jet aircraft. During the IndoPak Conflicts, 1965 and 1971, he displayed exemplary courage and great enthusiasm in accomplishing hazardous missions. In 1972, his Squadron won many championships and trophies and he himself won the Trophy for straffing with an exceptional score.

Throughout, Wing Commander Edwin Godfrey Salins displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Prabhat Kumar Varma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He has been commanding a front line air defence fighter squadron since May, 1972. In 1973, during the adverse weather period, his squadron was required to move to a base which was not fully established and lacked most essential services. By his close supervision and drive, he surmounted all problems and made his unit functional both in flying and technical servicing in the shortest possible time. In 1973, the unit won most of the major sports events and the overall sports trophy in the inter­unit competitions.

Throughout, Wing Commander Prabhat Kumar Varma displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader John Frederick Josephs was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1954. He has served as Flight Commander from October, 1963 to August, 1965 and as Chief Flying Instructor from December, 1969 to February, 1974 at Fighter Training Wing. He has flown a total of 3810 hours, of which 2300 hours are accident-free on Vampire aircraft. During his tenure at the Fighter Training Wing, he was responsible for the compilation, revision and printing of Briefing Notes, Vampire Emergency Handbook and Syllabus. He has attained A-2 Instructor Category and Master Green Instrument Rating. He has maintained very high professional standard and deep understanding of the pupil­instructor relationship, and has been a source of inspiration to the younger Flying Instructors.

Throughout, Squadron Leader John Frederick Josephs displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Peter Eric Gaynor was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been engaged in Flight Commander's duties in front line fighter Squadrons since 1962. He has a total of 3280 flying hours on jet Fighter aircraft. He took part in the 1961 Goa operations and also in the Indo-Pak Conflicts of 1965 and 1971. On one mission, which he was leading with fighter escorts, the formation was attacked by two F-104 aircraft. He so maneuvered the formation that the escort aircraft were able to shoot down both the attacking aircraft. Due to his extreme devotion to duty his Squadron has completed all its tasks and maintained a high standard of operational readiness.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Peter Eric Gaynor displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Pratap Rao was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in August, 1956. He has been on the Aircrew Examining Board since July, 1972. He has flown over 4000 hours on single engine aircraft and out of these over 2100 hours are on instructional or examining duties on 10 different types of aircraft. He holds an A-2 Instructional Category on 8 aircraft and Master Green Rating on 5 types of aircraft, which is an achievement of an exceptional order. As a Flying Instructor, he has carried out his duties with the utmost devotion and dedication. He has helped in improving the categorisation state of the Qualified Flying Instructors in the Air Force to a very great extent.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Pratap Rao displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Prasad Paliwal was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1958. He has successfully completed the Defence Services Staff College Course and has also qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor. He has a total of 230 parachute descents to his credit including many trial descents with indigenous parachutes and airborne equipment both in the plains as well as at high altitudes. He is one of the two Parachute Jump Instructor officers who have jumped at the highest dropping zone in India. Squadron Leader Paliwal was posted as Assistant Director of Operations (Parachuting) at Air Headquarters in December, 1971. He has helped to lay down a paratrooping policy and worked out a training programme which enabled Paratroopers Training School to set an all time record of 35,000 parachute descents and to meet army tasks in full for the first time during 1972-73. In March, 1972, he actively participated in the paratrooping trials from HS-748 aircraft and formulated paratrooping requirements for this aircraft. Free fall parachuting was started in December, 1972 at Paratroopers Training School due to his initiative and untiring efforts. He also edited a training manual on paratrooping from AN-12 aircraft which is of invaluable help to the instructors and the trainees. Squadron Leader Paliwal has also worked out the scales of flying clothing for Parachute Jump instructors and transport aircrew and scales of Safety and Survival equipment for transport aircraft and helicopters.

Throughout, Squadron leader Rajendra Prasad Paliwal displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Harjit Singh Ghuman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. Since March, 1972, he has been serving as Flight Commander of an operational Squadron. It was due to his rare organising ability, zeal, determination and single minded devotion to duty that the Squadron got an above average assessment in 1972. He has over 5,200 hours of accidentfree flying to his credit which includes over 1200 instructional hours. He holds the highest instrument rating and his unflagging zeal for operational flying has been a constant source of inspiration to his juniors.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Harjit Singh Ghuman displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Surendra Nath Sehgal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1960. He has been serving as Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron since December, 1973. Earlier he served as Flight Commander of another Fighter Squadron. He has flown 1,938 accident-free hours. He holds Master Green instrument rating and has excelled in professional courses. He won the Noronha Trophy in the Pilot Attack Instructors Course and Alpha grading with Directing Staff rating on the Defence Services Staff College Course. When faced with two serious emergencies while flying Squadron Leader Sehgal reacted with fortitude and great presence of mind. During the IndoPak conflicts, 1965 and 1971, he flew a large number of missions and proved himself as an extremely reliable Fighter Pilot in times of crisis. In 1973, he was responsible for imparting a very high standard of conversion training to fresh Pilots. Throughout, Squadron Leader Surendra Nath Sehgal displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron leader Chitta Ranjan Ghosh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May, 1961. He has over 4,000 hours of accident­free flying to his credit. There have been numerous occasions when Squadron Leader Ghosh has been called upon to meet dangerous and challenging tasks. Notable amongst these missions was the heavy dropping of jeeps in November, 1972. Again in May, 1973 he was assigned another difficult task to land, and take-off, with full load. He carried out the mission on an unprepared and short runway under adverse monsoon weather. In April, 1972 he moved to a forward base with his Squadron. Single handedly he screened all the pilots and brought the Squadron to fully operational readiness in that area in a short time. He has flown long hours flood relief operations in West Bengal, Orissa and Bihar in 1970-71. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he was selected to fly the pathfinder aircraft for the airborne operations. His accurate drop over target contributed greatly to the success of the first ever airborne assault undertaken by the Indian Force.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Chitta Ranjan Ghosh displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Kushinder Singh Bindra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1963. He has qualified on Helicopters. He has flown a total of 2,945 hours, most of which have been in the Eastern Sector and in Ladakh area. He took over command of the Helicopter Training School in January, 1972. Soon after it was planned to introduce new type of Helicopters and also change the location of the Unit. He completed four conversion courses on schedule inspite of immense maintenance problems in a record time of ten weeks as against the approved duration of sixteen.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Kushinder Singh Bindra displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Sangar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1963. He has been posted to a Helicopter Unit since June, 1972. During the period of July-August, 1973, he rescued 532 persons from the flooded areas of Haryana, Punjab and J&K. All these rescues were carried out in conditions of extremely bad weather and at great personal risk. He has to his credit a total of 4,039 accident­free hours, out of which he has flown 2,600 hours as a first pilot during his operational tenures in the hills of Eastern and Western sectors.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishan Kumar Sangar displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Sukrutaraj Jayandra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1964. He has been engaged on instructional duties at Fighter Training Wing since April, 1972. On 26th February, 1973, while he was carrying out a dual instructional sortie of aerobatics in a Vampire aircraft the engine of the aircraft caught fire. He managed to extinguish the fire but in this process had perforce to shut down the engine. By accurate judgment and great professional skill, he successfully force-landed at base thereby saved a valuable aircraft.

Throughout, Flight lieutenant Sukrutaraj Jayandra displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Kamlesh Singh Mandla was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1965. On 3rd July, 1973 he was asked to carry out an air test of a Gnat aircraft. At 20,000 feet when he lowered the undercarriage, the control column jerked to the right and consequently the aircraft commenced rolling viciously and uncontrollably to the right. Showing great presence of mind, he brought the undercarriage up and recovered the air craft successfully. He was instructed to reduce the speed and lower the undercarriage once again. The control column again jerked to the right and got stuck approximately one inch away from the neutral position. By full application of left rudder and with both hands forcing the control column to the left he managed to keep the aircraft straight, and carried out a safe landing, thus preventing what might have been a serious accident.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Kamlesh Singh Mandla displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Prem Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1965. He has been serving as a Flying Instructor at Elementary Flying School since July, 1973. During the latter part of 1971 when the majority of flying instructors were away on operational missions, he took it up himself to ensure timely completion of the flying task, carrying out several instructional sorties in a day. He successfully forced landed the aircraft seven time following engine failures. Each time he displayed remarkable airmanship and precise judgment culminating in flawless landings on the airfield, thereby saving the aircraft and. his own life and the lives of his pupils.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prem Singh displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Singh Marwa was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1966. In October, 1971, he was posted to a Fighter Squadron and has since completed 500 hours of flying. On 9th April, 1974, while returning from a training sortie, he found that the port undercarriage and the nose undercarriage of his aircraft had locked down but there was no indication of the position of the starboard undercarriage. Attempts lo get the starboard undercarriage lowered proved to be of no avail. He skillfully piloted the aircraft on to the runway, made the port undercarriage touch the ground with a thump and then held the aircraft off the ground with the help of increased power. This action caused the starboard undercarriage to lock down, enabling him to land successfully. Thus by his presence of mind and expert airmanship he prevented damage to valuable aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Singh Marwa displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Lieutenant Prem Prakash Chopra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. He has been flying helicopters since 1971. During this short period, he has achieved a very high professional skill and has obtained 'A' category and Master Green Instrument Rating. Inspite of the hazards of flying over difficult and mountainous terrain, he has completed a thousand hours of accident­free flying. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he successfully undertook casualty evacuation, urgent communication and reconnaissance missions in the Eastern sector. On 6th January, 1973, he successfully carried out a casualty evacuation sortie despite adverse weather conditions in the high mountainous terrains.

Throughout Flight Lieutenant Prem Prakash Chopra displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Jati Kumar Kar has been serving as Signaller (Air) since 1953. He has flown a total of 9,460 hours, of which 3,072 hours have been on operational missions in Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland and NEFA areas. His aircrew category is 'A' . He has taken active role in the various research programmes and has displayed very high professional skill and devotion to duty. Because of his vast experience as Signaller (Air), he has been an asset to the Unit for training new signallers.

Master Warrant Officer Jati Kumar Kar has displayed professional skill, determination and exceptional devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Vamadevan Ravindran has been serving as Signaller (Air) since 1948. His aircrew category is 'A' on Dakota aircraft and 'B' on IL-14 aircraft and he has maintained a high standard of professional efficiency throughout his career. While serving with the communication Squadron/ Flight, he carried out 776 special flights. He has 8,290 hours of flying to his credit of which 4,708 hours were flown in connection with very important assignments both within and outside India. In addition, he has 1,660 hours of operational flying in the Northern and Eastern Sectors to his credit.

Throughout Master Warrant Officer Vamadevan Ravindran displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Muckatira Ponnappa Muthana, Flight Engineer, has been serving with the Paratroopers' Training School since June. 1970. He has flown a total of 3,500 hours, of which 478 hours have been on operational missions in Northern and Eastern Sectors. At the Paratroopers Training School, he had to shoulder the entire responsibility of conversion courses for aircrew and remustering courses for flight engineers. During the airborne assault operations in December, 1971, he displayed high professional skill by helping in the rescue of a hung up paratrooper.

Master Warrant Officer Muckatira Ponnappa Muthana thus displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Lawrence Cruz has been a Parachute Jump Instructor since 1947. He has the distinction of having more than 600 descents to his credit which is the highest record among the Senior Non­Commissioned Officers. He has carried out descents at high altitudes and has always been associated with the trials of indigenous parachutes and airborne equipment. In 1965, he was selected to undergo paratrooping training from AN-12 aircraft, and has been instrumental in training Army and Air Force personnel in jumping from that aircraft. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he was associated with the training of paratroopers who took part in the airborne operations. He also flew as a Despatcher during the paradrop over Tangail. He has trained over 1000 Army Paratroopers and a large number of Parachute Jump Instructors. This is the largest contribution by any individual instructor towards the paratrooper training.

Throughout, Warrant Officer Lawrence Cruz displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Flight Sergeant Devraj has been serving with a Transport Squadron in the Eastern theatre since April, 1972. From September, 1967 to March, 1972, he had served with a heavy Transport Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir. He has always volunteered for difficult sorties and has flown a total of 3,960 hours, out of which 1706 hours have been on operational sorties. During the Indo-Pak Conflict 1971 he had flown a large number of operational hours and had taken part in the operations in Western as well as Eastern Sectors. He also took part in paratrooping operations. During his stay of less than two years in Assam Sector, he flew a total of 1,600 hours including 1400 hours on operational sorties.

Throughout, Flight Sergeant Devraj displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Wing Commander Rishi during his long service of 24 years has rendered valuable service to the Air Force by setting up efficient accounting service at a number of units. At HQ No. 1 (Opl) Group, IAF he was one of the pioneers. As a result of his drive, initiative, resourcefulness, sustained hard work, planning and coordination, single handedly he was able to streamline and transform the accounting organisation to a very high order of efficiency thereby helping the administration to exercise most effective fiscal control. Himself being a keen sportsman of standing, he devoted himself whole heartedly for promotion of sports and welfare among the personnel of No. 1 (Opl) Group, IAF.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his leadership, high professional competence and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Bana Behari Bhattacharjee has served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. While posted as Deputy Director Education at Air Headquarters, he made significant contribution towards improving the education facilities for the children of service personnel and development of units schools. He has also been responsible for improvement in the Indian Air Force Quarterly and Air Headquarters Reference and Technical Library.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur (4064) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has served with credit an a number of appointments at units, Eastern Air Command and Air Headquarters.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur served in the Directorate of System Evaluation in Air Headquarters from its inception in 1970 till April, 1973. He has been outstanding leader of various study teams constituted in the Directorate. Because of his very hard work, wide ranging knowledge and in-depth examination of the whole gamut of the mechanism of the Air Force, he has been a prime contributor to the successful studies carried out in various fields. They have encompassed policy making, direction and the working level in the Air Force and have ranged from the constitution of a MiG Squadron to the evaluation of technical effort in war and the optimization of the total resources at a Wing. These studies have generated a change in the perspective in which systems are now viewed in the Air Force. Besides leading to a significant savings in manpower, material and other sources, Group Captain Baindur's work has contributed to an increase in operational potential of units.

Because of his example, zeal and drive Group Captain Baindur has been able to weld his officers into an impartial, capable and homogenous team who have carried out their studies and indicated their reports without fear or favour. Because of his initiative, clear thinking and intuition and perspicacity he has been a noticeable influence in putting the new Directorate working in a totally unfamiliar and alien field, on a path which should result in the optimization of resources and cost effectiveness of systems in the Air Force as a whole.

Wing commander Sen carried out a through project study for setting up of 35 mm movie projection system in the Air Force Academy from Air Force Welfare Funds, Funds generated from this venture were channeled towards construction of an open Air Theater, which again was designed by Wing Commander Sen after a second project study. The personal interest taken by him in contacting Local Government and private agencies for release of steel, cement, and other restricted quota items, and getting the project going with rapidity speaks highly of his initiative. The theater, the construction was started in December, 1973, was ready for operation on 1st April, 1974, largely due to consistent interest taken by Wing Commander Sen. He has also designed and locally fabricated a Kiran Wireless Trainer for training wireless mechanics on Kiran signals installation.

The dedicated work, drive and leadership of Wing Commander Sen was largely instrumental in ensuring establishment of sound and effective signal echelon at Air Force Academy. His consistent zeal to execute all assignments from inception to successful frutition, made heavy demands on him well beyond the call of duty. He has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Dharam Singh Gupta (4643) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1953. During his service career, he has filled a wide variety of appointments creditably. He served as Staff Officer to Air Officer in-Charge Maintenance prior to taking up his assignment of Staff Officer to Chairman, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. At Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he was additionally handling the duties of Assistant Commercial Manager in the Commercial Department at the Head Office. In all these appointments, he has been intimately connected with the policy issues connected with maintenance, operations and the plethora of problems arising with a highly sophisticated industrial complex like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

While performing his onerous duties, he has, through his own efforts, obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration, with distinction, from Delhi University. He has unmistakably demonstrated that he is capable of hard work under conditions of stress without allowing the quality of his work to suffer.

Wing Commander Dharam Singh Gupta's day-to-day work as an Aide, personal example, tact, utmost discretion, selfless devotion to duty and the commendable manner in which he has always handled extremely sensitive issues are worthy of emulating by others. He has rendered distinguished service of high order.

Wing Commander Kshounish Chandra Sinha (4856) was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force in March, 1955.

Wing Commander Sinha has been associated with the Institute of Aviation Medicine since October 1963. In the Department of Physiology, he has built up a fine laboratory having Environmental Cardio-pulmonary, Metabolic and Biochemistry Sections. His efforts have enabled the Institute to undertake sophisticated research in the respective fields, and in establishing a rational basis of post graduate studies in the field of Aviation Medicine which have helped an all round growth and efficiency of the Institute.

Wing Commander Sinha has conducted a series of research projects on heat stress on pilots, with an endeavour to find out ways and means to prevent the effects of heat stress which affect flying efficiency of the pilots and endangers flight safety. On the basis of his findings, many preventive measures have been incorporated in the form of airconditioning of crew rooms and provisioning of protective cover to parked aircraft. Many other preventive measures suggested by him have been tried in the field and found effective in enhancing aircrew flying efficiency. Some of them have been accepted and some are in the process of being implemented. He has published a series of scientific papers in various scientific journals on various topics of aero-medical interest of utmost importance.

Another significant contribution of Wing Commander Sinha has been in establishing the facilities for research in the field of Ergonomics at the Institute, with a view to evolve a method of determining physical work efficiency of ground duty personnel under tropical climatic conditions and to suggest preventive measures against its illeffects. This study also aims at exploring the possibilities of rehabilitating cardiac cases into useful occupations after their recovery. He has also compiled data on the norms of Pulmonary Function Tests of Indian subjects, thus eliminating the confusion created by the dependence on European standards. His finding on the disorder of carbohydrate metabolism following head injury has been one of the pioneering works in the field. The same has been reproduced in the abstract form in NASA bibliography. His finding is one of the most well authenticated data on the subject available at present. Wing Commander Kshounish Chandra Sinha is a well known figure in the field of Physiology and Aviation Medicine. His contribution in this field is enormous. His excellent all round performance both in the Institute and various national and international seminars has won him the recognition as an 'Expert' in the Armed Forces Medical Research Committee. He is also one of the referees of the Armed Forces Medical Journal. He has rendered distinguished service, of a high order and is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.