Flight Lieutenant Verinder Puri has been serving in Jammu and Kashmir area since March, 1960, and has so far carried out more than 1000 hours of operational flying in Ladakh including more than 100 hours of operational flying in one month. On 20th October 1962, in the face of extremely bad and turbulent weather conditions near Saserbarangazer, he successfully airdropped essential stores over one of the most difficult dropping zones in this area.

Flight Lieutenant Puri has displayed determination, courage and professional skill 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.

Air Marshal Verinder Puri was commissioned as a pilot in the transport stream on 25 August 1956. During his long illustrious career, he has held many important assignments both in the field and staff. He has flown various types of aircraft and has 9500 hours of accident free flying to his credit. An A2 Qualified Flying Instructor, he has also served as staff at the Flying Instructors School. He has been the Air Force Examiner with Aircrew Examining Board for two years. Because of his instructional prowess, he was selected to go on deputation to a friendly country to train its pilots. He has commanded three field units including the prestigious Air Headquarters Communication Squadron associated with VVIP/VIP commitments. For his professionalism, determination and courage he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 1964 and a Bar to VM in 1975. He has commanded two major Air Force bases and was subsequently specially selected to undertake diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché to USA.

On promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Southern Air Command. The Air Officer was responsible for the efficient conduct of air operation during operation Pawan (Sri Lanka) and operation Cactus (Maldives). He was later appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command (EAC) on promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, where he worked diligently towards improving the operational preparedness and efficiency of the Command.

The Air Officer is presently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOCin-C) Training Command (TC). He has put his vast flying, field and staff experience to optimum use by ensuring that high training standards are maintained and all courses are completed on schedule.

Air Marshal Verinder Puri, VM and Bar has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.