Group Captain George Kanisht Kumar John has been in command of an operational wing since October, 1962. He has shown commendable initiative and ability in inspiring his Squadron personnel to a high degree of combat effectiveness.

During the fighting with Pakistan his Wing, which is one of the front line units in the Punjab, was called upon to undertake offensive operations against the enemy. These comprised fighter sweeps, armed reconnaissance, close support and escort for bomber besides combat air patrols over the airfield itself, all of which were successfully carried out by his units located at his Wing.

On 7th September, 1965, Pakistan Air Force planes raided the airfield for the first time and they continued without any let up during the period of hostilities. Although the number of bombers that came over on each raid was small, the airfield had more than one raid alerts on most of the nights. Added to the nuisance of the air raids, which imposed numerous interruptions on the servicing activity, was the harassment of the Pakistani snipers who had been para dropped near the airfield on the nights of 7th and 9th September with the specific aim of breaking into and carrying out sabotage to our aircraft and installations. His ground defence measures foiled the enemy plans. Work on the unit went on with undiminished vigour, enemy interference notwithstanding. Unserviceable and damaged aircraft were serviced during the night and aircraft flown on offensive missions the next morning. Credit for the unceasing activity in the Station in spite of continued air raids in a large measure, due to the personal example of a very high sense of duty, steadfastness of purpose and leadership set by Group Captain John.

By the time Group Captain Walter Vernon Alexander Lloyd was appointed Officer Commanding of an operational Wing in Punjab, trouble from the infiltrators had already erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir area. Aware of the imminence of a full-fledged war, Gp. Capt. Lloyd immediately set about making preparations for it. In the limited time available he instituted passive air defence measures and spurred his officers and men to greater effort towards improving the serviceability of aircraft and operational preparedness of the unit. As a result his Station was ready to meet the challenge when Pakistan entered the arena openly as an aggressor.

One of the front line wings which menaced Pakistani activity in the area of Sialkot and Lahore, Gp. Capt. Lloyd's Wing was subjected to continuous nigh bombing raids and the enemy paratroopers' forage, work on the aircraft and airfield went on with unabated vigour. An index of the unflagging zeal of the air and ground crew and of the courage and fortitude is the steadily increasing number of sorties the Station was able to mount. There were 29 sorties on the 7th September, the day following the first Pakistani night raid, 74 on 11th and 77 on the 22nd September, 1965.

Although Gp. Capt. Lloyd had been in Command only a few days before the declaration of hostilities, he imbued, by personal example everyone in his Station with courage, determination, confidence in the justness of our cause and a sense of selflessness and purpose.

Wing Commander William MacDonald Goodman was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as General Duties (Pilot) on I April 1949.

On I September 1965, Pakistan launched a strong armour attack in the Chhamb sector with a view to cut the Indian communication lines to Kashmir. This posed a great threat to Indian security. Wing Commander Goodman, commanding No.31 Squadron flying the Mystere IVa fighter bombers at Pathankot, was entrusted with the task of destroying enemy tanks and troop concentrations in the Chhamb sector.

The squadron immediately went into action and blunted the enemy offensive by destroying his tanks and armoured vehicles. Between 2 and 8 September, the squadron undertook many reconnaissance and ground attack missions in the area. These included rocketing of tank concentrations at Troti and Chhamb and strafing of enemy positions at Jaurian.

On 9 September the Squadron did the more commendable work. A photo recce and strike mission was undertaken between Kasur and Raiwind by two aircraft. They attacked a train carrying tanks and destroyed twenty of them. This was followed by an attack on a tank and heavy gun concentration at Chawinda. Many of these reconnaissance and ground attack missions were led by Wing Commander Goodman himself in the face of heavy air and ground opposition. He was a source of inspiration to all ranks under his command. Under his guidance the Squadron maintained a very high standard of serviceability which contributed to a number if successful strikes on enemy positions. Wing Commander Goodman was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for conspicuous gallantry, leadership and professional skill.

During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh commanded No. 5 "Tuskers" Squadron, stationed at Agra. The unit equipped with the Canberra bomber, was assigned the triple task of tactical bombing, close support and armed patrolling. Under his able guidance the squadron carried out tactical bombing of various targets to destroy the Pakistan Air Force on the ground. Led by Wing Commander Prem Pal Singh himself, Pak army camp east of Gujarat and airfields at Chaklala, Dab, Murid, Akwal, Risalwala, Wagowal, Sargodha and Peshawar were successfully attacked by his bombers.

The squadron gave close support to the army in Kasur, Khem Karan, Pasrur, Chawinda and Sialkot sectors. Bombs were dropped on the enemy concentrations at all these places. During the period of war the squadron undertook 39 sorties of armed patrolling over Agra, Palam, Ambala, Halwara and Adampur. Most of the operational missions over the enemy territory were carried out during the hours of darkness. The targets were identified in the moon-light. These dangerous operational sorties were undertaken in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire with exceptional courage and determination.

Wing Commander Prem Pal was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for displaying a high sense of duty and gallantry.

During the Indo-Pak War 1965, Squadron Leader Gautam was commanding the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit (JBCU) flying Canberra bombers at Agra. On the outbreak of the hostilities he was assigned many difficult and dangerous missions into enemy territory at short notice. He undertook six offensive, tactical and close support missions deep into enemy territory between 6 and 21 September 1965, notwithstanding the heavy ground fire and Pak Sabre jet attacks.

These missions included reconnaissance into enemy territory, bombing of Akwal and Gujarat airfields and strafing of enemy concentrations in Gujarat and Chawinda areas. For displaying exceptional courage, determination and devotion to duty he was decorated with Maha Vir Chakra.

Wing Commander Hardyal Singh Dhillon has been in command of one of our operational Transport Squadrons deployed in J & K since the onset of emergency. This is his second operational tour in this area; first tenure being as a Fighter Pilot during Kashmir operations in 1948. Wg Cdr Dhillon was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his outstanding performance during Goa operations in 1961.

Immediately on taking over the Squadron, Wg Cdr Dhillon was faced with the enormously increased task of air­lift of vital supplies to our Army personnel employed in forward areas. In spite of the low manning level and various maintenance difficulties, Wg Cdr Dhillon faced the situation with grim determination, dauntless courage and unflinching devotion to duty. He re-organised his unit to meet the challenge with limited resources at his disposal. Having realized that in order to deliver the goods successfully Dakota aircraft of his unit will have to operate its maximum limits, he led most of the vital and hazardous missions personally and carried out 571 sorties involving more than 1000 hours in a remarkably short period of 20 months. On many days after having flown 8 hours, he had to deal with the administrative problems of his unit and could be seen supervising the servicing of his aircraft, thus ensuring proper running of the unit and a high rate of serviceability.

Inspired by his personal example and devotion to duty the officers and his men cheerfully worked round the clock as a perfect team and kept and much needed supply lines for the Army open throughout the year and thus brought admiration and credit from the troops to the Service. The Squadron completed the assigned air­lift to all the forward airfields and flew 16000 hours in spite of frequent interludes of bad weather within a period of 20 months, which is a remarkable achievement. He, by his careful planning and maintaining rigid discipline, both on the ground and in the air, kept his Squadron accident­free throughout this period. In spite of the difficult living and working conditions, Wing Commander Dhillon by taking personal interest in the welfare of his officers and men successfully maintained a very high morale in the Squadron.

Wing Commander Hardyal Singh Dhillon has thus rendered service of most exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Karam Singh was in command of one of our Repair and Salvage Units from June 1962 to March 1964. The task of the unit was to repair and salvage aircraft all over the Western Sector.

In the face of such extreme difficulties as inaccessible areas of operations, difficult terrain, adverse weather condition and shortage of manpower, the officer carried out his duties in an exemplary manner during the period of his Command. The following two examples highlight the commendable efforts put in by this officer in the discharge of his arduous duties:­ During, the period Decembar, 1962/ January, 1963, the officer was called upon by Western Air Command to carry out extensive repairs to a crashed aircraft C-130 of the United States Air Force engaged in airlifting operations for our defence forces at Leh. Despite the non­availability of standard repair schemes, specialist advice or adequate maintenance facilities, this officer, leading a handful of men, successfully carried out major repairs to the aircraft, at the scene of the crash, under most arduous working conditions at sub­zero temperature.

In September, 1963 he was called upon to undertake major repairs to an IAF aircraft AN­12 which had suffered extensive damage at an advanced airstrip in the J&K. Despite the non­availability of proper materials, test equipment and schemes for repair he led his men and carried out the repairs in the shortest time possible.

He displayed a high degree of professional skill, praiseworthy qualities of leadership and perseverance in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. All these were collectively responsible for the successful completion of the task.

Squadron Leader Karam Singh has thus rendered valuable service of an exceptional order, which is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

On 26th April, 1965, Flying Officer Barbara undertook a photo-reconnaissance sortie in the Biar Bet area in which the Pakistani Army had mounted an attack against one of xx Company positions. His task was to collect evidence of the presence of Pakitani armour in this area and use of foreign tanks by Pakistani forces. Such evidence was of vital importance since Pakistan had denied use of foreign tanks in the battle. The battle area was being constantly patrolled by the Pakistani forces with fighter aircraft whos performance was much superior to that of the aircraft flown by flying Officer Barbara. In addition to the danger of being intercepted by the enemy aircraft there was the danger of being caught in the cross0f9ire of the Artillery duel between the Pakistani forces and our troops. Fully aware of these risks, Flying Officer Barbara decided to fly as low as 50 feet above ground level below the trajectory of the shells. With consummate skill, he navigated t o an area which is noted for the absence of prominent land marks and having spotted 15 tanks which he recognized as M-48 “Patton”, he took photographs of the tanks as well a s of their tracks. The photographs taken by him confirmed that Pakistan had used foreign tanks in Indian territory.

In this operation, Flying Officer Utpal Barbara displayed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

At about 0700 hours on the 3rd September, 1965, on receipt of a report that a formation of Pakistani fighters was circling over our army position in the Chhamb sector of Jammu & Kashmir, a formation of Gnat aircraft was ordered to intercept the intruders.

Approaching the area, Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor, who was a section leader in the Gnat formation, sighted enemy F-86 Sabre jets and engaged them in air battle. When the combat was in progress, F-104 Star fighters of the Pakistani Air Force also joined in. Unmindful of the numerical superiority of the enemy, Squadron Leader Keelor chased a Sabre Jet and pressed home his attack until the enemy aircraft caught fire and disintegrated in the air. This was the first victory of our Air Force in the air battles against the Pakistani Air Force.

In this operation, Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor displayed courage and leadership of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Virender Singh Pathania was one of the Gnat pilots who were sent to Pathankot to establish our air superiority in that region during the recent operations against Pakistan. He flew repeated missions seeking out Pakistani aircraft and engaging them. On the 4th September, 1965, during one such mission he came up against a formation of enemy Sabre Jets and immediately engaged them in battle. With great confidence and courage, he out-maneuvered the enemy all the time, got behind one of the enemy Sabres and shot it down.

In this encounter, Flight Lieutenant Virender Singh Pathania displayed cool courage and firm determination in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the recent operations against Pakistan, Squadron Leader Madhukar Shantaram Jatar was the Flight Commander in an operational Squadron which carried out 14 operational sorties. On the 7th September 1965, he led a formation of eight Mysteres on a ground strike mission on Bhagranwala airfield. The raid had to be carried out at a low altitude when visibility was poor. Squadron Leader Jatar inspired is men with courage and tenacity of purpose and the attack on the airfield was pressed home resolutely. As a result one enemy Sabre Jet was destroyed and another damaged. After carrying out the mission successfully, Squadron Leader Jatar brought his formation of eight aircraft safely back to the base.

In this operation, Squadron Leader Madhukar Shantaram Jatar displayed leadership, devotion to duty and professional skill of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

At 0945 hours on the 7th September 1965, a formation of four Mystere aircraft led by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa took off for an operational mission and flying at a height of only 50 to 100 feet above ground level penetrated into Pakistan territory.

Squadron Leader Handa led the formation accurately to their objective and the formation went into the attack. He dropped his bombs on the Bulk Patrol Installation and opened up with his guns at three Sabre Jets parked at the Operational Readiness Platform, one of which burst into flames. He then signaled to the remaining members of the formation to attack an enemy F-104 Star Fighter which was also on the Operational Readiness Platform. By this time the enemy antiaircraft guns had opened a heavy barrage of fire against all the four aircraft of the formation. After the successful attack Squadron Leader Handa led the formation back to base safely, all our aircraft landed with only marginal fuel.

The cool courage, devotion to duty and determination displayed by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa throughout the operation, were in the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the recent operational against Pakistan, Flight Lieutenant Trilochan Singh who was Deputy Flight Commander in an Operational Squadron, flew 14 operational sorties. He carried out his mission with great determination and courage in the face of heavy enemy ground fire and air opposition and succeeded in destroying a considerable number of camouflaged tanks and heavy guns. He gave effective air support to our ground forces and carried out successful air strikes on enemy armour, troops concentrations and convoys.

Throughout the operations, Flight Lieutenant Trilochan Singh displayed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order.

Squadron Leader Amarjit Singh Sandhu was the Flight Commander of an Operational Squadron, which was assigned the task of establishing our air superiority over the Pathankot region during the recent operations against Pakistan. He flew repeated missions in the Chhamb sector and over the Pasrur and Lahore areas, all the time seeking out enemy aircraft and engaging them. On the 18th September 1965, in a thrilling encounter against enemy aircraft, he was able to outmanoeuvre the enemy with admirable skill, courage and judgment and shot down a Sabre jet.

The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Amarjit Singh Sandhu were in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

On the 19th September 1965, Squadron Leader Denzil Keelor was providing fighter escort to Mystere aircraft during a strike mission in the operations against Pakistan. His section of four Gnat aircraft was engaged by four enemy Sabre jet aircraft and the battle was fought at a height of less than 2000 feet from the ground where enemy anti-aircraft guns were also active. Under his guidance, his sub-section leader shot down a Sabre jet aircraft. Thereafter Squadron Leader Keelor himself engaged another Sabre jet and crippled it.

Throughout the operations Squadron Leader Denzil Keelor was a source of inspiration to his pilots and ground personnel. His courage and devotion to duty were in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

On the 20th September 1965, as leader of a section of two Gnat aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Ajoy Kumar Majumdar was ordered to “scramble” along with two Hunter aircraft, for patrol duty over the Lahore sector. The section was surprised by four enemy Sabre jet aircraft. Acting with great presence of mind Flight Lieutenant Majumdar ordered the Hunters into a defensive turn and at the same time engaged the Sabres in an attempt to ward them off. In the ensuing battle he shot down one of the enemy aircraft.

In this combat, Flight Lieutenant Ajoy Kumar Majumdar displayed great skill and initiative in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During the recent operations against Pakistan, Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat, a Navigator in an Operational Bomber Squadron, successfully navigated by day and night a number of leader and marker aircraft on hazardous offensive and tactical close support missions deep into enemy territory. Despite intense enemy fire and grave danger to his personal safety, he struck to his post with cool courage and firm determination and accurately navigated the aircraft to their targets to carry out their vital missions.

Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Hamir Singh Mangat displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 19th September 1965, as sub-section leader in a four Gnat aircraft formation, Flight Lieutenant Viney Kapila gave valuable assistance to his leader during an aerial battle against four Pakistani Sabre jet aircraft. The battle was fought at a height of less than 2000 feet from the ground where enemy antiaircraft guns were active. He shot down one of the enemy aircraft and then helped his leader to cripple another.

In this action Flight Lieutenant Kapila displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 16th September 1965, Flying Officer Prakash Pingale led a section of two aircraft on a “scramble” mission. His section engaged a Pakistani F-86 aircraft, which was also under its own radar control. With great skill, Flying Officer Pingale manoeuvred his section behind the enemy aircraft when he noticed another Sabre jet coming in to attack. He immediately changed his position and shot down the enemy aircraft, which he had engaged earlier. Then he turned to the other enemy aircraft and flying with great skill and accuracy, engaged it and shot it down also.

The skill and leadership displayed by Flying Officer Pingale in this air combat were in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Chandra has been serving as Senior Training Officer of a Technical Training School since April 1960. After the outbreak of hostilities in October, 1961, the training flow had increased manifold while there was no corresponding increase in training aids and instructors. This called for great resourcefulness, ingenuity on the part of the staff and more so on the shoulders of Senior Training Officers.

Wg. Cdr. Chandra who was given this momentous task of increased training commitment set down his assignment with single minded devotion and formulated a comprehensive training programme to meet the increased commitment. During this period he introduced a number of new training aids which made the imparting of technical training easy and simpler.

Wg. Cdr. Chandra has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Jagmohan Singh Virk is a qualified Flying Instructor and holds the highest transport category and instrument rating. During the past one year, through his persistent efforts he has accelerated the output of transport pupils. In addition to the training commitments, this officer at the peak of emergency, transported troops and equipment to N.E.F.A. area.

His cheerful devotion to this arduous duty under great physical and mental stress was a source of inspiration to his colleagues and pupils and an all round fine example on a flying station. He has, therefore, rendered a distinguished service of a high order.

Flight Lieutenant Tapishwar Dutt Vasisht is a qualified flying instructor and has obtained the highest transport category and instrument rating.

This officer was employed in one of the I.A.F. pilot training institutions where he carried out instructional duties with zeal and determination. His sustained efforts resulted in doubling the training output of pilots during the Emergency. To achieve this distinction Flt. Lt. Vasisht flew over 100 instructional hours per month.

In addition to his training commitment, this officer undertook the work of flying troops and equipment to Assam area during the Chinese aggression; a task which he accomplished with great success. The officer displayed a high sense of duty and sincere devotion to his allotted tasks.

Master Warrant Officer Harbhajan Singh Rattan has been on the posted strength of Heavy Transport Squadron operating in J & K area as Deputy Signals Leader. He is on his 4th operational tour and during the current tenure has flown 1200 hours on operations. On 21st February, 1964, while 3 aircraft were being loaded for supply dropping missions, Master Warrant Officer Rattan noticed smoke emanating from the cockpit of the aircraft parked in the middle. Realizing the danger to the other aircraft in case the fire was not controlled, he immediately with the help of some other airmen pushed one aircraft to safe distance while the other aircraft was taxied away by a pilot. After ensuring the safety of the two aircraft Master Warrant Officer Rattan took charge of the fire fighting operations. With complete disregard to his personal safety he entered the aircraft, located the fire and attempted to smother it, but was nearly overpowered by suffocating smoke. He came out and undeterred entered the aircraft again and found the situation fraught with serious possibilities of the fire spreading to the cargo load which consisted of logs of wood. When his attempts to open the cargo doors were not successful, he on his own initiative, ordered the cargo doors to be hacked open.

Subsequently, he supervised the discharge of cargo from the aircraft and simultaneously directed fire fighting operations and carried on until he fell unconscious due to fumes, suffocation and exhaustion. His correct assessment of the situation and prompt action prevented the possible spread of the fire and saved valuable aircraft.

Throughout these operations, Master Warrant Officer Harbhajan Singh Rattan displayed complete disregard to his personal safety, remarkable courage and selfless devotion to duty, which is in keeping with best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Master Warrant Officer Winfred Samuel is posted to one of the Heavy Transport Squadrons operating in J&K area since March, 1961. From the very inception of the unit he has been incharge of the Daily Servicing Section. Inspite of the low manning level and limited servicing facilities, this officer, through his professional skill, high organizing ability and grim determination inspired his men to work to the maximum capacity and successfully maintained a very high standard of serviceability. But for his sustained efforts and capacity for hard work it may not have been possible to maintain the vital airlift of supplies to the required schedule, particularly during the emergency.

One of the aircraft belonging to his unit was stranded at Leh with a damaged undercarriage. Master Warrant Officer Samuel with a handful of men and spares proceeded to Leh to repair the aircraft. He, along with his men worked round the clock for over 15 hours and made the aircraft serviceable for it to be flown before the setting in of bad weather. Had this aircraft not been retrieved, it would have remained stuck at Leh for a considerable period.

Master Warrant Officer Winfred Samuel, by his leadership, courage and devotion to duty and capacity for hard work has thus rendered distinguished service of a very high order.