Air Vice Marshal Hari Chand Dewan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1940. He saw active service in Burma during World War II. He has held various command and staff appointments with distinction. He attended the Flying Instructors Course in the United Kingdom in 1942 and the RAF Staff College Course, Andover, in 1948-49. He also attended the National Defence College Course in 1961-62. After holding the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command, he was posted as Director of Operations (Transport) at Air Headquarters where he had to handle a variety of difficult problems relating to air transport support. During the Chinese aggression in 1962, he planned the airlift programme involving not only the transport fleet of the Air Force but almost the entire fleet of the Indian Airlines and non-scheduled operators. He was also instrumental in arranging compilation of navigation data for airfields and the revision of aeronautical charts. During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, he has made marked improvement in the operational potential of the fighting elements of the Command. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, since 1st April 1968, he has shown a great deal of energy and initiative in meeting the maintenance and supply requirements of the operational commands.

Air Vice Marshal Teja Singh Virk was commissioned in the Air Force in 1940. He saw active service during World War II. He attended Advanced Navigation Course at Shawbury and Specialist Navigation Course at Empire Navigation School in 1947 and the Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington in 1950-51. He also attended the 1st Course at National Defence College in 1960-61. He has held several important appointments and is at present Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command. During the Chinese aggression of 1962 he was the Air Force Liaison Officer with the Eastern Command (Army), and later he served as Liaison Officer with the Central Command. In both these appointments, he represented the needs of one Service to the other most creditably with The result that tasks never went in default either during 1962 or later when important commitments had to he undertaken by the Air Force for the Army, NEFA Administration and the Government of Assam.

Air Vice Marshal Syed Abbas Hussain was commissioned in the Air Force in 1941. He saw active service during World War II. He attended Frontier Warfare Course, Flying Instructors Course, Junior Commanders Course and Defence Services Staff College Course. He also attended Imperial Defence College Course in the UK. He has held the appointments of Chief Instructor at the Indian Air Force Academy, Chief Instructor, Air Wing, Defence Services Staff College, Director Training at Air Headquarters. In the field of flying training, the officer's achievements have been most commendable. While in command, he ensured operational efficiency of the Hunter Squadrons in a record time. It was under his guidance that the first 'Hunter Aerobatic Team' was formed, trained and perfected to win the laurels it did. As Commander of an operational base from 1966 to April 1968, he earned the reputation of a mature planner in the Indian Air Force. In his present appointment as Director of Operations, he has displayed outstanding professional knowledge and administrative ability.

Air Commodore Anand Ramdas Pandit was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1941. He saw active service during World War II and was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross. He attended Defence Services Staff College in 1951-52, Indoctrination Course at Air Force School of Aviation Medicine in 1958 and the National Defence College Course in 1962-63. He has held various staff and command appointments While commanding an IAF Squadron, he has flown various types of aircraft and has varied flying experience. Subsequently, he was appointed Chief Instructor at the Jet Training Wing, and in this capacity, he successfully trained a large number of jet pilots. From 1963 to 1966, as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command, he was instrumental in swiftly achieving the targets of air maintenance task for the Command. The high standard of instructional level at the School of Land Air Warfare is largely the result of the improvements effected in the syllabus by this officer in 1967.

Air Commodore Sarosh Jahangir Dastur was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1942. He saw active service during World War II. He attended Defence Services Staff College Course in 1954-55, and Imperial Defence College Course in 1968. He has held various staff and command appointments. As Officer Commanding of an Air Force Station during 1952-54, he distinguished himself by tackling and solving several intricate administrative problems of the unit. Later, as Chief Instructor in the Air Wing of the Defence Services Staff College, he brought about improvements in methods and syllabus and made the training of Air Wing Officers purposeful. During the Goa operations, as Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Poona, he was responsible for organising the Air Task Force in his sector. He activated additional early warning stations from the meagre resources at his command. As Director of Guided Weapons at Air Headquarters his work was of a very high order.

Air Commodore Tapeswar Basu was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1942. He saw active service in Burma during World War II. He attended Staff College Course at Wellington, Air Command and Staff Course in the USA and Advanced Air Navigation Course, Air Defence Course and Transport Support Course in the U. K. He accomplished the task of setting up instructional institutions connected with Navigator's training and Junior Commander's Course creditably He was given the task of establishing a staff course for the Indonesian Air Force at D'Jakarta where he earned admiration and affection of the Indonesian Air Force and thus established goodwill between the two countries. During the India-Pakistan conflict, as Senior Officer-inCharge, Administration, Headquarters Central Air Command, he maintained control over the available resources and was able to formulate and re-adjust administrative plans as demanded by changing operational requirements.

Air Commodore Hemonto Kumar Bose was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1943 He saw active service during World War II. He attended Defence Services Staff College Course in 1955-56 and the National Defence College Course in 1966. He has held various staff and command appointments. He has been known for his dash as a flier, and for his initiative and thoroughness right from his early days. While in command of a Fighter Squadron he was responsible for bringing the squadron to the highest level. His pioneer efforts in establishing the Headquarters of a newly established Wing and other allied services proved to be of immense help during the Chinese aggression in 1962. He has rendered distinguished service as Director of Personnel (Officers) and Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters.

Air Commodore Thirumalai Srinivasan was commissioned in the Technical Signals Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1943 He saw active service during World War II. He attended Signals Officer's Radar Course in the U.K. in 1948, Methods of Instructions Course at No. 2 G.T.S. in 1949 and Junior Commander's Course in 1953. He has held various staff and command appointments creditably. During his tenure as Director of Signals, he contributed most effectively to all the major plans in the Directorate. In addition, he was responsible for installation and check up of a variety of sophisticated and modern ground and airborne electronics equipment in the Air Force. His successful handling of the task of development of sophisticated and complex airborne electronics equipment and completion of the prototype models of equipment which have been air­tested is a real breakthrough in the field of indigenous development and production of sophisticated and specialised airborne electronics equipment in the country.

Group Captain Sita Ram Mallick was commissioned in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1943. During World War II, he served in Burma as an officer of the Public Relations Directorate of the then General Headquarters. After qualifying as a paratrooper in 1945, he went to Japan with the British occupation forces for public relations duties. In both these assignments, he acquitted himself creditably. He has served in all theatres of operations in India since Independence, and also abroad and provided public relations cover to the forces. As Chief Public Relations Officer of the Indian forces serving with the United Nations in the Congo, he rendered commendable service. He was a member of the team detailed for photographing Mount Everest in 1953, soon after the first ascent of the Everest, and again in 1965 following the Indian Expedition's success in sending nine members to the top. He was also responsible for providing Press coverage for this Expedition. In his appointment as Deputy Director in the Directorate of Public Relations (Defence), he also rendered distinguished service.

Air Commodore Maheshwar Das Khanna was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1943. During most of his Service career he has been employed on fighter pilot duties and has carried out approximately 3500 hours of accident free fighter flying. He took part in the operations in Burma during World War II and also participated in Jammu and Kashmir Operations, 1947-48, Goa Operations in 1961, and the India-Pakistan conflict of 1965. He has held important flying and staff appointments directly connected with the operations. After taking over the Command of a Wing, he built up the operational capabilities and flying qualities of all Units based at this Wing within a remarkably short period. In addition to his normal duties, he was instrumental in training 60 extra pilots, both in Mystere and Gnat aircraft, to fully operational status. Throughout, Air Commodore Maheshwar Das Khanna displayed professional skill and organising ability.

Group Captain Hemant Rama Krishna Chitnis was one of the few instructors to qualify from the United Kingdom and to hold an Instructor's appointment in the Flying Instructors' School. He has over 3,500 hours of accident free flying record, of which about half is on instructional flying duties. As a Squadron Commander, he not only ensured conversion of his Squadron to Hunter aircraft, but also made it achieve high operational efficiency in a short time, Subsequently, with praiseworthy initiative, drive and organizing ability, he successfully executed the task of raising a fighter-bomber wing in the Eastern Sector.

Throughout, Group Captain Hemant Rama Krishna Chitnis displayed initiative, organising ability and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Group Captain (then Wing Commander) Jagdish Behari Lai commanded a Transport and M/R Squadron for nearly 3 years and throughout this period maintained the highest transport category and instrument rating. In spite of his multifarious duties of a Squadron Commander, he flew a total of over 800 hours on Super-Constellation aircraft. It was during his tenure that the Super­Constellation aircraft was modified for M/R role and it was under his direction that intensive trials were carried out and the aircraft quickly made operational in the new role. He ensured that every M/R and A.S.S.R. task entrusted to the Squadron was fully met. The manner in which various commitments were fulfilled by the Squadron under Wing Commander Lal's able leadership earned appreciation from all concerned.

Throughout, Group Captain Jagdish Behari Lal displayed professional skill, resourcefulness and leadership.

Group Captain Saroj Jena commanded the I.A.F. Canberra Detachment in the Congo during April-October 1962. His Squadron rendered valuable service. He himself flew 10 sorties on reconnaissance missions. During the period December 1962 to May 1965, he commanded another Squadron. Under his able guidance the Squadron fulfilled all the tasks allotted to it creditably. Group Captain Jena took over Command of Air Force Station Palam, in January 1967 and was responsible for organising the fly-past during Republic Day 1967 and 1968. He was also responsible for the intricate flight planning, safety of aircraft and correct timings of the aircraft participating in the Air Power Demonstration held at Tilpat on 31st March 1968.

Throughout, Group Captain Saroj Jena displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For nearly four years Wing Commander Karan Yadav has been employed in a unit of the Air Force whose function is to examine by tests and intensive trials all practical service, and to conduct armament trials for safety of carriage, accuracy and effectiveness of the weapons system. He has completed nearly 500 hours of flying on these arduous duties. In carrying out service trials of indigenously produced Hindustan Fighter and the Kiran aircraft, he has been instrumental not only in improving the operational performance of these aircraft but also in rectifying the defects found in an aircraft in its early stages of development. He has played a significant part in the development of aeronautics industry in the country and in solving several problems associated with other aircraft in use in the service. Throughout Wing Commander Karan Yadav displayed initiative, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Nirmal Chandra Suri has been commanding a fighter Squadron since August 1966. There was an operational requirement to evolve a modification for release of armament stores from the type of aircraft in his Squadron to enhance its fire power. This modification, which was a major one, was personally supervised by Wing Commander Suri. The modification has not only enhanced the fire power of the I.A.F. but also saved a large amount of foreign exchange. Wing Commander Suri has flown about 3,500 including 175 hours by night on single engine aircraft. When posted to the staff of the aircrew Examining Board for a period of 3 years, he acted as Examiner on Six different types of aircraft including Jets. During this period he flew over 600 hours for instrument rating of pilots and categorisation of the flying instructors.

Throughout, Wing Commander Nirmal Chandra Suri displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

As Officer Commanding an Air Force Unit, Wing Commander Ranjit Kumar Kukar has displayed great initiative, organising ability and resourcefulness in maintaining a very high standard of serviceability of his Squadron. He has borne the responsibility of training over 100 pilots on the strength of the Squadron and at the same time has run three courier services per week. This he has ensured notwithstanding the fact that the Squadron had limited resources and had no established Station for administrative support Despite these handicaps, under his able guidance, there has been all round improvement in the operational status of the Squadron. A large number of pilots and navigators have qualified for both day and night operations including paratrooping and this has enabled the Squadron to make available a number of categorised pilots and navigators also to other Squadrons.

Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Kumar Kukar displayed initiative, organising ability and resourcefulness.

Wing Commander Satya Pal Varma has been serving as Officer-in-Charge Human Engineering Wing of the Air Force School of Aviation Medicine since June, 1964. Prior to joining this unit, he qualified as a pilot on jet aircraft thus contributing more effectively to his role as medical officer in the Air Force. As an Adviser on Human Engineering problems associated with the design and development of HF-24 and HJT-16 aircraft at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at Bangalore, he contributed to the enhancement of comfort and safety in flying these aircraft. In view of his achievements in the Human Engineering field he was appointed as Human Engineering Coordinator in India of the Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Research Council in addition to his being a doctor and a pilot. Wing Commander Varma is a competent electronics engineer and has designed a prototype biotelemetric equipment or the physiological monitoring of pilots in flight, which has won praise from the Armed Forces Medical Research Committee.

Wing Commander Satya Pal Varma displayed resourcefulness and devotion to duly in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force

Wing Commander Suraj Prakash Dutt, as Officer Commanding of a fighter Squadron, was personally responsible for his Squadron having flown a total of 1906 hours from December 1967 to May 1968 against heavy odds and low serviceability of the aircraft of his Squadron. Despite enormous problems due to acute shortage of trained personnel and equipment, with determination and able leadership, he brought up the operational readiness of his Squadron and accomplished the difficult task of training operational aircrew to a high standard of efficiency.

Throughout, Wing Commander Suraj Prakash Dutt displayed courage, initiative and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Ajit Kumar Choudhury has been serving with Fighter Training Wing since November 1965. As a Flying Instructor, he has flown a total of 2,000 hours. On 16th May 1968, he was authorised to carry out general flying and aerobatics sorties on a Vampire aircraft with a pupil pilot. At the end of the sortie after carrying out a roller take off, he heard a loud thud and noticed the R.P.M. winding down with the complete loss of power in the engine. The aircraft had gained only 300 feet of height and was flying at 170 knots. Squadron Leader Choudhury took immediate action to gain height. With exceptional skill and cool courage, he landed the aircraft safely.

Squadron Leader Joginder Paul Singh is an outstanding officer of the Transport Training Wing and has to his credit 1,670 instructional hours and 1,308 operational flying hours out of a total of 5.800 hours of accident-free flying. His contribution towards improvement in standards of instructional flying is praiseworthy.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Joginder Paul Singh displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

During his eleven years of service, Squadron Leader Narayana Iyer Venkataramani has flown 5,900 hours, including 2,400 hours on instructional duties on four different types of aircraft. He has flown a total of 950 operational hours in NEFA, Nagaland and Mizo Hills. He was responsible for converting a large number of under training pilots to fully operational status capable of undertaking hazardous missions. After joining the Aircrew Examining Board as Air Force Examiner, he has been instrumental in achieving a phenomenal rise in the categorisation/instrument rating state of the Air Force. Throughout, Squadron Leader Narayana Iyer Venkataramani disp layed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Padmanabha Ashoka has been actively associated with flight test duties in a Testing Unit. He has been largely responsible for expanding the flight envelope of the HF-24 aircraft. He has also been responsible for recommending a modification for better rates of roll on this aircraft. Due to his efforts, enough information on single engine performance, radii of action in the ground attack role, thrust boundaries, techniques for aerobatic manoeuvres etc of HF-24 aircraft was gathered, thus assuring in getting the aircraft operational early.

Throughout Squadron Leader Padmanabha Ashoka displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Qaiser Ali during his fourteen years of service has flown a total of 3,550 hours including 1600 hours as an instructor on jet fighter and bomber aircraft. He spent four years as flight commander at a Bomber Conversion Unit and was responsible for training a large number of bomber pilots, who displayed a very high standard of professional skill during the 1965 conflict. He served as an instructor in the United Arab Republic with distinction for two years. After his posting to Aircrew Examining Board in August 1966, he has carried out the duties of aircrew instrument ratings and recategorisation tests of instructors with dedicated zeal and thoroughness. He has also been responsible for standardisation of bomber operating procedures.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Qaisar Ali has displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Ramesh Chandra Sondhi has been on the strength of a Squadron since November 1965 and is currently employed as a Training Officer. During this period, the operational potential of the squadron was low as experienced crew were gradually posted out. Despite this, he not only completed his own conversion in the shortest possible time but also look upon himself the challenge and worked non-stop to improve the operational potential of the squadron by imparting training of an exceptional standard. He has a total of 7,515 flying hours to his credit. Throughout he has displayed a very high standard of professional skill, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Ram Kumar Sinha has served three tenures in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and NEFA. As a transport pilot, he completed over 1,000 hours of flying in fixed wing transport aircraft. During the Chinese aggression in 1962 and India-Pakistan conflict of 1965 he evacuated over 700 casualties from forward posts. For this, he made over 2,000 landings on unprepared areas In difficult terrain. He has carried out numerous proving and evaluation flights to new helipads. He has frequently been called upon to render service in aid to civil authorities. He flew many sorties carrying medical supplies and food and water for the marooned people after the cyclone at Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. On another occasion, disregarding his personal safety he evacuated a seriously ill mechanic of the Posts and Telegraphs Department by helicopter and thus saved his life.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ram Kumar Sinha displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best tradition s' of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Dev Pant is the Officer Commanding of a Helicopter Unit and has flown 1,079 operational hours on helicopters, including 450 hours in his present assignment, in the Eastern Sector, NEFA, Nagaland, Mizo Hills etc. He has evacuated over 150 casualties. On 19th July 1968, when a message was received that a very serious casualty required evacuation from a difficult helipad at high altitude, Squadron Leader Pant, despite hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions, volunteered to undertake the evacuation. Immediately on his landing at the helipad the weather deteriorated, but Squadron Leader Pant, with his professional knowledge and courage, skillfully took off observing a little gap in the clouds, and brought back the serious casualty to the hospital and thus saved his life.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajendra Dev Pant displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Satish Chander Mohan has a distinguished record in both operational and instructional flying and has a total of 5,570 flying hours to his credit, including 2,720 hours in operational areas and 1,265 hours of instructional flying. He has always volunteered for difficult tasks in adverse conditions over difficult terrain. He has throughout maintained high operational preparedness of his Squadron in all its multifarious roles by organising and carrying out training by day and night of all categories of crews.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Satish Chander Mohan displayed courage, initiative and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Sadanand Kulkarni during his eleven years of service as a Navigator has flown 3,150 hours: out of which 1,320 hours are as an instructor. He holds transport category 'A' and Q.N.I. category A-1. In his Instructional tenure of four years, he has displayed instructional skill and flying standard of the highest order. He has had the distinction of passing out his pupils as best navigators in air work in three consecutive courses. As a navigator in M. R. Squadron, he flew 1,125 hours on Liberator aircraft and was responsible for training a large number ops U/T navigators into skilful and operationally sound maritime navigators, radar operators and bomb aimers.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Sadanand Kulkarni displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Swatantra Kumar Goel was posted to Air Headquarters Communication Squadron in December 1963 as a pilot on Dakota aircraft for carrying high dignitaries. On the introduction of HS-748 aircraft to the Unit he was among the first to qualify for carrying V.I.Ps. Subsequently, he also qualified on TU-124 aircraft. He has flown over 1,700 hours in the Squadron of which over 900 hours are on VIP flights. He has also to his credit nearly 350 hours of instructional flying. He is also the Type Examiner on HS- 748 aircraft. Throughout, Squadron Leader Swatantra Kumar Goel displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Avinash Chander Chopra has been serving with a Helicopter Unit since August 1967. During this period he has undertaken a number of rescue and casualty evacuation missions and carried out about 600 hours of operational flying. In July 1967, in adverse weather conditions, he made many sorties in search of a transport aircraft which had crashed. Finally, he succeeded in reaching the scene of the crash and located the wreckage. He took calculated risk in landing at a kutcha helipad and succeeded in evacuating the lone survivor.

Throughout Flight Lieutenant Avinash Chander Chopra displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

On 4th January 1968, Flight Lieutenant Gurmit Singh Maan was returning from a combat training sortie in a fighter aircraft when he found his longitudinal control jammed. Repeated attempts failed to clear the restriction either in power or manual control and he was left only with the electrical trimmer. Undaunted, with excellent airmanship, he carried out a perfect landing with his control trimmer alone and thus saved a valuable aircraft. In this action, Flight Lieutenant Gurmit Singh Maan displayed courage and professional skill.

Flight Lieutenant Harold Clement Demos has been a helicopter pilot since 1963 and has flown over 900 operational hours which involved over 1,000 operational sorties in the forward areas. He has always volunteered for operational missions. He carried out supply dropping missions in Nagaland. In September 1967 when the Nanak Sagar Dam burst causing havoc to the surrounding civilian population, livestock and property, he carried out many sorties under severe and trying conditions. On another occasion, he evacuated 2 casualties at the risk of his own life from an area covered with 15 feet of snow. On 8th April 1968 when an Air Force Officer ejected from an aircraft 30 miles south east of Kanpur and was seriously injured, he disregarding his personal safety, took off from Kanpur in darkness and reached the scene of the accident, picked up the Air Force Officer and brought him safely to Kanpur airfield.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harold Clement Demos displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Mrigendra Narayan Singh has been engaged in active helicopter operations in Nagaland, NEFA and Mizo Hills since August 1963. He has flown a total of 1,093 hours out of which 55 hours were on operational missions. Most of the flying has been over hazardous and inaccessible terrain. He has carried out many sorties for casualty evacuation and for carrying troops in the vicinity of hostile elements. His willingness to fly on difficult missions in adverse weather and inhospitable terrain, has set an inspiring example to his juniors.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Mrigendra Narayan Singh displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Sekhon has been serving in one of the Helicopter Units in the Eastern Sector. On a number of occasions, he has successfully carried out supply dropping and casualty evacuation from extremely difficult places at grave personal risk. He has completed 1,100 hours of operational flying in Helicopters in NEFA, Nagaland and Mizo Hills. In addition, he has been carrying out instructional duties and has always been setting an example to others.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Manjit Singh Sekhon displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Tarlok Singh Dhaliwal is serving as a pilot in a transport Squadron engaged in an air maintenance role in the eastern regions. He is a qualified flying Instructor and has flown a total of 3,360 hours out of which 1,650 hours are on operational missions. During the Chinese aggression in 1962, he carried out many supply dropping sorties. His intimate knowledge of the terrain of NEFA and Mizo Hills and his experience in carrying out numerous landings at Advance Landing Grounds has been very useful in the training of junior pilots. He has been a source of great inspiration to his junior colleagues.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Tarlok Singh Dhaliwal displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

201000 Master Warrant Officer Kaniyath Raghava Menon joined the Indian Air Force in 1947. He started his career as a Flight Engineer on Liberators in 1955 and later converted on to the Super-Constellations. In 1955 he was posted to a Transport Squadron where he started flying as a Flight Engineer. He had flown 4,000 hours which included numerous air landings on Advanced Landing Grounds and supply dropping missions. It was during one of the operational supply dropping missions that he lost his life.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Kaniyath Raghava Menon displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force,

Warrant Signaller Babaji Shripatrao More has been serving with Heavy Transport Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir since April 1963. He has volunteered for most of the difficult sorties and has flown a total of nearly 6,350 hours including about 2.660 hours on operations. During the India-Pakistan conflict in 1965, he had flown more than 102 hours. He has also carried out more than 1,060 sorties on supply dropping and landings at Advance Landing Grounds. By his experience and intimate knowledge of the terrain, he has helped a great deal in fulfilling the task allotted to his unit.

Throughout, Warrant Signaller Babaji Shripatrao More displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Warrant Signaller Jaswant Jit Singh has been serving with a heavy transport Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir since March 1963. Earlier, he had served in two transport squadrons employed in air-lift in Jammu and Kashmir. He has a total of 4,250 hours of flying to his credit of which 1,520 are operational flying hours. He has always volunteered for hazardous operational missions. Throughout, Warrant Signaller Jaswant Jit Singh has displayed courage, professional skill and high devotion to duty.

Warrant Signaller Jagdish Singh Gill has been serving with a Heavy Transport Squadron since May 1961. He has flown total of 6,800 hours out of which 3,000 hours have been on operational sorties. His vast experience has always been of great help in the planning and execution of his Section's task. He has been responsible for training and conversion of many signallers, in spite of the heavy Squadron commitments. On 25th November 1966, when on a cross country flight No. 2 engine of the aircraft caught fire. Warrant Signaller Gill displayed cool courage and great presence of mind by helping the crew in bringing the situation under control. Not only was two way communication maintained throughout the flight, but also diversionary airfield was alerted to meet the emergency.

Throughout, Warrant Signaller Jagdish Singh Gill displayed courage and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Bangalore Madhavaraya Umberkoman (2662) (Retired) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1943, in the Accounts Branch. During his career he has held important appointments such as Assistant Director Pay, Pensions & Regulations, Command Accounts Officer and Deputy Director Accounts. During his service career he has attended many courses including Equipment Accounts Course and Defence Services Staff College Course. From March 1964 to January 1968 when he retired from the Indian Air Force he was Honorary Secretary Indian Air Force Benevolent Association, the job in which he has continued in paid capacity after his retirement.

Wing Commander Umberkoman possesses professional knowledge of a very high standard which he effectively used as Secretary of Indian Air Force Benevolent Association. During his Secretaryship of the Association for the last five years, he has been instrumental in implementing various new schemes such as Family Assistance Scheme (Officers), Family Assistance Scheme (Airmen) and Instrumental Agent of the LIC. The funds of the Association grew three-fold during his tenure. In planning, organisation and supervision he has displayed dynamism and drive. He has worked with determination to alleviate the hardship of serving and retired personnel and their dependents. Of a genial temperament and urbane manners he has devoted himself to the task of welfare in Air Force with a missionary zeal. He possesses keen business acumen and is knowledgeable about sound investment ventures.

Wing Commander Umberkoman has displayed loyalty, outstanding devotion to duty and a capacity for continued hard work throughout his career in the Air Force.

Wing Commander Varada Kagendra Sundara Rao, while commanding a forward Air Storage Park has brought up the unit to successfully achieve the role assigned to it in a remarkable manner. During this period, he surmounted tremendous difficulties by the ingenuity of his professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty. With utter disregard to his personal discomfort he has devoted himself to the task with great zeal, tremendous capacity for work and superior organising ability. He has achieved remarkable success even in other appointments. He has rendered invaluable service of a very high order.

Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Lakhanpal possess missionary zeal and matchless sense of duty. While serving at an Air Storage Park in the Eastern Sector he dedicated himself to the problems of a gigantic magnitude facing the unit. By his constant hard work and devotion to duty he was able to resolve these problems during the tense period of stress and strain. His contribution to the work in an exemplary manner under difficult circumst ances singles him out. He has rendered invaluable service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Lakhanpal with his devotion to duty and exemplary manner has set an example for others to follow.

A chain of radar stations was planned to be set up with United States assistance for the air defence of the country. In September 1965, U. S. assistance was withdrawn. Consequently Indian Air Force was obliged to take up the installation of the radar chain without any technical assistance. Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran was posted as commanding officer of an installation unit entrusted with the responsibility of installing three radar stations.

The equipment to be installed was an extremely complex one incorporating some highly advanced techniques. None of our technicians had any experience in installing or maintaining this equipment. The task involved marrying a variety of diverse equipment like Search Radar, Height Finder Radar, display systems, communication systems etc. In addition, the task was made more complicated in the absence of all the installation equipment. Hence the problems posed were indeed formidable.

Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran took up this challenge and completed the task of installation and calibration of three stations, proved the installations and handed them over as working stations to the respective units which are now operational. During installation, he had to refer to numerous drawings and publications and ensure that the installations were up to the expected standard. Wherever items were deficient or unserviceable careful market study was carried out under the guidance and appropriate repair agencies and suppliers of in lieu items were located. Thus the installation programme progressed without delay. The task was completed within the planned schedule satisfactorily, economically and without any mishap whatsoever.

By his superior organising ability and able leadership, he welded his installation unit into a highly competent and dedicated team. Wing Commander Chandramowleswaran's contribution to the installation of these vital air defence radar stations constitutes distinguished service of high order.

Wing Commander Erasseri Pathayapura Radhakrishnan Nair has been in the Command of the Navigation and Signals School since November, 1966. Prior to this posting, he had held a variety of important appointments. In the performance of these duties he has shown commendable initiative and exceptional ability as an instruction and administrator.

During the period of his command, he had to face enormous problems connected with training, maintenance and administration. In accordance with the reorganised post emergency training plans Navigation and Signals School was to re-form at Begumpet as an independent unit in January, 1968. When the proposed move was made known towards the end of 1967, there were two ab-initio Navigators Courses, one Signallers (Air) Course and one Navigation Instructors Course under training at their school. The Navigators and Signallers (Air) Courses had to be completed in December, 1967 if the planned flow of aircrew to operational squadrons were to be maintained. This task was admirably completed by the Navigation and Signals School. To accomplish this, while the preparations for the move were in progress, demanded an organising ability of the highest order. By this inspiring leadership, man management and exampleable, Wing Commander Nair was able to obtain willing cooperation from his instructional and maintenance staff. The move was completed in a very organised and orderly manner and the courses commenced training at the new location within ten days of the move, which speaks of his administrative ability.

Often, the low serviceability state of the limited class room aircraft had given the school cause for anxiety. During these occasions, Wing Commander Nair had shown utmost patience untiring zeal, initiative and tactfulness of high order which made it possible to maintain the enthusiasm and confidence of the staff.

This officer has also distinguished himself professionally as a navigator on transport aircraft and as an instructor. Currently he holds a transport "A" category and a "A-2" instructor's category.

Throughout the tenure as the Commanding Officer of the Navigation and Signals School. Wing Commander Errasseri Pathayapura Radhakrishnan Nair has displayed organising ability, dedication to duty, professional superiority and resourcefulness of a high order.

Highly complex high power radar stations were provided to the Air Force under U.S. Aid Scheme. These stations had to be planned, installed and operated after September, 1965 by the Air Force without any technical assistance. Wing Commander Warty was appointed as the Commanding Officer of an installation of a few of these stations.

Each radar installation was extremely complicated involving highly advanced tech- niques. The officers and the technicians of the unit had little or no experience either in the installations or maintenance of this equipment. Many components of the equipment each complex in itself, had to be integrated into complete system. Unserviceable items of equipment had to be serviced and indigenous substitutes had to be found for efficient items. Thus erection and operation of the radar stations presented a formidable task.

Wing Commander Warty undertook this challenging task in an extremely able manner and completed the installation and calibration of the radar stations allotted to him. He had to prove each installation and hand them over as a turn key project to the respective units, which, thereafter had only to carry out routine operation and maintenance. During the process of installation, operation and calibration, Wing Commander Warty had to refer to innumerable complicated diagrams, publications and test schedules in order to ensure that the installations came up to the expected standards. New methods of erection, especially of heavy equipment, had to be evolved. A careful market study had to be done in order to procure indigenous installation material. Apart from all this the installations had to be progressed expeditiously to a very tight time schedule which involved completion of installation and calibration of each station within a short period of four to six months.

Wing Commander Warty completed the installation of the stations allotted to him in the most satisfactory and economical manner. He had shown superior organising ability and able leadership. He was able to infuse a high degree of enthusiasm and dedication to the tasks in his officers and men. He welded officers and other ranks of different branches and trades into highly complicated task entrusted to him. His contribution to planning, installation and operation of these vital radar stations represents a distinguished service of an exceptional order.

During the tenure as Command Met Officer, he has enhanced the efficiency of meteorological facilities for the optimum operational flying by sheer initiative and enthusiasm. By arranging continuous Met Training and high lighting effects on flying of seasonal weather hazards through periodic circular, he has made the aircrew more weather conscious. He has spared no efforts to ensure that Met Sections situated at remote corners function at the highest efficiency. The officer's forecasting abilities are of a high order. During last two years, Headquarters Western Air Command organised several exercised and fly pasts involving a large number of aircraft. The officer's forecasts in marginal weather conditions were found to be very accurate and extremely useful for carrying out the exercises with safety. During the last twenty five years of active forecasting the officer has developed a deep insight into the ways of weather.

Throughout his service career, the officer has put in very hard work, and willingly met exacting commitments very creditably, in spite of limited staff and facilities. As a Met Officer at various operational Wings, without caring for his personal comforts, this officer worked long hours for several days at a time to cope with the heavy burden. With the cooperation of aircrews he was responsible for planning nearly 300 Met Reconnaissance flights. These have yielded unique and very valuable high level data and have attracted world-wide attention. He identified himself with the aircrews by flying with them whenever possible and by personal interest in their problems and flight safety. As the first Command Met Officer of HQ Training Command, he was responsible for organising Met Training and Met facilities for flying training for aircrews and Met Officers and men, when the Emergency training plan was at its peak strength. Through standardization of Met précis, training aids and frequent inspections of all training Unit he ensured a high standard of Met training and Met facilities.

The officers has flown over 300 hours in various types of aircraft including an eleven hour marathon chase of a severe cyclonic storm in a research aircraft. He has represented India in International Meteorological Seminar and Expedition.

The superb manner in which Wing Commander Deshpande shouldered the great responsibilities in providing excellent meteorological facilities for optimum operational efforts and succeeded in gaining the confidence of aircrew by his accurate predications is in the best and highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Parduman Kumar Jain, the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at one of the Air Force Wings, has discharged his responsibilities with exceptional resourcefulness and outstanding devotion to duty. He has been a pioneer in the establishment of the Ground Control Approach system and other Radio/Radar Communications which are so vital to the safety of aircraft operating in the Kashmir valley. Despite tremendous shortcomings, extremely inclement weather conditions and various other privations, he has stood up to all such difficulties without regard to his personal comfort or rest. By his personal example and determination to fulfill the tasks allotted to him, he has proved himself to be an outstanding Air Traffic Operations Officer.

This officer even as early in 1962, during his tenure in operational area has displayed the same quality of setting an excellent example to others and also devotion to duty under trying circumstances. The efforts and work of Sqn. Ldr. Jain have repeatedly been recognised by Civil and other Governmental agencies. For example Indian Airlines Corporation have expressed in writing their appreciations for his outstanding work.

Squadron Leader Parduman Kumar Jain is an officer who has consistently maintained an exceptionally high standard in his work in the interest of the Service.

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 15th May 1943. During his 25 years of unblemished service record as a Clk G.D. he has with distinction served in numerous appointments in the various formations of the Air Force, the noteable amongst them are Assistant Adjutant at Air Force Station Tambaram, O i/c P-3 Headquarters Maintenance Command, Org IV in Headquarters Training Command, M.W.O I/c Personnel-I Headquarters Western Air Command, in which appointment he is serving at present. He has also to his credit an unusually long tenure of two years and 3 months at a Tactical Air Centre, which he most cheerfully completed in spite of the adverse and exacting climatic conditions.

All through his 25 years of service, Master Warrant Officer Narayanan has worked with commendable energy and perseverance, setting a very high standard of efficiency as a Clk G.D. A M.W.O. of outstanding ability who by his unflagging zeal, helpful spirit understanding and integrity has set a fine example to the airmen working under him. By unremitting care and energizing his men to the utmost effort he has always ensured a very high standard of efficiency. In his long years of service he has never spared himself or those placed under him in a determined effort to fulfill the task entrusted to him.

M.W.O. Narayanan's skill and effort as a Clk G.D., his administrative ability, energy, drive and devotion to duty have always been a source of inspiration to the airmen working under him.

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Sergeant Mahesh Nath Bhan has been serving with an Operational Squadron for the last seven years. During his stay in this Squadron he has been responsible for the servicing of all ranges of ground equipment required for the aircraft in use. His thorough knowledge and high technical skill has resulted in achieving enviable serviceability of 100%. Thus, his sustained efforts have been instrumental in enabling the Squadron to achieve a high state of operational readiness.

Despite his personal discomfort and handicapped by low medical category, Sgt. Bhan has put in sustained hard work to keep the Squadron always operationally ready. In this he has displayed vast organising ability. He has technical skill, unfaultering devotion to duty and tremendous capacity for hard work. He has rendered invaluable service and has been a source of inspiration to his other colleagues in the Squadron.

Sergeant Syed Muniruddin has been associated with Canberra Squadrons for over a decade. During this period he has been concerned with first and second line servicing of all ranges of armament equipment fitted in this aircraft meant for various roles. He has been instrumental in carrying out almost all modifications introduced by the IAF in this aircraft concerning armament. He has made significant contribution towards the introduction of a release unit which was subsequently used in other aircraft as well with slight modifications. He is a versatile worker, having extreme resourcefulness and devotion to duty. His missionary zeal for work and high standard of discipline has set an excellent example to all men in this Squadron. Sgt. Muniruddin has rendered invaluable service of a distinguished order.