Flight Lieutenant (Retd) Muniruddin Syed, VSM had joined the Indian Air Force as an Aircraft Apprentice in 1951. He was trained by the staff of Air Service Training, Hamble (UK), a...view moreFlight Lieutenant (Retd) Muniruddin Syed, VSM had joined the Indian Air Force as an Aircraft Apprentice in 1951. He was trained by the staff of Air Service Training, Hamble (UK), at The Technical Training College, IAF Bangalore. This institution was later renamed as Air Force Technical College.
He worked as a Fitter Armourer on the Canberra aircraft of Nos. 5 & 16 Squadrons for the next 17 years. During this period, he also served under the UN flag in war-torn Congo. At home he saw action in Indo- Pak wars of 1965, and 1971.
He had great zeal for original work to enhance the fire power of Canberra aircraft. This resulted in introduction of Rocket firing, Night photography, and supply dropping in Bomber role. He also standardised the supply dropping systems in transport aircraft then in use. For his single handed achievements, he was awarded Rashtrapathi’s Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day, in 1969. Later, his contribution for preparing the country for war in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) earned him Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ Maintenance Command, IAF, in 1972.
He was Branch Commissioned in March, 1977 and retired after 38 years of service in Jan.1989. He turned 80 recently, but is active, and has taken up farming as a hobby.view less