Fighter Pilot From Odisha Gets Another Presidential Medal

Bhubaneswar: Air Vice Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik, a senior officer of the Indian Air Force from Odisha has been conferred with ‘Ati Visisth Seva Medal’ by the President on Republic Day for distinguished service of an exceptional order and devotion to duty.

Patnaik, who hails from Bhubaneswar, is currently the senior most serving Odia officer in the Indian Air Force.
As a young squadron leader, Patnaik was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his acts of exceptional courage and bravery while flying the Mirage 2000 Aircraft for bombing missions on the enemy positions at Muntho Dhalo, Tiger Hill and Muskoh Nala during the Kargil War in 1999.

After his school from DM School and KV-1 in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik joined the National Defence Academy some 40 years back. In his illustrious career of 35 years, he also held crucial positions in the Air Force.

Currently, Patnaik is the Commandant of the prestigious College Of Air Warfare at Secunderabad. Prior to that, Patnaik was tenanting the appointment of Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence) at Air Force Headquarters and also played a stellar role during this tenure for the exercise 'Gaganshakti'.

Apart from his commendable contribution towards induction of Air Defence assets, Patnaik was also deeply involved in the operations branch during the Balakot operations.