Lakshman Madhav Katre

Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre, PVSM, AVSM and Bar was the head of the Indian Air Force from 1984 to 1985, as Chief of the Air Staff —and the second IAF Chief of Staff to die in— harness. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Bar.[1][2] He completed his schooling from The Doon School, Dehradun, India.[3] In his career in the lAF, he has commanded with distinction Operational Squadrons and Squadrons and stations and the Air Force Academy. During 1971 war he successfully conducted uninterrupted operations from one of our most forward airfields and one, which was regularly attacked by the P AF. This was due to his meticulous planning.

Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre PVSM, AVSM **
Born	10 March 1926 Gurdaspur district Punjab
Died	30 June 1985 (aged 59) Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Allegiance	India
Service/branch	Indian Air Force
Rank	Air Chief Marshal
Awards	Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal

As the Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he expanded the facilities to cater for the training of Ground duty officers. Flying activity at the base was successfully reoriented for advance training on jet aircraft and safety record achieved during his tenure. On completion of the Royal College of Defence Studies Course in England in 1976, he was appointed Senior Air Staff officer of a major Air Command. Under his direction, the operational effectiveness of the forces in the command increased manifold. With his wide experience of fighter flying he was able to conduct various air exercises which simulated realistic battle conditions.

The Katre House in The Air Force School ( Subroto Park) has been named after him.

He died suddenly while in service, on 01 Jul 1985 at 1015 hrs.

Military Honours and Awards

Param Vishisht Seva Medal	Ati Vishisht Seva Medal		General Service Medal
Samar Seva Star	Paschimi Star	Raksha Medal	Sangram Medal
Sainya Seva Medal	Videsh Seva Medal	Indian Independence Medal	25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
30 Years Long Service Medal	20 Years Long Service Medal	9 Years Long Service Medal	War Medal 1939–1945

References

1. "Indian Air Force Gallantry & Service Awards Register [www.bharat-rakshak.com]". Bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
2. "Indian Air Force :: Lakshman Mohan Katre". Bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
3. Hindu, The (15 April 2011). "LM Katre Memorial Lecture". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 October 2012.