Lakshman Madhav Katre

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Air Chief Marshal

Lakshman Madhav Katre

PVSM, AVSM **
LakshmanMohanKatre.jpg
Born10 March 1926
Gurdaspur district Punjab
Died30 June 1985(1985-06-30) (aged 59)
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
AllegianceIndia
Service/branchIndian Air Force
RankAir Chief Marshal
AwardsParam Vishist Seva Medal
Ati Vishist Seva Medal

Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre, PVSM, AVSM and Bar (1926-1985) 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.

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 July 1985.

Military Honours and Awards[]

Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg India General Service Medal 1947.svg
IND Samar Seva Star Ribbon.svg IND Paschimi Star Ribbon.svg IND Raksha Medal Ribbon.svg IND Sangram Medal Ribbon.svg
IND Sainya Seva Medal Ribbon.svg IND Videsh Seva Medal Ribbon.svg Indian Independence medal 1947.svg IND 25th Anniversary Independence medal.svg
IND 30 Years Long Service Ribbon.svg IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg Ribbon - War Medal.png
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.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of the Air Staff (India)
1984–1985 		Succeeded by
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