Minoo Merwan Engineer


Minoo Merwan Engineer, PVSM, MVC, DFC was a former Air Officer in the Indian Air Force. He is one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Air Force, with the second-highest civil decoration - the Padma Bhushan, two gallantry awards - the Maha Vir Chakra and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the highest peace-time distinguished service award - the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
His elder brother, Air Marshal Aspy Engineer served as the 4th Chief of the Air Staff.

Early life

Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in Lahore, British India to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the North Western Railway,. His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer. He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, Aspy, Jungoo and Ronnie, also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.

Military Career

Engineer joined the Indian Air Force in 1940 and served in Burma in World War II. He was awarded the DFC for his part in the Arakan operations.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1947

In 1948, Engineer commanded Air Force Station Srinagar. For this operation, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest war-time gallantry award.
The citation for the Maha Vir Chakra reads as follows:
He was promoted Air Marshal in 1964 and appointed the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command. For his services in the Eastern sector, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

At the time of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command. For his part in the war, Engineer was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his leadership and services.

See Also