In August 1981, it was really difficult for the government to nominate the new Air Chief on retirement of Air Chief Marshal IH Latif. The choice was between the (then) Air Marshal Dilbagh Singh and Air Marshal LM Katre. Both of them had a brilliant record of service. They had proved their mettle in ample measure in the IAF hierarchy. Whether it was excellence in airmanship or leadership qualities, both were "ideal-fit" for the top post. Merit was their prime forte, but only one could be senior and Air Marshal Dilbagh Singh was senior in service to Air Marshal Katre. Seniority and merit both play equal role in the selection process for the top posts. After careful deliberations, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet gave decision in favour of Air Marshal Dilbagh Singh and he was appointed the Chief of Air Staff on August 31, 1981. There was a brilliant stroke of statesmanship in this decision.

Air Marshal LM Katre was given two years extension, one year before his retirement. He would be obviously the next Chief after Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh would retire. The time-tested matrix of merit and seniority was duly honoured.

Born on March 10, 1926 and after graduating from Punjab University, young Dilbagh was granted emergency commission at the age of 18. He was granted a permanent commission subsequently in April 1947. During the early years in 1948 Kashmir operations, he, alongwith other gallant air-warriors, flew spitfire and earned Mention-in-Despatches for providing a close air-support to the land forces against the marauders in the valley.

In 1963, he took over the command of a MiG Squadron. The squadron under his able leadership achieved its operational status in the shortest possible time. Later in 1966, a similar success story was repeated while he was commanding a major flying station. He had by this time logged around 4400 hours of accident-free flying on a single-engine aircraft of which 1000 hours were on jet-fighters alone.

After serving as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of two of the most prestigious operational commands and being awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal during this period, ACM Dilbagh Singh did a short stint at Air HQrs as Vice Chief of Air Staff.

The India’s first space odyssey when Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma went into space took place during his tenure as the Chief of Air Staff.

Consequent to his retirement, Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh opted to stay out from the noise and din of the capital and settled down at Dehradun. His sad demise on February 10 last at the age of 75 in the Dehra-Valley took away a noble soul from amongst his numerous admirers.