Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A.G. Mahmud was conferred with “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” for his great contribution to rescuing 151 hostages from the Japan Airlines flight hijacked by the Japanese Red Army in 1977.The Government of Japan announced the 105 foreign recipients of the 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations on Saturday, according to a press release issued by Japanese embassy.As the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Mahmud played an important role as a mediator between the Government of Japan and hijackers and negotiated with hijackers placing the highest priority on saving the lives of the hostages safely.“His dedicated efforts made it possible for all 151 hostages to be rescued eventually,” read the press release.He was Chief of Air Staff (1976-77), Presidential Advisor (1976-77), and Minister for Food, Relief and Rehabilitation (1982-85). He is now 83 years old.