Born on 27th January 1926, General AS Vaidya was commissioned in the Armoured Corps in 1945 and saw battle during the Second World War. During Indo-Pak war of 1965 as Commandant, of an Armoured Regiment in the Khemkaran Sector, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) for conspicuous bravery. In 1971 as Brigade Commander in Shakargarh Sector, he again displayed gallantry and leadership qualities of a very high order and was awarded a Bar to the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC).
Elevated to the rank of Major General in 1973, he held the appointments of Director Military Operations, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Command and as Commandant Armoured Corps Centre and School.
Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in January 1980, he held the appointment of Master General of Ordnance and later as General Officer Commanding of a Corps before being elevated to the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command in Jun 1981. His tackling of the insurgency problems in his command has been particularly praiseworthy. He was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 1983 for distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
General Vaidya took over as Chief of the Army Staff from 1st August 1983 to 31st January 1986. An outstanding military leader, General Vaidya gave the Indian Army a very sound leadership and brought with him an aura of gallantry and valour and remarkable reservoir of combat experience befitting the head of the Army. He had the distinction of being among the most decorated soldiers in the Defence Services of the country. He passed away on 10th Aug 1986.