Details : | Flight Lieutenant Anil Govindrao Bendre was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in October 1966. He has flown 2620 hours on Helicopters of which 1050 hours have been flown by him in operational areas. His flying record has been an accident free one. On the 12th July, 1974, in his capacity as a check pilot, he was screening a unit pilot, while undertaking an operational commitment in Eastern Sector. He took off from an advance helipad at 0910 hours, with the Commander Security Forces and three other passengers on board. After a few minutes' flight he had to change the route on account of bad weather. Within minutes of Flying on the new course, The helicopter was rocked by a sharp, cracking sound just eight inches behind his head. Realising that they were under machine gun fire, he initiated a quick hard turn to get away and was then informed by the co-pilot that the Commander Security Forces was hit, apparently by the sniper's bullet, and was bleeding profusely. Undettered by the chain of sudden developments and keeping a cool decisive head. Flight Lieutenant Bendre after ascertaining the serviceability of the helicopter, headed towards the only location where hospital facitities were available. He landed the helicopter safely, enabling the wounded Commander to be speedily attended to. In this action. Flight Lieutenant Anil Govindrao Bendre displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order. |