Flt Lt NM Rai was a flight engineer and the Senior Technical Officer in the AF team for the Third Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The success of the expedition, to a large extent, depended upon the logistic support provided by the Mi-8 helicopter. After the loss of one of the Mi-8 helicopters in the very early stages of the air operations, everything depended upon the availability of the lone Mi-8 to meet the heavy lift task which involved airlift of building foundation equipment and helicopter under­slung operations as well.

Under the able leadership of Flt Lt NM Rai, the Air Force technicians worked ceaselessly, round the clock, to carry out the necessary servicing, rectification and the maintenance operations successfully. Flt Lt NM Rai not only supervised, assisted and guided the technicians in carrying out the various servicing operation but also flew 32 hours in 112 sorties.

On 29 Dec 83 the Mi-8 in which Flt Lt Rai was flying as a Flight Engineer met with an accident due to sudden engine failure at a very low altitude and crashed into cold Antarctic waters. The entire crew of the helicopter, including Flt Lt Rai, were trapped inside the helicopter, which was sinking rather fast in the icy Antarctica waters. Faced with a catastrophic situation, Flt Lt Rai displayed great presence of mind and courage and managed, with the help of Sgt Gupta, to break open a passage through the cockpit wall of the helicopter and helped his fellow crew members in getting out of the fast sinking helicopter.

For his commendable presence of mind, initiative and courage in the face of a grave situation threatening the very survival of his colleagues, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Naduhitalu Mohan Rai.