A Cheetah helicopter had force landed in the SIACHIN GLACIER in Ladakh sector at an altitude of 18,100 ft during Operation Meghdoot. It was found that helicopter damage warranted disassembly and retrieval of the helicopter to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for structural repairs. Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema volunteered to lead a team of men detailed for the task despite first hand knowledge of the hazards of high altitude, lack of oxygen and sub-zero temperature survival in the glacier. Unavoidable delay in retrieval operations due to nonavailability of air support caused tremendous stress on the man management capability of this officer. He displayed exemplary man management skills in keeping up the morale of the men placed under him against trying circumstances of living for indefinite duration in the glacier.

When the retrieval operation was finally launched Flt Lt BPS Cheema was called upon to undertake one of the most hazardous tasks of retrieval of the helicopter sub­assemblies by under slinging from 18100 ft. This involved meticulous and imaginative planning of camping, disassembly of helicopter, and load preparation for underslinging. The task of underslinging operation from such a high altitude was alien to both the ground crew and the aircrew. Flt Lt Cheema undaunted by the odds set upon this task most professionally. He meticulously planned each operation and briefed his men thoroughly. He drilled his men in the waiting period so thoroughly that a planned six days operation was carried out in three days. The load planning, preparation and the underslinging were personally carried out by this officer. He physically marshalled the aircrew over the loads and directed the hooking operations. Thus he managed to take out all six underslung loads in one day with clock-work accuracy and precision. This was a rare feat achieved by this officer's total professional approach.

For display of exceptional leadership, professional skill of a high order, outstanding devotion to duty and untiring zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema.