Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru was inducted in Air Force Element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka with the very first fleet of Akbars while he was still undergoing conversion. On 26th October 1987, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a mission ex-Jaffna to search and destroy militants vehicles operating on the Jaffna Karaitivu causeway. Five vans were located on the causeway while attempting to flee towards Karaitivu. With extra ordinary accuracy and commendable professional calmness he destroyed these vehicles and killed all the militants personnel aboard these vehicles.

On the 3rd November 1987 Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a close air support mission for one of the Commando Battalion of the Para Regiment. The Commandos were surrounded by the militants and subjected to heavy automatic fire. He engaged the militants’ location on the Para Commando perimeter. These locations were within three hundred meters of friendly forces. The militants engaged the aircraft with automatic weapons using tracer ammunition and scored a hit. In spite of the visible stream of ground fire, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru engaged the militants. His action forced the militants to retreat from their positions. The Para commandos won this action solely because of the Air Support provided by Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru’s determined attack on militants’ position.

On the 7th December, 1987, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru flew in a search and destroy mission in support of one of the Commando Battalions of the Para Regiment in area Mulaitivu. The militants disembarked from a tractor and opened fire at the aircraft. In complete disregard of personal safety, Flight lieutenant Atanu Guru swiftly and accurately returned the fire and silenced the militants’ guns. Subsequent intercepts of militant radio messages showed that the devastating fire had destroyed the tractor and killed and wounded several militants.

On the 15th December 1987, while engaging a militant vehicle-carrying reinforcements against a battalion of Garhwal Rifles in Mulaitivu area the militants opened fire and the aircraft was hit on the main rotor blade. Despite this and intense enemy fire, Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru returned the fire and destroyed the van.

Flight Lieutenant Atanu Guru, thus, displayed conspicuous gallantry in a series of missions undertaken in support of IPKF ground forces.

Group Captain Atanu Guru VrC (16794) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a Helicopter Pilot in the flying Branch on 04 Jun 82. A Qualified Flying Instructor with over 5550 h of flying, he has commanded an operational helicopter unit and has been a Directing Staff at DSSC. He has been the Contingent Commander of the Indian Aviation Contingent at Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, and is currently the CO of the Mi-35 Attack Helicopter Sqn based at Goma, He as awarded VrC in 1990 for display of conspicuous gallantry.

On 25 Nov 06, in a swift and violent move, rebel groups occupied Sake, a town near Goma. The situation rapidly escalated adversely with Goma town itself coming under an imminent treat of being taken over by the rebels. The situation was critical, the operating conditions marginal and the resources meagre. He involved himself in the joint planning with the Indian Brigade Commander and charted a robust, yet UN sensitive operational plan, synergising mission accomplishment with basic UN ethos of proportional force, least collateral damage and no attrition. He led from the front, carrying out missions by day and night in inclement weather conditions, undeterred by hostile fire from the rebels. Manning the Operations Room while not flying, he was personally directing the pilots airborne, and monitoring every move of the attack helicopters and the ground forces. Throughout the operations, he brought his experience to bear in a critical environment where a measured, but effective response was required, ensuring that no fratricide took place. He took calculated and judicious risks in launching the missions in adverse conditions of high altitude, poor visibility and persistent spells of rain and thunderstorms. Through his deft handling of the rapidly changing situation, he ensured that the scant helicopter resources were optionally utilized to blunt the rebel offensive, both through offensive engagement and conveying crucial inputs on rebel movements to the ground forces. This demolished the game plan of the rebels and they were forced to retreat. Thus, not only did Comma remain secure, but Sake and the nearby ridges too were flushed off the rebels.

Group Captain Guru is a decorated veteran of the Indian Peace Keeping Force at Sri Lanka, where he operated a similar attack helicopter. Both MONUC and North Kivu Brigade have roundly complimented his professional acumen and the excellent synergy in operations with the Indian Army Brigade. His ability to remain focused and clam in challenging situations has indeed been exemplary.

For his steadfast resolve in face of adversity, inspirational leadership, commendable contribution too peace enforcement operations in the region, and distinguished service of a high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Group Captain Atanu Guru VrC.