Squadron Leader PE Patange as a member of Indian Air Force Element took part in the United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) for flying duties during October 1993.

On 15 March 1994 at 1145 hrs Sqn Ldr Patange was returning from Mogadishu after completion of a United Nations' mission. He was directed on radio to divert and render assistance to an Indian convoy which was involved in heavy exchange of fire with Somali militia near Wanle Wyne.

Sqn Ldr Patange quickly assimilated the situation and flew the helicopter directly to the site. There was no suitable landing ground in the proximity of the site and heavy firing was continuing. Sqn Ldr Patange, displaying utmost courage and professionalism, landed the helicopter, under fire, on a narrow dusty road behind the convoy. On landing, he was tasked to evacuate to Baidoa, a Somali militia man who was critically wounded in the heavy exchange of fire and was unconscious. An Irish doctor who was accompanying the convoy was also taken on board to take care of the casualty during the flight. While flying towards Baidoa the casualty regained consciousness and became violent posing a grave threat to the crew and the occupants of the helicopter. Sqn Ldr Patange, despite the danger to himself and his crew, kept his cool and handled the situation with exemplary courage. He safely landed the helicopter at Baidoa and handed over the casualty to the Indian Field Hospital. This gallant act of Sqn Ldr Patange has brought a good name to the Indian contingent and enhanced the image of India amongst contingents of other 32 nations which are a part of UNOSOM-II.

For distinguished service of high order while serving with UNOSOM-II in Somalia, the President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Prashant Eknath Patange.

Squadron Leader Prashant Eknath Patange YSM (17706) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 20 Apr 98 and is presently its Flight Commander.

On 22 Oct 99, the unit was tasked to evacuate 16 mountaineers (Foreign nationals) from Linghsi Makan in Bhutan, trapped at an altitude of nearly 15,000 feet due to heavy snowfall. They were suffering from high altitude sickness and were desperately short of food and supplies. The marginal weather and the forbidding snow bound mountainous terrain made the task of rescue extremely difficult and daunting. To get to the trapped group, a pass at 17500 feet had to be negotiated. This required skillful handling of the helicopter since the machine would be close to its operational limits.

After meticulously planning the entire operation Sqn Ldr Patange took-off for the location in a very short time. On locating the survivors he realised that the only option was to land on a small makeshift clearing, located on an exposed ridge, which itself was under more than four feet of snow. Such landing would demand exceptional flying skills and extra ordinary courage, since even a slight mishandling could lead to a catastrophic accident. Unmindful of personal danger he landed at the makeshift site not once but eight times to evacuate all the mountaineers to safety. His efforts saved 16 lives on that day. In executing the mission Sqn Ldr Patange ignored the grave danger to his life and lived up to the true traditions of the IAF.

Sqn Ldr Patange was involved in a similar rescue of two Dutch mountaineers suffering from severe high altitude sickness in Bhutan Himalayas on 08 Oct 99. His bold and courageous actions on both occasions have brought accolades and praise for the country and the Indian Air Force from the Royal Govt of Bhutan and heartfelt gratitude from evacuated foreign nationals.

For his act of courage and professionalism, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Prashant Eknath Patange.