| Details : |  Squadron Leader Ashok Pande (20521) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of 1 18 Helicopter Unit since 14 Jul 2003. He is a seasoned twin-engine helicopter pilot wilh over 3200 hours of flyling. He is a soft spoken and a thorough professional, who with his maturity and experience has been an invaluable advisor and a competent officer.On the 09 Jul 2004, Sqn Ldr Pande was detailed as the Captain of a helicopter for evacuating marooned school children in a boarding school, North of Rangia with the raging flood waters threatening-to wash away the whole building. In-addition to the raging flood waters, the adverse weather with low, dark clouds and rain made the condition dangerous and risky. This aggravated the difficulty in rescue operation. The only landing place available on site where children were stranded was football ground, which too was filled with knee-deep flood water. Landing of helicopter in knee-deep flood water required high level of professionalism and tremendous courage. However, undeterred by such risky and hazardous conditions Sqn Ldr Pande took a brave decision to land the helicopter in knee deep water so as to accomplish the task of rescuing children who otherwise would have been drowned. With sole aim of rescuing 140 children Sqn Ldr Pande risked his life and landed not only once but carried out eight sorties to save the children. In the ensuing days he also rescued 1080 marooned villagers and dropped over 35 tons of essential supplies at various difficult and hazardous terrains. He exhibited exceptional professionalism and coin-age in the best traditions of Air Force, which resulted in saving the several countrymen from the natural calamity.For this act of exceptional courage in extreme adverse conditions, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Squadron Leader Ashok Pande. |
