| Details : |  Wing Commander Uday Kant Jha (20568) Flying (Navigator) was on the posted strength of a Flight Reconnaissance Squadron since 31 Dec 1997. On 21 May 1999, he was tasked to undertake a vital Photo Reconnaissance mission in Dras, Batalik and Kargll sectors near the Line of Control as navigator of the aircraft.During the mission, at about 0900 hrs, after photographing Batalik sector, aircraft experienced violent jolt accompanied by yaw and roll. The escort aircraft reported bright flash along wlth debris flying off and smoke emanating from the reccee aircraft's starboard engine. The aircraft had been hit by a missile. The officer immediately came back to navigator ejection seat and promptly assisted the pilot in emergency actions. Suspecting missile attack, he helped the pilot to take evasive actions from further missile attacks and advised the pilot to steer course to divert to Srinagar. The grave and life threatening situation did not deter the officer from carrying out his professional duty.Despite very restricted visibility from ejection seat of the aircraft and difficult terrain to map read, he assisted the pilot in giving accurate position and ensured that the aircraft was on right track to Srinagar. Wg Cdr Jha displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in assisting the pilot to reach Srinagar airfield.Wg Cdr Jha. who Is highly qualified on Photo Reconnaissance role was very confident about the photographs taken and knew that it will be very useful for Operations. Disregarding his. personal safety, maintaining a level head without panic, he assisted the pilot to retrieve the aircraft alongwith the mission photographs, which proved invaluable during Operation Vijay. He was a rare navigator in the history of Indian Military aviation who has survived a missile hit.For this act of exceptional courage and professionalism, the Hon'ble President) is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Uday Kant Jha. |
