Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Gandotra (20730) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a Fighter Squadron since 09 January 95.

On 09 June 98, he was detailed to fly as number 4 in a four aircraft tactical formation on a fighter trainer aircraft at airfield. The aircraft was configured with two 1,200 litre drop tanks with 4,500 Kgs of total fuel. During take off, while unsticking at 155 Kts, he heard two thuds. He decided to abort take off considering the weight of the aircraft (13 ton), the elevation of the airfield, short runway length available and such a critical stage at which the decision was taken, he managed to handle the situation in an exemplary fashion and stopped the aircraft 1000' short of the barrier, without any undue strain or any damage to the aircraft, the rotary hydraulic arrester gear or the arrester barrier.

Post flight inspection revealed bird ingestion in both the engines. Further investigation revealed that the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) on both the engines had shot up past 940 degree C, as a consequence to the bird ingestion, (limit for engine withdrawal being 790 degree C) and extensive damage was caused to both the engines. In case the take off had been continued, the EGT would have risen further, probably resulting in seizure/fire on both the engines, in which case both the pilots would have had to eject at a very critical stage and low altitude, and an aircraft would have been lost.

For his keen sense of situational awareness, quick reactions and exemplary handling of a react emergency which could have cost an aircraft, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Gandotra.