| Service No | 21015 | Branch | F(P) |  |
| Date of Birth: | -- --- -- | | |
| Date Commissioned | 15 Dec 1990 | Course | 146 Course |
| Service End | Retired on 31 Jan 2011 |
| Remarks : | |
| Promotions Gazetted | | Flt Lt : 15 Dec 1995 | Wg Cdr : 16 Dec 2004 |
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "A Sharma" |
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Notes: 1) Ranks shown are substantive ranks at retirement. 2)Branch is at retirement and may not match with branch at Commission 3)Notional seniority is reflected in dates of substantive rank.
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) |
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| Sqn Ldr | Amitabh Sharma | 21015 F(P) | Award Date 11 Jun 2000 | Announced 15 Aug 2001 |
| Details : | Squadron Leader Amitabh Sharma (21015) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a helicopter unit since 22 Sep 1997. On 11 Jun 2000, Siang District of Assam was hit by flash floods, submerging several villages. Sqn Ldr Sharma was detailed at short notice to carry out flood relief operations In the affected areas. On reaching the affected area he found helpless people clutching on to tree tops and jutting roofs amidst the raging Bramhaputra river. Even as incessant rain and dwindling light made the task of rescuing these hapless villagers increasingly difficult, Sqn Ldr Sharma courageously took up the task of winching these people to safety. The shifting debris of trees and houses, washed away by the ravaging flood waters, posed a grave threat to rescue operations. Displaying exceptional professionalism and commitment to duty, Sqn Ldr Sharma stuck on to the hazardous task. By the end of the day, till light conditions deteriorated making further operations Impossible, he succeeded In rescuing 31 lives. He continued with his mission the next day and flew to safety 40 persons stranded on a steamer stuck in the middle of the Brumhaputra river. Sqn Ldr Sharma handled an extremely hazardous and risk prone task in a professional and cool manner. In handling the task entrusted to him, Sqn Ldr Sharma displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty, which was in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For this act of exceptional courage and professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Amitabh Sharma. |
| Unit : 128 HU |
| Reference : Gazette of India dated 19th January 2002 - No.123-Pres/2001 dated 15th August 2001 & AFD 2002 Investiture Booklet |
| Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) |
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| Wg Cdr | Amitabh Sharma | 21015 F(P) | Award Date 26 Jan 2009 | Announced 26 Jan 2009 |
| Details : | Wing Commander Amitabh Sharma VM (21015) Flying (Pilot) is Commanding a MI-17 IV unit in the South Western sector since 03 Mar 2008. On 26 Nov 2008, a series of ten coordinated terrorist attacks across Mumbai city exposed India to the first ever urban war like situation. By midnight the terrorist captured many places including "Narirnan House". On 27 Nov 2008 at 2130 h, he was informed of an early take off the next day for slithering operation over Nariman House. The mission involved slithering down 30 NSG commandos on the terrace of Nariman House inside which terrorists were holding Israeli nationals as hostages. He immediately got in touch with leader of NSG commandos and there after meticulously planned the mission for early morning drop on 28 Nov 2008. On reaching the launch pad at the ship, fresh inputs on the situation were taken from NSG commandos on the spot. With helicopter in start-up condition he quickly carried out mission briefing clearly spelling out each crew duties and contingencies. He along with NSG team leader then climbed up on top of ATC to identify the exact location of Nariman House. After identifying the same, he quickly took off for the mission and followed tactical routing to mislead the terrorist as well as media. On reaching Nariman house a quick air assessment was made. The roof top was a small area of 15 feet x 15 feet and was surrounded by obstructions like high voltage cables, water tanks, dish antenna, tin shades etc. Continuous firing and explosions of grenades could be heard amidst the helicopter noise. The hover was required to be done in such a way that the nose of the helicopter was outside the rooftop to ensure safe slithering. A total of 30 troops were slithered down in three quick sorties. The mission displayed highest level of synergy between air and ground forces. The route and hover direction were varied each time to maintain element of surprise. Wg Cdr Sharma displayed highest standards of bravery, professionalism and exceptional leadership in air in the face of serious and extreme threat. This daring operation projects the jointmanship of our service and enhanced the image of IAF yet again to touch the sky with glory. For this act of exceptional courage in the face of hostile environment, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Amitabh Sharma VM. |
| Unit : |
| Reference : Air Force Day Booklet |
