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Wing Commander Samir Ranjan Das
| Service No & Branch | 24040 F(P) |  | |||||||
| Date of Birth: -- --- ---- | Commissioned: 29 Jun 1996 | Course: 157 Course | |||||||
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "S R Das" | |||||||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | ||||
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| Sqn Ldr | Samir Ranjan Das | 24040 F(P) | Award Date 26 Dec 2004 | Announced 15 Aug 2005 |
| Details : | Squadron Leader Samir Ranjan Das (24040) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of DO 228 Squadron, Air Force since 27 Jan 2004. He is an experienced Flying pilot, with 2800 hours.Sqn Ldr Das was on detachment to Air Force Station, Carnicobar during the month of Dec 2004. On 26 Dec 2004 at 0630 Mrs, Carnicobar was hit by severe Earthquake followed by Tsunami. During and after the Tsunami onslaught, he was selflessly and courageously involved in saving lives and organising safe conduct of rescue and relief operations. Courageously wading through the rising level of water at chest level he went towards married quarters lo help tho slnmded families. Seeing the houses being swept in the killer waves, he ran towards the tarmac to save the aircraft. 1 Ic along with the crew started the aircraft and positioned it on the runway. He immediately gave May Day calls to Chennai and requested for rescue and relief. He then went towards the submerged end of runway braving the neck deep reptile infested water without fear of being bitten and helped fifteen stranded families to the safety of high ground. He rescued one snake bite victim out of the water thus saving his life. Thereafter, he courageously entered the submerged married quarters through the unknown waters looking for survivors. He entered the half broken, unsafe Officers Mess and collected few food item/soft drinks, which was sent for ladies and children before relief arrived. His farsightedness proved useful for the survivors.He flew the first casualty evacuation sortie from Carnicobar carrying 20 critically injured survivors and brought back much needed life saving medical aid, food and water. He was flying till late night without food in shorts, T-shirt and slippers only and unmindful of his personal needs. He was flying for the first lime over seas by night with no Navigation aids available and evacuated a total of 60 critical casualties, one of which was a cardiac arrest patient, the very first day and thus saved lives.His relentless efforts towards search and rescue and total involvement in casualty evacuation/ relief operations resulted in saving lives. It aptly exhibited sense of 'Service Before Self.For this act of exceptional courage in saving lives and bravery in the face of National disaster, the Hon'ble President Is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Squadron Leader Samir Ranjan Das. | |||
| Unit : 41 Sqn | ||||
| Reference : Gazette of India dated 26th November 2005 - No.130-Pres/2005 dated 15th August 2005 & AFD2006 Investiture | ||||
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
The URL for this page is http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/24040
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.